Lola Jean Dillon
Lola Jean Dillon is a Clay Countian who achieved success as a songwriter, singer and recording artist.
She earned two BMI awards for sales of songs she wrote during the years she was under contract with some of Nashville’s most prestigious publishing houses. She was signed with country music songwriting legend Harlan Howard at only 17.
Loretta Lynn took two of Dillon’s compositions to the top of the country charts. “Somebody Somewhere (Don’t Know What He’s Missin’ Tonight)” hit No. 1 in 1976, while “When the Tingle Becomes a Chill” was a 1975 No. 2 hit. Penned by Dillon and recorded by Reba McEntire, “Today All Over Again” was a No. 5 country hit in 1981.
Dillon wrote duets by Loretta Lynn and Conway Twitty “We’re Caught Between a Love and a Love Affair” and “You’re the Reason Our Kids Are Ugly,” a No. 6 hit. Solo releases by Loretto Lynn included “Somebody Led Me Away,” and the No. 12 hit, “Spring Fever.”
A young Dolly Parton released Dillon’s “I’ve Lived My Life” in 1967. “I Know What It’s Like in Her Arms” was recorded in 1978 by Gene Watson.
Some of the other songs Dillon wrote are “Big Stick of Dynamite” recorded by Billie Jo Spears; “Rock Me Back to Little Rock” by Jan Howard; “Where Would That Leave Me?” by The McCarters; “The Room at the Top of the Stairs” by Cal Smith; “While the Choir Sang the Hymn” by Johnny Russell; “Life Goes On” by Lawrence Reynolds; “There Won’t Be Any Patches in Heaven” by Norma Jean – Vocal Accompaniment by The Jordanaires; and “How Close Am I to Losing You” by Eddie Eastman with Carroll Baker.
Dillon released solo albums performing her own compositions as well as recording a number of songs with her writing partner, L.E. White.
“An Evening of Lola Jean Dillon” 2022 Event Video
The Historic Clay County Courthouse presented “An Evening of Lola Jean Dillon” on May 20 and 21, 2022.“Lola Jean Dillon is a Clay Countian who achieved success as a singer and songwriter,” explained Thomas Watson, curator of the Historic Clay County Courthouse. “We are thankful that she was able...
L.E. White
Lola Jean Dillon's frequent songwriting partner was L.W. White, 1930-2004, a bluegrass fiddler and award-winning songwriter. White’s professional career began in the early 1950s playing fiddle with Bill Monroe’s Bluegrass Boys band. He later worked with Wilma Lee and Stoney Cooper and for several...
Songwriting
Numerous artists have recorded the music of Lola Jean Dillon. Here is a partial list of of the songs, including any collaborators, who recorded it, the date of release and a list of covers by other artists. Click the links to listen to each song or learn more. Song Writer Recorded By...