At an early age, perhaps due to her Kentucky roots and natural inflection, Emily Portman was told that she, “sounded a lot like” country music legend, Loretta Lynn, so she became a student of her artistry.She was discovered by Michael Twitty (eldest son of Conway Twitty) who cast her to portray Loretta in the nationally touring musical, “It’s Only Make Believe.” Over the next two decades, her portrayal of the Coal Miner’s Daughter would carry to the most prestigious stages (including the Ryman Auditorium and the Grand Ole Opry).Portman made frequent trips to Loretta Lynn’s Ranch and, during one of her visits, the two singers were enjoying a casual conversation when, in mid-sentence, Lynn paused, looked at her straight in the eyes and said, “ya’ know, we have a real connection, don’t we?” If you ever saw the two performers together, the connection they shared was obvious.After Ms. Lynn’s unfortunate recent passing, Emily Portman connected with Loretta’s longtime backup band, The Coalminers. They agreed to join talents and collaborate to honor the memory and music of this true country music trailblazer with “Always Loretta” – a show authorized by the Loretta Lynn family that includes all the greatest hits and shares intimate stories of Loretta’s life through the eyes of those who knew her best.

Featuring Emily Portman as Loretta Lynn WITH The Coalminers

Celebrating 20 years of the Alberta S. Kimball Foundation Series