ON THE RIGHT PATH
Miko Marks pays homage on stage to Patsy Cline, Loretta Lynn and Dolly Parton
Miko Marks grew up listening to country and gospel thanks to her grandmother. “She put me on my path,” she says. “She was the one who gave me the keys to start the car on my journey.”
Marks is a country and Americana singer who continues to pave her way in the industry.
She’s currently on tour with Kristina Train on the “Trailblazing Women of Country: A Tribute to Patsy, Loretta, and Dolly” tour, which makes a stop at Popejoy Hall on Friday, March 29.
Patsy Cline, Loretta Lynn and Dolly Parton revolutionized country music and blazed a trail for future generations of female artists. With their chart-topping hits and record-breaking sales, they wove threads of contemporary womanhood throughout the tapestry of country music, resulting in unprecedented commercial success and earning each a place in the Country Music Hall of Fame.
“To go on tour with ‘Trailblazing Women of Country’ is a childhood reimagined,” says Marks. “I used to sit at my grandmother’s house while she played records, and I remember being drawn to these three women for their unique strengths. The life stories and their music. They are inspirations and I’m honored to pay tribute to these icons of music.”
Marks says Cline, Lynn and Parton harnessed country music’s rich storytelling tradition to offer their uniquely empowered – and unmistakably female – perspective on issues faced by women of their day. Their shared legacy of musical excellence, earthy glamour and unapologetic authenticity continues to resonate with listeners of all ages and backgrounds in the 21st century.
“I was about six when I first started paying attention to music,” she says. “It was a mixed bag of country and gospel, and I tend to blend both sounds.”
Being a fan of each woman’s music, Marks says it can be overwhelming and emotional.
“When I do ‘Coat of Many Colors,’ it hits me hard,” she says. “I grew up in Flint, Michigan, and we would shop at Goodwill first. When I sing that song, I remember how kids treated me for having clothes from Goodwill. My granny gave me those clothes and I love it.”
Marks admits to getting emotional while singing “Coal Miner’s Daughter,” as well.
“I feel like me and Loretta are connected spiritually,” she says. “My mom made sure that we made due with what we had. When I sing that song as well, I know that we’ve carved out our box. Those two songs touch my heart. This tour is part of my healing process. I wanted to pay tribute to these women. It’s been a journey to get up on stage and perform these wonderful songs that are part of history.”