Dolly Parton Brings Sass, Crass, and A Whole Lot of Philanthropy to her First Ryman Performance in 1
“It costs a fortune to make somebody look this cheap!”
Leave it to Ms. Dolly Parton herself to knock the bleach blonde, heavy makeup, “Backwoods
Barbie” image that has made her a hot topic since the 80s.
The “9 to 5” singer and actress played two sold out shows at the Ryman Auditorium this past weekend (July 31-Aug 1) to raise money for The Dustin Wells Foundation, the W.O. Smith School of Music, and the Opry Trust Fund, which provides financial aid for long standing members of the Opry Community. The benefit made history as it was the first time Dolly has played in Nashville in 13 years, also coming on the heels of the Opry’s 90th Anniversary.
Dustin Wells, son of Dolly’s dentist, Dr. Dennis Wells and nephew of Dolly’s manager, Kent Wells, tragically died in a car wreck in 2005 following his 21st birthday. His passion for music has inspired The Dustin Wells Foundation, benefitting other organizations like the W.O. Smith School of Music. W.O. Smith provides instruments and music lessons for children of low income families - through the program, 700 children learn to play an instrument every week and 100% of Seniors that completed the program have graduated high school. Select students opened Dolly’s show with two popular covers, rehearsing only three days before and bringing the audience to their feet.
In the press conference held before the concert, Dolly reminisced about her early years with the Opry and her time on the Porter Wagner show. (Her biggest hit of all time, “I Will Always Love You”, was written as a tribute to Porter and the cast when she left to embark on a solo career in 1974.) She described Friday and Saturday nights’ shows as “pure and simple” to members of the press, saying she wanted to really embrace the historic Ryman Auditorium and not overdo it with big production numbers.The “pure and simple” logic did not disappoint - sitting on the wooden pews at the Mother Church of Country Music felt more like sitting with Dolly on the porch swing at dusk watching fireflies, as any true Southerner knows is tradition.
Singing one hit after another and telling stories in between, Dolly connected with the audience in a
way that is rare for an artist to do these days. Truly one of the best songwriters of our time, every song was introduced with the history behind it, most notably, “Coat of Many Colors”, written about the coat her mama made for her from rags someone gave them. Songs like “Applejack” and “My Tennessee Mountain Home” showcased the close family ties she experienced growing up poor in the Smokies. At one point, she admitted she got the idea for her famous look from the older women she watched walk up and down the street and get in and out of cars. Too young to realize the reason behind their short skirts, bleached hair and high heels, she just thought they were beautiful.
She shared the advice her mama gave her when she started her career over 50 years ago: “No matter how famous you get, you give God the credit.” To which Dolly laughed and told her fans and family and friends alike, “I will---but I’m taking the cash!” Never one to shy away from her faith in God, it showed in her acapella version of “Little Sparrow” and the gospel chords of “The Seeker”, where not even a creak could be heard from those historic Ryman benches.
And, of course, Dolly joked about the song that had everyone snapping to the beat and singing word for word: “You do remember Jolene don’t you? I’ve been trying to forget her for 40 years now!”
Wearing a white, sequined, hipster pantsuit reminiscent of Elvis with a variety of instruments to
match, Dolly sparkled amidst the multi colored lights and white curtain backdrops. With energy like a snapping turtle and the voice of an angel, watching her made it almost impossible for me to believe that this icon is about to turn 70! The quartet style harmonies with her fellow band members were so perfect and effortless, it was sure to give every audience member chills.
The sweet nostalgia of “Here You Come Again” was followed by foot stompin’, hand clappin,’ groovin’ songs for the final moments of the show. “9 to 5”, my personal favorite because of its strong anthem for the working woman, had the audience singing acapella at the end. And shame on you if you don’t know every word to that song—go learn it! Other electrically charged numbers included “Baby I’m Burnin”, “Two Doors Down” and of course her hit duet with Kenny Rogers, “Islands in the Stream.”
And then there is “THE SONG” of all songs. A Dolly Parton show cannot be complete without the timeless, poignant mega-hit of all wonders, “I Will Always Love You.” Written and recorded by Dolly in 1974, the late Whitney Houston made it one of the most successful covers in history when she recorded her own version for The Bodyguard soundtrack in 1992.
I left the Ryman Auditorium not only with a respect and admiration for Dolly Parton, but for the Ryman itself and all that country music stands for. Dolly proves time and time again that great songs are ageless and so are great artists, no matter the genre. With a kind Southern spirit, a witty sense of humor, and a genuine heart, Dolly gives a show---and a testimony like none other. I can see why the people of Nashville and beyond adore her so much.
Thank you Ms. Parton for “smiling that smile” and gracing the Music City and the Music World with your God given gifts. We wish you joy and happiness but above all, we wish you love—the way that you will always love us.
