Dolly Parton Songs Bring a Diverse Audience Together

Dolly Parton is an iconic figure in country music, yet her songs bring together people from all backgrounds. Furthermore, Dolly is a philanthropist and successful businesswoman.

Her songwriting is truly remarkable, and her crossover hits have cemented her place as a household name. Here are some of her finest compositions.

1. Why’d You Come In Here Lookin’ Like That?

Dolly Parton's 18th chart-topper and most expensive single, "Elegant," earned a whopping $20 million release. Written by Bob Carlisle and Randy Thomas, it quickly rose to the top of polls, receiving plenty of airplay on radio stations during the late 80's and early 90's.

This track was the first single to enter Billboard charts from Dolly Parton's 29th studio album White Limozeen and it spent 20 weeks on country radio stations. Additionally, it topped RPM's Canada Country Tracks list for some time and received a nod from The Today Show as one of its iconic videos. Notable artists have covered this classic number including several chart-topping artists as well as being subject of a best-selling book. Furthermore, it earned itself a place among Country music history as one of Parton's most played pieces throughout her career - becoming part of her greatest hits ever released!

2. Coat of Many Colors

Dolly Parton is one of country music's most renowned artists and has won 10 Grammy Awards. She has written over 3,000 songs and published multiple books. Additionally, Dolly is a successful businesswoman, philanthropist, and style icon.

Dolly Parton's iconic title track from 1971 album Coat of Many Colors is one of her best-known songs, a poignant reminder of life's lessons and the value of family. The poignant melody recounts Dolly's childhood struggles with poverty and ridicule at school.

Parton recounted in her 1994 memoir My Life and Other Unfinished Business that she composed the song while aboard a tour bus with Porter Wagoner. Unable to find any paper, Parton wrote the lyrics on the back of a dry cleaning receipt from one of Wagoner's suits - later to have that receipt framed by Wagoner himself!

Parton has released more than 30 songs throughout her career, including some of her most successful hits such as "Here You Come Again," which hit number one on the country charts and reached number three on Billboard Hot 100, and "Traveling Man," which peaked at number four on the country chart.

Her career has had its ups and downs, yet Parton continues to inspire a love that knows no boundaries. Recently, Parton's fans have rediscovered her through podcasts, musicals, and movies that reintroduce her back into their hearts.

Parton's 1971 album Coat of Many Colors is a straightforward ten-song collection that showcases her strengths as a songwriter. While not as intricate or detailed as some of her later works, Coat still manages to demonstrate Parton's ability to craft various genres from ballads and tearjerkers to uptempo country pop.

3. My Tennessee Home

Dolly Parton has always used her upbringing as a cornerstone of who she is, with much of her music reflecting on Tennessee, where she grew up. Even now, Dolly never seems to forget where she came from or its influence on her style.

She was raised in a cabin on Locust Ridge in Sevier County and her childhood home is still there today. Fans can visit Dolly Parton Park in Rivertown Junction to experience all that the park has to offer.

Dolly's reimagined cabin serves as a poignant reminder of growing up in rural community and the wonder of nature. It also gives visitors an insight into Dolly's home life and the environment she lived in.

The opening track on Dolly's album Back Home is an example of her ability to capture the wonder of childhood, filled with nature's beauty and simple pleasures. This infectious ode to mountain life reached number 15 on the country charts.

Dolly is a master of sentimentality, yet she manages to convey her emotions without sounding cliche or sentimental. Her songs often feel very genuine but also incorporate dark humour that spotlights poverty's harsh realities.

On her 1973 album My Tennessee Mountain Home, Dolly Parton confronts her difficult upbringing with an unwavering honesty. It became one of her most beloved concept albums and served as a major catalyst in relaunching her career after the breakup with Porter Wagoner.

4. The Grand Ole Opry

The Grand Ole Opry is America's longest-running live radio show and a must-visit for any music fan. Here, country music legends have honed their craft and launched careers, while many new stars and superstars have made their names.

Parton began her career as a local talent in Locust Ridge, Tennessee - her father was a farmer. Although their family was poor, music helped them survive hardships. When Parton was seven years old, her uncle Bill Owens encouraged her to learn the guitar and soon thereafter she secured regular gigs on WIVK Knoxville's Cas Walker Farm and Home Hour program.

At the age of 23, she joined The Grand Ole Opry and continued recording and touring until 1999 - when she retired. Over the course of her long and successful career, she has earned numerous awards as well as appearing in several films and television shows.

She has achieved major successes on the pop charts, such as her duet with Kenny Rogers "Islands in the Stream," which spent two weeks at number one. Additionally, she has released several albums and earned a Lifetime Achievement Award from Grammys.

Dolly Parton's autobiographical song, "Coat of Many Colors," chronicles her childhood on her parents' rundown farm as one of 12 children. She shares her story in an honest and sincere manner that illustrates how music helped her escape those difficult experiences.

For nearly 100 years, The Grand Ole Opry has been broadcast from Nashville's Ryman Auditorium. Signs along major roadways proclaim it to be "Home of the Grand Ole Opry." In addition to radio programs, there is also a television partner for this legendary institution.

5. You Can’t Make Old Friends

Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton had a unique bond and friendship that they shared for many years. It all began in 1983 with their recording of 'Islands in the Stream', which went on to become a number one hit on both pop and country charts. Theirs was an intriguing and captivating relationship, one they held dear to their hearts.

They remained close throughout their careers and performed a duet at Kenny Rogers' tribute concert in 2017. Ryan Hanna King, Don Schlitz and Caitlyn Smith wrote the song 'You Can't Make Old Friends' specifically for them as part of Ryan Hanna King, Don Schlitz and Caitlyn Smith's collaboration.

On You Can't Make Old Friends, Rogers sings of his relationship with longtime collaborator and friend. The track features a nostalgic melody that celebrates our shared connection. The album also includes songs written by renowned Nashville songwriters Don Schlitz and Mike Reid that help Rogers showcase his seasoned voice on classic hits such as "Look At You" and "It's Gonna Be Easy Now." Overall, this return to form for Rogers is impressive; it's an endearing collection sure to bring smiles to all his devoted fans.