Conversation so far:
Did Patty Loveless work a regular job in North Carolina?
When Patty Loveless wasn't performing she was working as a waitress at her mother-in-law's restaurant.
Was Patty Loveless in a band or a solo artist?
Patty Loveless was a solo artist who performed with bands.
Did the band also get famous when Patty Loveless hit it big?

Question: How many years did she play in North Carolina before she was discovered?
Self-contained rewrite: How many years did Patty Loveless play in North Carolina before she was discovered?