Search - Dolly Parton :: Country Girl In The Big Apple

One of twelve children from an impoverished upbringing in Tennessee's Smoky Mountains, Dolly Parton would become an enduring voice, a gifted songwriter, and an iconic vision of country culture. Rooted in traditional country but just as enamored with pop, folk, and honky-tonk, she would pull off one of the most successful crossovers ever. Discovered when she was 12 while performing on Knoxville television, she was quickly signed and soon performing on the Grand Ol Opry. The combination of a clear, accurate voice that could be tremulous with passion while exuding a childlike tenderness, the ability to craft emotionally engaging songs and her sheer drive and determination would culminate into dozens of albums and a string of chart topping singles, eventually earning her seven Grammy Awards. In 1977, Dolly Parton was still in the process of becoming a household name. With a number of country hits and a moderately successful television variety show behind her, she was making the transition to world-class performer and her US chart-topping hit single, 'Here You Go Again,' released that year, would begin taking her where she wanted to go. Despite the high profile pressure, Parton was extremely comfortable with her audience and any apprehension she had coming into the Big Apple was long gone. Speaking as if she was performing to family and friends in her own living room, Parton tells the audience about everything - who inspired each song; the fact that she went that afternoon to friend Lily Tomlin's one-woman Broadway show, and that she took the time to buy new shoes while in Manhattan. They told me people in New York City don't like country music, Parton exclaims early on, but you people LOVE country, dontcha? From the very moment Dolly hits the stage, her undeniable magnetism propels her forward, but her music is the real selling point.