“All the Songs” – A Must-Read for Fans of the Country Queen

Over the course of an impressive career spanning more than 50 years, Dolly Parton has proven herself to be not just a musician but a cultural icon. Beloved by fans of all ages, the singer-songwriter, actress, philanthropist, and businesswoman is instantly recognizable. Her classic songs, from “Jolene” to “9 to 5,” remain some of the most popular country hits of all time.

Given Parton’s long reign as the queen of country, it’s no surprise that there are a number of books about her work. The latest addition to the Dolly canon is the most comprehensive one yet. The just-released book “Dolly Parton: All the Songs” is an album-by-album, track-by-track look at the entirety of her musical output. With 608 pages and more than 400 photos, the tome has something for everyone, from Dolly scholars searching out little-known facts to new fans who want to know more about her greatest hits.

While the book isn’t written by Dolly Parton herself, the authors, Simon Benoît, Damien Somville, and Lalie Walker, did a dizzyingly deep dive, turning up all kinds of Dolly lore with a mix of a megafan’s enthusiasm and a scholar’s precision. “Dolly Parton: All the Songs” is the closest we’ll get to an encyclopedia of the musician’s work. Here are five fascinating facts we learned about some of her most beloved songs.

One interesting tidbit revealed in the book pertains to her song “Coat of Many Colors.” Despite writing it on the back of a dry cleaning receipt in 1969, Dolly delayed recording it until 1971 because of how personal it was. The song was inspired by her childhood experience of wearing a coat made from fabric scraps by her mother, which led to being mocked by her classmates. The childhood memories were too painful for years, causing her to delay the recording of this now-beloved song.

Another captivating story involves the song “I Will Always Love You,” one of Parton’s most beautiful ballads. Following its 1974 release, Elvis Presley expressed a desire to cover the song. However, Dolly turned down his request. Elvis’s offer was deemed unfair and she realized how important the song was both personally and emotionally. This led her to make the tough decision to decline, even though it brought her to tears.

“Jolene,” another of Parton’s classics, was inspired by two unrelated stories from her life. The name Jolene came from a young girl who asked for her autograph. The storyline about romantic jealousy was also based on a real-life encounter with a redheaded bank teller who flirted with her husband. This dual inspiration led to the creation of one enduring and poignant anthem.

In an interesting twist, the iconic theme song for the movie “9 to 5” nearly didn’t happen. Dolly made her acting debut in the 1980 film, but she only agreed to star in it under one condition – she had to compose and perform the movie’s signature song. Given its success and lasting impact, it’s clear she made the right choice.

The final gem from the book highlights Dolly’s collaboration with Linda Ronstadt and Emmylou Harris in the supergroup Trio. Formed in 1987, Trio produced powerful harmonies and was a dream come true for the three singers. Emmylou and Linda had bonded over their mutual admiration for Dolly. Among Parton’s many projects, Trio holds a special place in her heart. She has said that, along with “9 to 5,” it’s one of her most meaningful collaborations, showcasing her love for working with other talented women.

“Dolly Parton: All the Songs” offers a detailed look at the remarkable career of a musical legend. With insights into her creative process, personal experiences, and collaborations, the book provides an engaging read for both long-time fans and newcomers alike.

Source: Simon Benoît, Damien Somville, Lalie Walker