Growing up with a sister like Loretta Lynn, it’s no surprise that Crystal Gayle picked up some valuable life lessons along the way. Loretta, the iconic “Coal Miner’s Daughter” singer, has not only carved out a legendary career for herself but has also guided her younger sister, Crystal, in finding her own unique path. Now, at 87, Loretta’s wisdom continues to inspire Crystal, who is 68, and has helped her succeed in the music industry on her own terms.
Crystal often reflects on the advice her older sister has shared with her over the years. One of the most important things Loretta taught her was to avoid singing her songs. “You’ll only be compared,” Loretta warned, encouraging Crystal to find her own musical identity. Instead of following in her sister’s footsteps, Crystal was advised to take a different route, exploring a more mainstream or middle-of-the-road (M.O.R.) approach. This early advice played a crucial role in shaping Crystal’s career.
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“If I had stuck to the same style of music as Loretta, I probably wouldn’t have seen the same success,” Crystal explained in an interview. Thanks to this guidance, Crystal was able to make a name for herself with her own distinct hits, such as “Don’t It Make My Brown Eyes Blue” and “Ready for the Times to Get Better.” Her success in the industry wasn’t just about creating popular songs, though. It was about crafting a unique sound that set her apart from her legendary sister.
Beyond music, Crystal has learned important lessons about life and happiness. For her, the key to enjoying life is to live authentically and not worry too much about what others think. “You’ve got to live for yourself, not for other people,” she said. This perspective has helped her navigate the ups and downs of a long career in show business.
One of Crystal’s most valuable pieces of advice is simple: “Enjoy what you’re doing.” She emphasized the importance of passion in any career. According to her, if someone isn’t enjoying their work, it’s probably not the right path. Over the years, Crystal has found joy not just in music, but in the relationships she’s built along the way. “I’ve been lucky to have so many great people around me,” she said, adding that it’s essential to appreciate those who support you.
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Crystal also shared that another crucial lesson she’s embraced is the importance of keeping life balanced and not taking things too seriously. For her, maintaining her priorities has always been key to her happiness and success. She talked about her habit of being early to every event, something that helped her stay organized and stress-free. “I was always there an hour ahead of time,” she recalled. “Being prepared helps you enjoy the moment more.”
Crystal’s long career has seen her perform on television, sing for governors, and even take the stage in front of presidents. Yet, despite the high-pressure moments, she learned to stay calm by simply focusing on enjoying the experience. “When you’re performing for important people or on big TV shows, it can make anyone nervous,” she said. “But I’ve learned over the years that it’s all about embracing the moment and not letting the nerves take over.”
Thanks to both her own experiences and the advice from her sister Loretta, Crystal has learned how to find balance in her life and enjoy the journey. The guidance she received early in her career set the foundation for her success, while her personal outlook on life has helped her stay grounded and happy.
With sisters like Loretta and Crystal showing us how it’s done, their lessons of following your own path, staying true to yourself, and appreciating life’s moments offer inspiration for anyone looking to live with purpose and joy.
