Lynn Anderson

by Frank M. Roberts

April 2016

Several decades ago, when being a deejay was fun - not stilted - I developed a crush of sorts on a lovely long-haired blonde, the recipent of a host of awards. I'm talking about the sweet-voiced singer - Lynn Anderson - who had hits on both country and pop charts. She was a multi singer with a string of hits in the '60s to the '80s. She had 12 number one songs, 18 elsewhere in top-10, and more than 50 top-40s.

Twice, she was the Academy of Country Music Association's "Female Vocalist Of the Year," and won a similar title from the Country Music Association. She won a Grammy, and was nominated a total of seven times for the prestigious award. And, there was this biggie: She headlined and sold out a concert in Madison Square Garden

The long-titled, sprightly piece that made her a household name, was "(I Beg Your Pardon) I Never Promised You A Rose Garden," penned by Joe South (a fine name, y'all). It put her on the music map. My introduction when I announced the song was, "I Bread Your Puddin', I Never Promised You A Rose Garden."

The grand Anderson was born in Grand Forks, N. D. Her boss for several years was a-Lawrence - a - Welk -a, a native of that state. He came from Strasbourg. Miss Anderson's song-writing parents were Casey and Liz Anderson. (Mom was the more famous). The family moved to a warmer clime - Fair Oaks, CA.

Grammy Award winner, Lynn Rene Anderson, was raised there. Of course, she gained fame as a country singer, but her first claim to fame was with her beloved horses. She mixed the two together with her first hit - what else? - "Ride, Ride, Ride." Soon, she 'rode-rode-rode' to the top of the charts. From then on her life was like an Otis - going up, up, up with hits like Johnny Ray's, "Cry," and "How Can I Unlove You?" And, she appeared on several important television shows.

In the equine world she won - count 'em - 700 trophies. (Yes, double zero). And, in 1966, while a teen, she was voted the "California Horse Show Queen." In the showbiz world she began as a radio station secretary. She participated in a sing-along and, there, she was heard by Slim Williamson who signed her to his label.

"Sea Of Heartbreak" and "I Love How You Love Me" continued to boost her music career. Her equestrian career? Healthy as a horse from 1960 until her death last year. Add to that, her work with children, including operation of a horse therapy program.

Everything was not coming up roses, however. There were two failed marriages and, as the 2000 decade rolled on, there was trouble with the law. I saw one mug shot and, that lovely ever-smiling lady, to put it bluntly, looked like Bonnie - not Faye Dunaway but the real fugitive.

It was stupid stuff. Twice, she was charged with drunk driving - rehabilitation courtesy the Betty Ford Center. And, of all things, she was charged with stealing a Harry Potter CD. The mother of two, she spent her last 20 years doing some singing, winning more equestrian awards, and doing some more singing including a duet of her 'Rose Garden' hit with Martina McBride.

When she died, her companion of 26 years, songwriter/producer Mentor Williams was by her side. The lovely entertainer, in spite of so much recognition, is little remembered these days - a country cryin' shame.

I remember a cheerful, full of life blonde beauty. I met her while covering a good-sized country concert in Tennessee. A lot of stars were on hand, and I was anxious to visit her in her trailer. She welcomed 'us' warmly 'Us' was myself and a British magazine writer. We paired because he was writing for a Brit publication with a great deal of readership. He knew I was 'hip' about country music.

Lynn was in a 'nut' mode as she talked about her life history. She regaled him with tales of a marriage to a rather 'different' gentleman. My Brit friend was eating it up - writing feverishly. I just listened and smiled.

When we left her trailer he asked why I didn't write anything. He was impressed with my ability to remember. I smiled nicely and told him to destroy his notes. "She was putting you on," I told him. But, it wasn't a total loss. We got to meet lovely Lynn.

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When Anderson left Welk to work on her own, it left a 'Welk-ian' void which was filled by Ava Barber, who began as a rock-roll singer with her brother's band. When the Knoxville native did begin singing country music, she was all of 10. Dear old mom decided her youngster should/would be a famous singer so, she 'pushed' Mr. Welk. The next steps were easy - sign and sing.