12. Patty LovelessWhen Fallen Angels Fly

Patty Loveless went to high school here. Her songs remind me of when I started to go to bars to play pool and drink beer in the late 1980s and early 1990s, hearing her songs on the jukeboxes, which made me flip out. I’d then listen to country radio sometimes, and her songs stuck out, and she became one of my most important virtual music companions in my life, even though I don’t have a lot of friends who are into Patty Loveless.

One of the best shows I’ve ever seen was her in Louisville, maybe 20 years ago. She was disgruntled, because it was in a little rock club, and she’s accustomed to better, being a hit-maker. But the opportunity to be there so close to her was mind blowing. Her husband, Emory Gordy Jr, also played bass with Elvis, and together, they craft these incredible deep songs.