BITTER SWEET, Ky. — There are some performers that are so great, so amazing, so much a part of music history, that I tend to be intimidated to write about them.

Who am I to offer my humble comments about those of such greatness. Loretta Lynn is one such performer.

Born not far from where my grandfather and great grandfather were raised, Lynn comes from Eastern Kentucky. Those of us with roots there already feel a kinship to her – one reason I picked Lynn for this column.

The other reason has to do with one of those reality/singing shows where a contestant sang her immortal hit, You Ain’t Woman Enough to Take My Man.

All but one of the celebrity judges had no idea who sang the song originally; something that was a little disappointing considering the 50-plus years Lynn has spent in the country music industry.

She was honored last month with the Americana Lifetime Achievement Award from the Americana Music Assoc., an organization which bills itself as an “advocate for the authentic voice of American Roots Music around the world.”

One thing that is certain, Lynn’s roots are as American as they come and, at 82 years of age, she is still bringing her music to fans across the country with a schedule that would tire someone half her age. So with so much music to write about, I thought I would choose what I consider to be one of the most diverse offerings from this music legend.

The album Van Lear Rose was released in 2004 and is still available by most music outlets.

What makes this release so unusual is that it was produced by rock musician Jack White, something that shows in much of the music but make no mistake, Loretta Lynn drove this bus and, as she always has, Lynn really tells it like it is in her lyrics.

This album brought her music to a new generation and proved to be her most successful crossover effort of her entire career. But I think in order to appreciate this offering, you have to become familiar with her earlier work, if indeed there are any others besides those three celebrity judges who aren’t familiar with her earlier music. Van Lear Rose won Lynn best country album honors at the 2005 Grammy Awards; this just one of the many awards she has won through the years.

There are few artists who have been as successful during a 50 year period, but I’m told Lynn has nearly 100 unreleased songs in the can. This could mean new music may be coming from her for years to come. That being said, there isn’t a grade high enough to give Miss Loretta for all she has done musically; so I will just leave it at this, she’s about the best ever.

Bluegrass Johnson comes from a long line of country music performers and enjoys a passion for the rhythm and melody. From the hills of Kentucky, he will offer his opinions on a variety of new country music each week. Readers with questions or comments may write to Johnson in care of this publication.