Best Songs Featuring Dolly Parton
Dolly Parton is a true icon of country music, with a career spanning over five decades and countless hits that have become classics. But did you know that Parton has also lent her voice to a number of collaborations with other artists? From duets with fellow country legends to unexpected pairings with pop stars, Parton’s unique voice and personality have made her a sought-after collaborator in the music industry.
In this article, we will take a closer look at some of the best songs featuring Dolly Parton. We will explore her collaborations with other artists, her solo hits, and some of her lesser-known tracks that deserve more recognition.
Whether you’re a die-hard Dolly Parton fan or simply appreciate great music, you’ll find something informative and entertaining in this guide to songs featuring Dolly Parton. So, grab your cowboy hat, turn up the volume, and let’s dive into the world of Dolly Parton’s collaborations.
Dolly Parton’s Early Career
As a child, Dolly Parton started her music career by singing on local radio and television programs in Sevierville, Tennessee, her hometown.
After completing high school, she relocated to Nashville with the goal of pursuing a career in country music. In 1965, she signed with Monument Records and released her debut album, Hello, I’m Dolly, the following year.
The album included the hit single “Dumb Blonde,” which helped establish Parton as a rising star in the country music scene. She continued to release albums throughout the 1960s and early 1970s, but it wasn’t until the release of her 1973 album Jolene that she achieved widespread commercial success.
The title track of Jolene became a smash hit, reaching the top spot on the country charts and earning Parton her first Grammy nomination. The album also included the hit single “I Will Always Love You,” which would later become one of Parton’s most iconic songs.
During this early period in her career, Parton also wrote songs for other artists, including “Put It Off Until Tomorrow” for Bill Phillips and “Fuel to the Flame” for Skeeter Davis.
Her songwriting skills would later become a hallmark of her career, as she wrote many of her own hits and became one of the most successful female songwriters in country music history.
Collaborations with Other Artists
Dolly Parton is known for her collaborations with other artists in the music industry. She has worked with some of the biggest names in country and pop music, resulting in some of her most memorable songs. Here are some of her most notable collaborations:
Kenny Rogers
Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers had a successful partnership that spanned several decades. Their most famous collaboration is the song “Islands in the Stream,” which was released in 1983.
This song was a huge success, reaching the top of the charts and becoming one of the most beloved duets of all time. Additionally, they collaborated on other tracks, such as “Real Love” and “Love is Strange.”
Linda Ronstadt
Dolly Parton and Linda Ronstadt collaborated on the album “Trio” with Emmylou Harris. The album was released in 1987 and was a commercial and critical success.
It won a Grammy Award and spawned several hit singles, including “To Know Him is to Love Him” and “Wildflowers.” The three singers also collaborated on a follow-up album, “Trio II,” which was released in 1999.
Emmylou Harris
Emmylou Harris and Dolly Parton have collaborated on several occasions. In addition to their work on the “Trio” albums, they also recorded the song “Those Memories of You” with Linda Ronstadt.
Dolly Parton’s collaborations with other artists have resulted in some of her most memorable songs. Her ability to work with other musicians and create something special is a testament to her talent and versatility as an artist.
Dolly Parton’s Solo Hits
Jolene
One of Dolly Parton’s most iconic songs, “Jolene” was released in 1973 and tells the story of a woman pleading with another woman not to steal her man. The song’s haunting melody and Parton’s raw vocals make it an unforgettable classic. “Jolene” has been covered by many artists.
9 to 5
“9 to 5” was released in 1980 as the theme song for the film of the same name, in which Parton also starred. The song’s upbeat tempo and catchy lyrics about the daily grind of working life struck a chord with listeners, and it quickly became a hit.
After its release, “9 to 5” earned Dolly Parton an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Song. Over time, it has become an anthem for working women worldwide.
Coat of Many Colors
This is a deeply personal song for Parton, as it tells the story of her childhood growing up in poverty in rural Tennessee. The song’s title refers to a coat that Parton’s mother made for her out of rags, which became a symbol of love and resilience in the face of hardship. The song’s simple melody and heartfelt lyrics have made it a beloved classic in Parton’s catalog.
These three songs are just a small sample of the many solo hits that Dolly Parton has released over the course of her long and illustrious career.
Parton’s powerful voice and gift for storytelling have made her one of the most beloved and influential artists in country music history.
Dolly Parton’s Duets
Islands in the Stream (with Kenny Rogers)
The song is a classic love song about two people who are deeply in love and are each other’s “island in the stream.” Parton and Rogers’ voices blend perfectly together, creating a beautiful and timeless song that is still popular today.
Everything’s Beautiful (In Its Own Way) (with Willie Nelson)
Dolly Parton collaborated with Willie Nelson on the song “Everything’s Beautiful (In Its Own Way),” which is considered one of her great duets.
The song was released in 1982 and was written by Dolly Parton herself.
The song is a beautiful tribute to the beauty of life and the different ways that people see the world. Parton and Nelson’s voices complement each other perfectly, creating a beautiful and uplifting song that is sure to put a smile on anyone’s face.
You’re the Only One (with Porter Wagoner)
Dolly Parton’s first big break came when she teamed up with Porter Wagoner for a series of duets. One of their most famous duets is “You’re the Only One.” The song was released in 1975 and was a big hit for the duo.
The song is a classic country love song about two people who are deeply in love with each other. Parton and Wagoner’s voices blend together perfectly, creating a beautiful and timeless song that is still popular today.
Overall, Dolly Parton has had many great duets throughout her career. Her ability to blend her voice with other artists is a testament to her talent as a singer and songwriter. Whether she is singing with Kenny Rogers, Willie Nelson, or Porter Wagoner, Dolly Parton’s duets are always a pleasure to listen to.
