Dolly Parton - My Tennessee Mountain Home

The Musical Journey is Revisited

Dolly Parton has released so many wonderful albums over the years that some of her early releases have faded from memory as they go out of print and become harder to find. New material continues to be released along with the changes of time that every artist naturally goes through. So many factors dictate musical style, whether it is the time era of recording or simply artistic growth. RCA Nashville/Legacy is re-releasing some of Parton's older albums and listening to them is like finding yourself in the middle of a forgotten gold mine. One of the chosen albums to re-release is the 1973 album My Tennessee Mountain Home. It was an important album in the progression of Parton's career as well. Even though she had released some 23 albums previously, including those with Porter Wagoner, this was the very first one that she wrote the songs for the entire album. It was a testament to her songwriting talents, and included a song that remained a major stand out through the years. The title track, "My Tennessee Mountain Home," remains a song that people recognize like "Coat of Many Colors" and "I Will Always Love You." She still didn't have any No. 1's, but this album firmly established her songwriting talents as well as her singing talents. The first thing that grabbed my attention is the pure music. There was just the instruments and Dolly's voice. It made me realize how much the music of today relies on electronics for the sound.

Going Home With Dolly

Another thing that became very apparent was that this album was a tribute to her home and how much she loved and missed her family. She started the album with a very poignant letter home that she wrote a few days after she had arrived in Nashville. "The Letter" is read to harmonica music in the background. She is reassuring her family that she is doing fine and they don't need to worry about her. She has found a job so they don't need to try and send her money. She loves and misses them and promises to be good just like she promised when she left. Each and every song on the 11 track album is a tribute to her friends and family and her journey from childhood to the point where she is at the time of the album. "Old Black Kettle" talks about how life changes over the years and how it was so simple back then. They didn't have much, but they were happy. "Daddy's Working Boots" is an amazing tribute to her father. He was worked hard to provide for his family and the song ends with the plea that when it is his time to heaven he be allowed to walk the streets of Gold in a brand new pair of boots. Another favorite song over the years for me has been "Down on Music Row." It is a diary of her journey from arrival in Nashville to being signed as an artist on a label and how many refusals you deal with before someone gives you a chance to prove yourself. The bonus 12th track is "Sacred Memories." Parton almost always includes a gospel number on her albums. This is a wonderful album and the music more than stands up to the test of time.