Lydia R. Hamessley

"Jolene" is one of Dolly Parton's most well-known and beloved songs. Released in 1974 as the title song of Dolly's thirteenth studio album, it has become a cultural phenomenon. Often seen as a cheating song, "Jolene" is compelling because of its ambiguity: Who is Jolene? Is she a heartless homewrecker or an unwilling recipient of attention from a guy who will cheat on his partner? What does she decide? Does she want to have an affair? Is "Jolene" sung by a narrator who is fearful and weak? Or is the singer taking matters into her own hands? In Dolly Parton's Jolene, author Lydia R. Hamessley offers readers new perspectives on the song through a close look at Dolly's stories about the song's origins and its place on her album Jolene. Hamessley offers multiple ways of understanding the lyrics and includes a detailed musical analysis. The book explores notable covers of the song, including Olivia Newton-John's recording of "Jolene" and the duet version of "Jolene" that she and Dolly recorded just months before Newton-John's death. Hamessley also looks at covers by Mindy Smith, The White Stripes, The Congo Cowboys, Lil Nas X, Gloria Ann Taylor, and Chiquis and Becky G, as well as the "Jolene" episode from Dolly's 2019 television series, Heartstrings, and several answer songs, including "You Can Have Him Jolene" by Chapel Hart. How has one song had the flexibility to embrace so many versions, responses, and reimagining? Hamessley argues that these are possible because the song is, in a sense, unfinished: "my happiness depends on you and whatever you decide to do, Jolene."

"Jolene" is one of Dolly Parton's most well-known and beloved songs. Released in 1974 as the title song of Dolly's thirteenth studio album, it has become a cultural phenomenon. Often seen as a cheating song, "Jolene" is compelling because of its ambiguity: Who is Jolene? Is she a heartless homewrecker or an unwilling recipient of attention from a guy who will cheat on his partner? What does she decide? Does she want to have an affair? Is "Jolene" sung by a narrator who is fearful and weak? Or is the singer taking matters into her own hands? In Dolly Parton's Jolene, author Lydia R. Hamessley offers readers new perspectives on the song through a close look at Dolly's stories about the song's origins and its place on her album Jolene. Hamessley offers multiple ways of understanding the lyrics and includes a detailed musical analysis. The book explores notable covers of the song, including Olivia Newton-John's recording of "Jolene" and the duet version of "Jolene" that she and Dolly recorded just months before Newton-John's death. Hamessley also looks at covers by Mindy Smith, The White Stripes, The Congo Cowboys, Lil Nas X, Gloria Ann Taylor, and Chiquis and Becky G, as well as the "Jolene" episode from Dolly's 2019 television series, Heartstrings, and several answer songs, including "You Can Have Him Jolene" by Chapel Hart. How has one song had the flexibility to embrace so many versions, responses, and reimagining? Hamessley argues that these are possible because the song is, in a sense, unfinished: "my happiness depends on you and whatever you decide to do, Jolene."

Dolly Parton's success as a performer and pop culture phenomenon has overshadowed her achievements as a songwriter. But she sees herself as a songwriter first, and with good reason. Parton's compositions like "I Will Always Love You" and "Jolene" have become American standards with an impact far beyond country music. Lydia R. Hamessley's expert analysis and Parton’s characteristically straightforward input inform this comprehensive look at the process, influences, and themes that have shaped the superstar's songwriting artistry. Hamessley reveals how Parton’s loving, hardscrabble childhood in the Smoky Mountains provided the musical language, rhythms, and memories of old-time music that resonate in so many of her songs. Hamessley further provides an understanding of how Parton combines her cultural and musical heritage with an artisan’s sense of craft and design to compose eloquent, painfully honest, and gripping songs about women's lives, poverty, heartbreak, inspiration, and love.Filled with insights on hit songs and less familiar gems, Unlikely Angel covers the full arc of Dolly Parton's career and offers an unprecedented look at the creative force behind the image.

Dolly Parton's success as a performer and pop culture phenomenon has overshadowed her achievements as a songwriter. But she sees herself as a songwriter first, and with good reason. Parton's compositions like "I Will Always Love You" and "Jolene" have become American standards with an impact far beyond country music. Lydia R. Hamessley's expert analysis and Parton’s characteristically straightforward input inform this comprehensive look at the process, influences, and themes that have shaped the superstar's songwriting artistry. Hamessley reveals how Parton’s loving, hardscrabble childhood in the Smoky Mountains provided the musical language, rhythms, and memories of old-time music that resonate in so many of her songs. Hamessley further provides an understanding of how Parton combines her cultural and musical heritage with an artisan’s sense of craft and design to compose eloquent, painfully honest, and gripping songs about women's lives, poverty, heartbreak, inspiration, and love.Filled with insights on hit songs and less familiar gems, Unlikely Angel covers the full arc of Dolly Parton's career and offers an unprecedented look at the creative force behind the image.