PODCAST. In “Dolly Parton’s America” you are not only invited on a walk through the life of this blonde countrysinger from the Great Smoky Mountains of East Tennessee - you are also taken down several historical side roads.
Dolly-fascination
One of the first LPs I’ve ever bought in my life was “Love is Like a Butterfly” by Dolly Parton. It happened during a vacation in Great Britain, and I was only about 7 years old.
It was not like I was a huge fan or anything like that, but I certainly was fascinated by this special woman with her blonde hair (wig?), her bling-bling-country-style-look, big bosom, long nails and always - it seemed - cheerful smile and positive look on life. And of course her great songs too which can brighten up a dull day anytime.
I still like Dolly Parton and her songs, so when I heard about a podcast that takes you on a tour through her life - and that it, according to sources, was “really well made” - I of course had to tune in.
And so I did, and let me just say: I recommend that you do too!
Travelling down historical side roads
One of the great things about “Dolly Parton’s America” is that it is not only about this blonde countrysinger from the Great Smoky Mountains of East Tennessee - and her songs, and how she has found her way through life and stuff like that. Those ‘elements’ are of course at the center of the telling, but also we are taken down several historical side roads. So when you go through the episodes you’ll also hear the story of:
* Women in America (/western part of the world) - what roles they’ve played in the past and how these roles have changed over time…and how this subject is reflected in Dolly Parton’s songs.
* You’ll hear about a certain music instrument and its origin - a theme that touches on race and discrimination.
* Also ‘migration’ is mentioned, and, with a reference to the song “Working 9 to 5”, a theme about the 'working class' and their troubles through time is brought up.
And a whole lot more.
How the podcast got its name
“Dolly Parton’s America” is to a large extent the story of America in the years Dolly Parton herself has walked the surface of the earth (i.e. since 1946). In one episode it is revealed that the podcast actually is inspired by a history class created by Dr. Lynn Sacco at the University of Tennessee.
To begin with Sacco was not a fan of Dolly Parton, in fact she didn’t really like her. But when the songbird was awarded an honorary doctorate in Humane and Musical Letters at this very institution (in 2009) something happened that changed the mind of this teacher forever. And as a result she created the special history class: “Dolly Parton’s America”. If you want the details you’ll have to listen your way through the series ;-)
Give it a go
People with very different backgrounds, different political beliefs, different sexual orientations etc might not agree on most subjects. However, one thing many of them can buy into is that Dolly Parton is quite an amazing musician.
Whether you like her music or not I’d say that this podcast is definitely worth listening to, so go ahead and give it a go - it’s even free! (…you can donate if you feel like).
F U N F A C T S
🚑 The father of the podcast-host is a good friend of Dolly Parton. Their friendship started when he treated her (he’s a doctor) after she’d suffered a few minor injuries as a consequence of a car accident. The father also joins the programme.
⛰ In Kenya - where country music has a strong and growing following - lives the self-proclaimed “Kenyan Dolly Parton”. Her name is Esther Konkara and in the podcast you can hear her sing Dolly Parton’s “Tennessee Mountain Home” as an ode to the hills of Nairobi.
🎶 During the time Nelson Mandela - anti-apartheid revolutionary and President of South Africa 1994-1999 - was held as a political prisoner at Robben Island, he received permission from the prison guards to play some songs for his fellow inmates. Very often he chose songs by Dolly Parton. His favourite was “Jolene”.
📻 Here is a special mix of “Jolene” 👇 made by podcast-host Jad Abumrad.
See you next time.
Majken xx
The podcast "Dolly Parton's America" is made by: Jad Abumrad (host) & Shima Oliaee (producer) - WNYC Studios
You can find it here - or at your usual podcast supplier.
Number of episodes: 9, á 30-40 minutes.
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