Peggy Sue - Dynamite!
In this week's episode, we're featuring the first album from Peggy Sue Wells, "Dynamite!" (1969). Famously the younger sister of Loretta Lynn and the older sibling of Crystal Gayle, Peggy Sue does indeed have hints of both those gals when she sings. However this "small bundle of dynamite" (as described by Loretta on the original LP liner notes) has certainly earnt her mention in conversations about the famous Webb family of Butcher Holler, Kentucky. Born ten years after Loretta, she grew up listening to and singing along with her older sister's records and by the early 60s, Peggy Sue had become a featured act on her show. With the success of "Don't Come Home A-Drinkin'" (which she co-wrote with Loretta) she eventually earnt a contract with the same label as her sister and was assigned the same producer for her debut project in Owen Bradley. Loretta & Peggy Sue combined to write six of the ten songs featured on "Dynamite!" - an incredibly strong showing for the 60s. Likely borrowing steel guitar from Hal Rugg and with unique guitar effects sprinkled through the eleven song collection, "Dynamite!" is packed with kickers: with tunes from Loretta's wheelhouse in "Love Whatcha Got At Home" and "I'm Gettin' Tired Of Babyin' You" to the poignant "Sweet Baby Girl" and plaintive cover of Charley Pride's "All I Have To Offer You Is Me", Peggy Sue Wells didn't have the career her sisters did. But this album proves she certainly could have.