Ms.
Anderson was awarded numerous accolades from the music community. In
1967, she captured her first Academy of Country Music Award for “Female
Vocalist of the Year.” She would gain a second win in that category in
1970. The Country Music Association would bestow the same honor in 1971
for “Female Vocalist of the Year.” Ms. Anderson would win a Grammy in
1971 as well for “Best Country Vocal Performance, Female.” In 1974, she
won “Favorite Female Country Artist” at the American Music Awards and
the following year she was honored with “Favorite Country Artist” at the
People’s Choice Awards.
Her success in the equestrian community was equally as monumental as her music career
winning
16 National Championships and four world championships across the
American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) and National Cutting Horse
Association (NCHA). She was known for raising the champion breeds as her
horses captured numerous titles—Lady Phase (first AQHA World Champion
and Breyer Horse Model), Skip’s Challenge (two time Congress Champion
and Amateur Western Pleasure), Delta (Paint Horse Hall of Fame), etc.
Ms. Anderson most recently released the highly anticipated, critically-acclaimed Gospel album Bridges
on Center Sound Records. This project took on a uniquely special
connection as it developed into a family affair. Liz Anderson’s song My Guardian Angel, published by her father Casey, is featured on the album and her partner Mentor Williams rewrote one of his top hits Drift Away for release as well. Lynn recently told Billboard,
“I’ve been so blessed in my life that things have kind of seemed to
fall in place for me. I just have to keep on the right path, and not
jaunt off to the left or the right. I love how the lyrics of Wander’s Prayer [on Bridges] speaks of asking the Lord to keep me in the right direction.”
One
of the keys to Lynn’s success was that she always made her fans a
priority. Since the inaugural year of Fan Fair (now CMA Music Festival)
in 1972, Lynn has only missed one year due to illness as she greatly
valued the direct connection to her devoted and loving fans at that
event.
She
has raised millions for a variety of charities throughout her career.
For twenty years, she has worked with both the Roundup for Autism and
the Cariety Foundation, an organization supporting families of cancer
patients. Other notable contributions were made to the Mary Kay Ash
Foundation, The North American Riders for the Handicapped Association
and military support organizations.
Funeral
services will be held at Woodlawn-Roesch-Patton Funeral Home &
Memorial Park. Full details on the services will be announced as they
are made available.
The country music community and industry weigh in on her achievements below:
“I
am a huge fan of Lynn’s. She was always so nice to me. She did so much
for the females in country music. Always continuing to pave the road
for those to follow. I loved her music and her love for horses. Rose Garden was a song I sang in high school in our Kiowa Cowboys High School band. She will be missed.” Reba McEntire.
“It
was a pleasure to record with Lynn. I remember the first time we saw
her at the Utah State Fair. We were playing the small stage and we
finished early enough to see her on the main stage. She owned Utah that
night. She didn’t stop until she won everybody’s hearts including
mine. She sang her way to heaven.” Duane Allen of The Oak Ridge Boys.
“Lynn was such a sweet lady and a true classic. I loved her and I loved listening to her sing I’ve Never Loved Anyone More and Rose Garden.
It was so great to hang out with her recently at CMA Music Festival. We
will all miss her, her great smile and her sweet spirit.” Phil Vassar
“Losing
Lynn Anderson is a personal loss to the Nashville Songwriters
Association (NSAI). Lynn was family. Her parents, Casey Anderson and
the late Liz Anderson, were two of NSAI’s founding members. Her
parents were given the “Stephen Foster” award by NSAI in February this
year, where Lynn performed. We will truly miss her.” Bart Herbison,
Executive Director of Nashville Songwriters Association.
“Lynn
Anderson will always be a part of the Center Sound Records’ family. We
were very fortunate to know her and have her on our label. This legend’s
grace and voice will forever missed. There is one more rose in God’s
garden. Rest in peace.” Craig & Mary Brandwynne – Center Sound
Records.
“It
has been an honor to represent Lynn Anderson for almost a decade and
our sincere condolences are extended to her family, friends and a fans.”
says Pam Lewis of PLA Media.
