The Bakersfield Beacon · Saturday Edition
Local Voices

“I quit Nashville for a phone. My family thought I lost my mind.”

by Loretta Simmons, 58, formerly of the Grand Ole Opry circuit

Loretta Simmons, 58, on her porch in Bakersfield. Photo by her daughter Rae.

I did five nights a week at the Palomino for 22 years. My knees are done. The road was killing me.


My daughter in law showed me a thing on her phone in May. I set it up on my couch in about 20 minutes. What comes in every Friday now is more than my best month on the road.


I still sing at church on Sundays. I just do not do it for money anymore.

“I have been quietly telling my sister and my cousins. I want to tell you too.”

The setup is a video someone recorded that walks you through it. You do not put in any card. You do not send anyone a dime. You watch it and then you decide.


If you have wifi at home and a phone that turns on, you can do what I did.

Watch Loretta's setup video

Approx 20 min video. No sign up required.