Loretta Lynn
ListenI’m a Honky Tonk Girl · 1960
Loretta Lynn — “I’m a Honky Tonk Girl,” 1960 recording, official artist-channel audio.
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1960 · Zero Records
Whispering Sea / I’m a Honky Tonk Girl
Loretta Lynn helped make her first hit one radio station at a time. In 1960 she and her husband Mooney drove towards Nashville, stopping along the way to ask disc jockeys to play “I’m a Honky Tonk Girl.” [2]
| Accession | OMMA-0014 |
|---|---|
| Artist | Loretta Lynn |
| Release | 1960 · United States |
| Label | Zero Records · ZO-107 |
| Format | 7-inch vinyl single · 45 rpm |
| Issue | Commercial issue · catalogue number at label left |
| Runouts | A (stamped): ZERO 107 A B (stamped): ZERO 107 B |
| Recorded grade | NM · generic sleeve |
Release history and significance
Zero Records signed Lynn in February 1960 and sent her from the Pacific Northwest to Los Angeles to record four songs. She and Mooney stayed until the records were pressed, then mailed copies to country stations before setting off on their own promotional journey. [2]
The effort brought results. “I’m a Honky Tonk Girl” reached number 14 on the country chart and helped secure Lynn’s first Grand Ole Opry appearance on 17 September 1960. The single pairs it with another of her compositions, “Whispering Sea,” showing her emergence as a songwriter as well as a singer. [1] [2]
Market context
A Zero 107 copy offered as a first pressing sold for US$247 on 15 September 2019 after ten bids. The seller described the record as VG++/M−. [3]
Physical Description
Black vinyl with Zero labels placing the catalogue number at the left. The record is housed in a generic sleeve.
Condition
The disc is graded NM, with strong gloss, minimal handling and no visible spindle wear.
Provenance
Acquired from specialist record dealer John Tefteller on 28 May 2024.
Sources
- Discogs, Loretta Lynn — Whispering Sea / I’m a Honky Tonk Girl, release 2601527. Label-left catalogue variant, stamped runouts and side order.
- Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, Loretta Lynn. Zero sessions, radio-station campaign, chart result and Opry debut.
- Popsike, archived eBay auction. US$247 result, 15 September 2019.
Catalogue text reviewed 13 September 2026.