By Basant El-Faramawy
Country music star Miranda Lambert reflects on the lasting impact of Dolly Parton's advice, her new genre-blending album 'Crisco', and a career that has navigated male-dominated radio eras to recent chart-topping collaborations.
Early Career and 'Bro Country' Challenges
Lambert burst onto the Nashville scene in the early 2000s with fiery songs about domestic abuse and resilience, notably her 2005 breakout single 'Kerosene' and the follow-up album 'Crazy Ex-Girlfriend'. Her parents, retired private detectives, ran a shelter for abuse survivors, giving her firsthand insight that fueled her songwriting. Throughout the 2010s, she was one of few women thriving amid the 'bro country' wave that prioritized male acts and often marginalized female artists, a disparity highlighted by the 2015 'tomatogate' controversy.
Dolly Parton's Advice and Influence
While recording a duet of Parton's 'Dumb Blonde' for the 2018 film 'Dumplin'', Lambert received memorable counsel: "Always find your good light first." She applies the advice both literally on stage and metaphorically in daily life. Parton's example of kindness without political preaching also shapes Lambert's approach to her platform, including vocal support for the LGBT+ community while avoiding partisan agendas.
New Album 'Crisco' and Collaborations
Lambert's latest album 'Crisco' merges country with disco, co-written with her husband, retired NYPD officer Brendan McLoughlin, who now works on her security team. The record features a duet with Chris Stapleton on 'A Song to Sing', echoing Parton's classic 'Islands in the Stream', and a peacemaking track with former rival Kacey Musgraves titled 'Horses and Divorces'. Both songs are nominated for Musical Event of the Year at the upcoming Country Music Association Awards on November 19.
Chart Success with Ella Langley
Lambert's collaboration with rising star Ella Langley, 'Choosin' Texas', has spent 25 weeks atop the Billboard Hot 100, recently reclaiming the number one spot and surpassing Mariah Carey's record. The song's nostalgic feel and relatable love-triangle narrative have resonated widely. Lambert and Langley are the most-nominated artists at this year's CMAs, signaling a significant moment for women in country music not seen since the 1990s.
Personal Life and Philosophy
Lambert lives on a 400-acre Tennessee farm with McLoughlin, horses, chickens, and rescue cats. She describes songwriting as a lifelong evolution, emphasizing authenticity over commercial pressure. Her track 'Butterfly Season', written for Langley's album, explores themes of self-love and growth. 'Crisco' is out now, and the CMA Awards will air on November 19.
