You haven’t heard a heart break until you witness Patty Loveless singing “How Can I Help You to Say Goodbye” or “You Don’t Even Know Who I Am.”
As country music’s resilient traditionalist with a modern appeal, Loveless has learned to stay true to the sound of country’s roots without gathering dust. She’s in Annapolis Saturday to promote her 19th album, “The Traditional Soul of Patty Loveless: Sleepless Nights.”
“I really enjoy playing the Rams Head [Stage] because the people there are always so responsive,” said the Grand Ole Opry member about her upcoming show.
Loveless’ latest musical effort is a personal collection of country classics mostly from the 1950s and 1960s that she listened to while growing up. Before she decided on the final track list, Loveless and her husband, longtime producer Emory Gordy Jr. had the tedious job of whittling the potential tracklist down from 500 to 14 tunes.
Of Hank Williams’ “Cold Heart” and other songs Loveless covers on the album, she says, “My hope is my name is strong enough where it can influence the next generation that has dreams of getting into the music. The future of country is really in the youth of tomorrow, that’s the reason I’m doing a record such as this.
So many young people tend to shy away from what they think is their parents’ music,” she continued. “But I’d instruct them to do some research and go even further back, and bring that music forward.”
Loveless is in peak form these days, wrote the Washington Post’s Mike Joyce about Loveless’ Oct. 3 performance in Virginia. “Her voice strong and her delivery more soulful and measured.”
IF YOU GO
Patty Loveless
Venue: Rams Head Stage
When: 6:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Saturday
33 West St., Annapolis
Tickets: $60
Info: 410-268-4545, tickets.ramsheadonstage.com
