Wake-Up Call: Same old song

Governor Bill Ritter took a break from his budget-busting business last week to pop by the Paramount Theater, where he presented Loretta Lynn with a plaque commemorating her induction into the Colorado Country Music Hall of Fame.

The Colorado Country Music Hall of Fame?

Yeah, I hadn't heard of it, either, until I read the caption under the photo of Ritter grippin' and grinnin' with Loretta. The Ski Hall of Fame, yes. The Tourism Hall of Fame, sure. But the Country Music Hall of Fame?

It came as news to the Governor's Office, too, which got the plaque-presentation request from the organization only a day before the concert. But Ritter, who grew up poor on a farm in Aurora with a passel of brothers and sisters and is a country-music fan, jumped at the chance.

"I am honored to present this award of achievement to Loretta Lynn this evening," Ritter said from the stage. "Her downhome persona has transcended generations with her ability to turn the stories of blue-collar Americans into incredible songs that we can all find a connection with."

For the record, the "Colorado Country Music Hall of Fame is dedicated to recognizing and honoring individuals who have contributed to the advancement of country music in Colorado. The Hall of Fame also promotes country music and entertainment on a professional level and strives to promote education in the field of country music." And it has lofty goals of someday establishing a physical museum and having its own TV show. But for now, it at least got a governor out on stage with Loretta Lynn.

Find out more -- but not much that's current -- on the Colorado Country Hall of Fame's website.