Former WSLS Radio Disk Jockey remembers Loretta Lynn

Herm Reavis used to always interact with the Coal Miner’s Daughter at the Salem Rodeo

SALEM, Va. – Loretta Lynn passed away at the age of 90 and some close to home are remembering her time spent in Southwest Virginia.

Herm Reavis worked closely with Lynn when her rodeo, which would eventually be the Salem Rodeo, came to the Salem Civic Center.

Following her passing, Reavis recalls just some of the gratitude Lynn had when she performed.

“She supported Salem and Salem supported her,” Reavis said. “There was always a tremendous turnout for her and for her rodeo.”

Loretta Lynn and her band would often invite Reavis and WSLS DJ, King Edward, to the old Goodwin Motel to share stories.

Reavis mentioned one of his fondest memories was when Lynn performed a free concert for people in the Salem VA Medical Center.

“She was a person-person,” Reavis said. “She was as genuine as it gets.”

Reavis will be celebrating his own 90th birthday this week.


About the Author:

Connor Dietrich joined the 10 News team in June 2022. Originally from Castle Rock, Colorado, he's ready to step away from the Rockies and step into the Blue Ridge scenery.