Dolly Parton first made herself known in Nashville in 1966 as a young, ambitious songwriter. Within just a few years, the rest of the world would catch on to what Music Row already knew: this talented East Tennessee native really had something to say. She started in television as a kid, then continued on as a “girl singer” with Porter Wagoner. She released some singles on Monument Records early on, but it’s her RCA work that elevated her to a bona fide country star.
Not surprisingly, her fellow luminaries loved her as much as the rest of us. Here is a small sampling of Dolly’s original songs recorded by her peers. Some were big hits, others were deep cuts, but all of them have that special sparkle that made Dolly not just an exceptional songwriter, but as she liked to call herself, a “songteller.”
“Fuel to the Flame,” Skeeter Davis
One of country music’s leading female voices in the 1960s, Skeeter Davis imprints her Nashville Sound stylings onto this early composition by Dolly and her uncle, Bill Owens. Released in 1967, it’s a slow burn, so to speak, about longing for someone who doesn’t seem to be returning the same feelings. Skeeter admired Dolly’s writing for years to come and even released an album of her songs, Skeeter Sings Dolly, in 1972.
“The Golden Streets of Glory,” Connie Smith
Whenever Dolly would sing at the Opry, she loved standing in the wings to watch Connie Smith perform. Who can blame her? There’s a reason esteemed WSM-AM host Eddie Stubbs once called Smith “the Rolls-Royce of country singers.” Dolly recorded a very fine gospel album titled The Golden Streets of Glory in 1971; Connie Smith shines on her own rendition of the title track, released in 1973.
“Just Because I’m a Woman,” Jeannie Seely
For about two years in the mid ’60s, Jeannie Seely and Dolly Parton were labelmates on Monument Records. Jeannie, of course, made an immediate splash in 1966 with “Don’t Touch Me” while Dolly was just starting to get noticed with “Dumb Blonde.” By 1968, Dolly had moved on to RCA and Jeannie was wrapping up her time at Monument – but not before she delivered a wonderful reading of “Just Because I’m a Woman” on her final album for the label. “Just Because I’m a Woman” offers a perspective about double standards that still holds up. Dolly and Jeannie reunited as Opry sisters when Dolly joined the Opry in January 1969.
“Kentucky Gambler,” Merle Haggard
Merle Haggard adored Dolly Parton. Didn’t we all? In many of Dolly’s earliest compositions and albums, she wrote songs that told a story — “Joshua,” “Down From Dover,” “The Bridge,” etc. One of her most successful narratives is “Kentucky Gambler,” which Merle Haggard & the Strangers took to No. 1 on the country chart in 1975. The titular character may have lost it all, but “Kentucky Gambler” hit the jackpot with a perfect mix of Merle’s personality, Dolly’s songwriting, and the Strangers’ exquisite musicianship.
“The Last One to Touch Me,” Porter Wagoner
‘
“The Last One to Touch Me” is especially poignant when you think about Dolly’s devotion to her husband of 58 years, Carl Dean. This one’s been recorded quite a few times by the likes of George Jones, Conway Twitty, and Kitty Wells. But there’s something about Porter Wagoner’s version from 1970 that suits his storytelling mode of singing, not to mention the harmonies and steel guitar playing their parts in wringing out all the emotions.
“Light of a Clear Blue Morning,” Glen Campbell
In 1991, Glen Campbell put his “goodtime” vibe into “Light of a Clear Blue Morning,” one of Dolly’s most inspiring songs. Dolly and Glen were among the biggest country crossover stars of their era, reaching audiences that may not have known much about Nashville. Yet their irrepressible spirit would have charmed anyone. Whenever you need a boost of confidence from Dolly herself, seek out 1977’s New Harvest…First Gathering, her first self-produced album. (Her 1976 rendering of “Rhinestone Cowboy” is quite endearing, too.)
“Most of All, Why”, Holly Dunn
If you enjoy devastating breakup songs, you’re going to love Holly Dunn’s recording of “Most of All, Why,” with harmony from Dolly, who originally released the song on her 1975 album, The Seeker & We Used To. Holly included her version on The Blue Rose of Texas, the album she released in 1989, the same year she joined the Grand Ole Opry. Like Dolly, Holly also wrote her signature song (1986’s “Daddy’s Hands”) and they both grew up immersed in the church. Hearing their voices blend perfectly on “Most of All, Why” is heavenly.
“Put It Off Until Tomorrow,” Loretta Lynn
Dolly received her first BMI Award for songwriting in 1966 for “Put It Off Until Tomorrow,” which she wrote with her uncle, Bill Owens. Decca Records artist Bill Phillips heard Dolly’s demo and decided to record the song–and wanted Dolly to sing on his version, too. Loretta Lynn recorded an especially splendid version in 1966. (Nobody does the “whoa-oh” quite like Loretta.) The heartbreak song got a refresh in 1993 when Loretta, Dolly, and fellow country queen Tammy Wynette traded verses on an album called Honky Tonk Angels.
“The Stranger,” Kenny Rogers
Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers, a match for the ages. The magnificent duets, the must-have Christmas album, and more chemistry than probably any duo in country music history. One of their most poignant partnerships is tucked away at the end of his 1984 album, What About Me? Dolly, in one of her most overlooked story songs, crafts an entire landscape where a stranger suddenly enters the picture. The narrator, though, knows exactly who he is. The production is totally ’80s but there’s something timeless about how Kenny sings this one.
“To Daddy,” Emmylou Harris
At first, “To Daddy” seems like a sentimental song about fond memories of mother. But the title suggests otherwise when a goodbye letter is found one morning. All the while, the kids had assumed everything was all right because their mother stayed pretty quiet, but they’re just as shocked as their father when she departs in search of the love she never had. Emmylou Harris, one of country music’s most exquisite song interpreters, took this song to #3 in 1978; Dolly would later include it on Heartsongs, a 1994 live album recorded at Dollywood.
“Waltz Me to Heaven,” Waylon Jennings
The Outlaw label still seems to follow Waylon Jennings around, but he should get more attention for showing his softer side to country fans. Songs like “Amanda,” “Dreaming My Dreams With You,” and Dolly’s composition “Waltz Me to Heaven” illustrate a gentle counterpoint to his rowdy ways. He included “Waltz Me to Heaven” on Waylon’s Greatest Hits, Vol. 2 and took the track into the Top 10 in 1985. The sweet song also appeared on the 1984 Rhinestone film soundtrack, with a pleasant version recorded by Dolly’s younger brother Floyd Parton.
“You,” Crystal Gayle
Wait a minute, a love song from Dolly Parton? Nobody’s leaving, nobody’s dying, and nobody’s lost it all? For that alone, “You” deserves a spot on this list. This buried treasure from Crystal Gayle’s 1975 debut album showcases Dolly’s gift for writing melodies, too. A listener could interpret these lyrics as a prayer to God, a love letter to her romantic partner, or a heartfelt appreciation to her millions of fans around the world. Or, perhaps, all three. Thank you, Dolly, for always making us feel like singin’.
Photo Credit: Dolly Parton courtesy of the Country Music Hall of Fame ® and Museum;Dolly Parton’s Coat of Many Colors album courtesy of Sony Music Entertainment.
