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Women Composers
Unlikely Angel: The Songs of Dolly Parton
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.
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.
- GenresNonfictionMusicBiography
308 pages, Paperback
First published September 16, 2020
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245 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
March 30, 2021
Real Rating: 4.5* of five, rounded up because Miss Dolly
I RECEIVED THIS DRC FROM THE PUBLISHER VIA NETGALLEY. THANK YOU.
Author Lydia Hamessley is a musicologist, a scholar of Southern Appalachia's musical heritage. She is a thorough academic, and that is not bad thing because her subject here isn't the media star Dolly Parton!!! but the creative dynamo songwriter behind the entertainer. Many thousands of songs have come forth from Parton's pen. Many hundreds have been recorded by herself, and many other artists. (By the way, did y'all know Miss Dolly wrote a song called "Backwoods Barbie"?!
This is the same smart businesswoman whose public persona uttered the deathless aperçu, "You'd be surprised how much it costs to look this cheap!" and variations thereon, in countless interviews.)
The rest of the review is at Expendable Mudge Muses Aloud: https://tinyurl.com/3f9a3jpn
I RECEIVED THIS DRC FROM THE PUBLISHER VIA NETGALLEY. THANK YOU.
Author Lydia Hamessley is a musicologist, a scholar of Southern Appalachia's musical heritage. She is a thorough academic, and that is not bad thing because her subject here isn't the media star Dolly Parton!!! but the creative dynamo songwriter behind the entertainer. Many thousands of songs have come forth from Parton's pen. Many hundreds have been recorded by herself, and many other artists. (By the way, did y'all know Miss Dolly wrote a song called "Backwoods Barbie"?!
"Don't let these false eyelashes lead you to believe
That I'm as shallow as I look,
'cause I run true and deep"
This is the same smart businesswoman whose public persona uttered the deathless aperçu, "You'd be surprised how much it costs to look this cheap!" and variations thereon, in countless interviews.)
The rest of the review is at Expendable Mudge Muses Aloud: https://tinyurl.com/3f9a3jpn
September 19, 2020
I received an advance reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via netgalley and the publishers.
Unlikely Angel is a beautiful book about Dolly Parton and her music and told more of a discography.
I expected this to be more of a biography of Dolly Parton but enjoyed it non the less.
Dolly fans will more than likely know most of the information in this book but I still recommend it as a read as it is well scripted and put together with information on her music and country music as a whole.
Unlikely Angel is a beautiful book about Dolly Parton and her music and told more of a discography.
I expected this to be more of a biography of Dolly Parton but enjoyed it non the less.
Dolly fans will more than likely know most of the information in this book but I still recommend it as a read as it is well scripted and put together with information on her music and country music as a whole.
June 18, 2020
BOOK PLAYLIST
This book dives into Dolly Parton's discography. It is a perfect read for all fans of not just Dolly's music but music in general. Whether you are a songwriter or a Dolly fan you will find this book very informative. It focuses on all of her career and her song and records, with some touches on Dolly's personal life and things that influenced and inspired her. I knew some things but just because I am familiar with her music. I also learned some stuff about this incredible woman. She really is a powerhouse and a legend. I would definitely recommend this book to people who are not all that familiar with country music. It is a brilliant way to learn so much about it.
If you are a fan of Dolly, you will know most of these things already.
Thank you, NetGalley for the copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
This book dives into Dolly Parton's discography. It is a perfect read for all fans of not just Dolly's music but music in general. Whether you are a songwriter or a Dolly fan you will find this book very informative. It focuses on all of her career and her song and records, with some touches on Dolly's personal life and things that influenced and inspired her. I knew some things but just because I am familiar with her music. I also learned some stuff about this incredible woman. She really is a powerhouse and a legend. I would definitely recommend this book to people who are not all that familiar with country music. It is a brilliant way to learn so much about it.
If you are a fan of Dolly, you will know most of these things already.
Thank you, NetGalley for the copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
July 1, 2020
This is an interesting read. It wasn't what I thought it was, which was to tell about Dolly's life through her music. It does that to some degree, but this is more of an actual technical look at her writing and music. Music-y people will really enjoy reading this. I liked the blips about Dolly's life--her songwriting processes, inspiration, and influences, but being that my music education ends with being able to simply read it, I really couldn't appreciate the dissection of her score and songs. I think this is a really neat way to write about Dolly Parton though; it feels authentic and genuine. Hamessley really wanted us to get to know the whole real, true Dolly.
July 20, 2020
***Thank you NetGalley and University of Illinois Press for this eARC, in exchange for an honest review.***
I found this an impressive and extensive deep dive into the discography of a classic American singer and songwriter. I am only slightly aware of a few select Dolly Parton songs and I think this hindered my ability to fully understand the significance of her songwriting collection considering I was only familiar with only a few select songs.
I would recommend this book, but only if you have a grasp and awareness of her song catalog. This is not a straight forward biography. You are given snippets of her life throughout specific time periods, but the bulk of the book dissects songs in a professional technical manner, that may be too complicated for the average fan of Partons. To get the best experience of reading this book you should have more than a general awareness of Dolly Parton’s music collection.
I did enjoy reading about Dolly’s life and relationship with writing about various topics. I was excited to read about how inspired she is by life and her various interpretations of her experiences, which are woven into her lyrics.
This is an informative book that is interesting to follow along and see the changes an artist develops, and grows throughout time. It is a fun way to explore and learn about an artist.
***Thank you NetGalley for this eARC, in exchange for an honest review.***
I found this an impressive and extensive deep dive into the discography of a classic American singer and songwriter. I am only slightly aware of a few select Dolly Parton songs and I think this hindered my ability to fully understand the significance of her songwriting collection considering I was only familiar with only a few select songs.
I would recommend this book, but only if you have a grasp and awareness of her song catalog. This is not a straight forward biography. You are given snippets of her life throughout specific time periods, but the bulk of the book dissects songs in a professional technical manner, that may be too complicated for the average fan of Partons. To get the best experience of reading this book you should have more than a general awareness of Dolly Parton’s music collection.
I did enjoy reading about Dolly’s life and relationship with writing about various topics. I was excited to read about how inspired she is by life and her various interpretations of her experiences, which are woven into her lyrics.
This is an informative book that is interesting to follow along and see the changes an artist develops, and grows throughout time. It is a fun way to explore and learn about an artist.
***Thank you NetGalley for this eARC, in exchange for an honest review.***
October 26, 2020
Dolly Parton is so much more than the parts of herself that she puts out there for public consumption. By all accounts, she is smart, savvy and has a heart of gold. She is also creative as all get out, writing songs at a crazy pace. At last count, she had penned over 3000 songs. She finds her inspiration in the people around her, people she knew in her childhood, songs she was raised on brought from other countries (usually called murder ballads) as well as stories of other people's hardships.
This book is a fascinating look behind the curtain, and I literally kept a list of songs I wanted to look up and listen to as I progressed through the book. It's difficult to make progress through a book when one is constantly sucked down the rabbit-hole of songs. I have been a fan of Dolly's from an early age, and this book has strengthened my admiration. She is a creative genius with a sharp eye for what make people tick, how their hearts beat and what motivates them.
Any fan of Dolly's will find this book to be enlightening, intriguing and a valuable addition to their library.
I was granted an ARC by the publisher and NetGalley, but I have every intention of buying a copy.
You should too!
This book is a fascinating look behind the curtain, and I literally kept a list of songs I wanted to look up and listen to as I progressed through the book. It's difficult to make progress through a book when one is constantly sucked down the rabbit-hole of songs. I have been a fan of Dolly's from an early age, and this book has strengthened my admiration. She is a creative genius with a sharp eye for what make people tick, how their hearts beat and what motivates them.
Any fan of Dolly's will find this book to be enlightening, intriguing and a valuable addition to their library.
I was granted an ARC by the publisher and NetGalley, but I have every intention of buying a copy.
You should too!
September 26, 2020
This book takes as its premise that Dolly Parton is a serious and seriously talented songwriter - and attempts to dissect her career from a musicological ((and in places ethnomusicological) point of view. The fact that Hamessley feels the need to take quite so much time in her introduction justifying this approach says a lot about both the standing of country music, women who are songwriters and of course Dolly herself. Its a fascinating deep dive, giving equal importance to Dolly's themes and how she approaches them - to the musical traditions she operates in (and to a lesser degree the control she has had over it). Being able to read it in the time of streaming where every song mentioned is available is an absolute boon, Hamessley tries not to overly jargonise the more musicological passages but they certainly become clear when you hear the songs along with the text.
It is of course impossible to detach the music from the woman, and the book does end up being a loose biography of Dolly too, not least because the tradition of country and Appalachian music (as well as English/Irish folk ballads) are often based around personal and autobiographical songs. But Dolly has written thousands of songs and is an adept storyteller, you should never assume a song is about her unless it is explicitly said. Not least because there are too many songs where the protagonist commits suicide, or has still born children. There is also a fascinating breakdown of what she herself has said about her own songs over the years, the song Coat Of Many Colours which has changed in meaning and emphasis from its original recording, rerecording, live performances and even the film she based upon it.
Hamessley is obviously a fan as well as a musicologist and there is some straining at the seams here to try to justify Dolly's talents when a more dispassionate author would probably take it as read. That said the enthusiasm brought to the book is infectiousThe book also suffers a touch from having an academic bent in structure, she does do a lot of telling us what she is going to do, how she is going to do it, and what she has just done which is redolent of academic theses. And sometimes the simplicity of the songs overwhelms the narrative (Dolly will happily go back to the same melodies, and autoplagerise, and happily rerecord in different styles all of which may sit uncomfortably with a classic "rock history" ). But those a minor niggles, this is a really impressive piece of work which, with a Dolly playlist on the go, and perhaps a live recording to dip into, does justice to the incredible talent and person Dolly Parton is.
[Netgalley ARC]
It is of course impossible to detach the music from the woman, and the book does end up being a loose biography of Dolly too, not least because the tradition of country and Appalachian music (as well as English/Irish folk ballads) are often based around personal and autobiographical songs. But Dolly has written thousands of songs and is an adept storyteller, you should never assume a song is about her unless it is explicitly said. Not least because there are too many songs where the protagonist commits suicide, or has still born children. There is also a fascinating breakdown of what she herself has said about her own songs over the years, the song Coat Of Many Colours which has changed in meaning and emphasis from its original recording, rerecording, live performances and even the film she based upon it.
Hamessley is obviously a fan as well as a musicologist and there is some straining at the seams here to try to justify Dolly's talents when a more dispassionate author would probably take it as read. That said the enthusiasm brought to the book is infectiousThe book also suffers a touch from having an academic bent in structure, she does do a lot of telling us what she is going to do, how she is going to do it, and what she has just done which is redolent of academic theses. And sometimes the simplicity of the songs overwhelms the narrative (Dolly will happily go back to the same melodies, and autoplagerise, and happily rerecord in different styles all of which may sit uncomfortably with a classic "rock history" ). But those a minor niggles, this is a really impressive piece of work which, with a Dolly playlist on the go, and perhaps a live recording to dip into, does justice to the incredible talent and person Dolly Parton is.
[Netgalley ARC]
October 14, 2020
I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
If you are looking to read about Dolly Parton's personal life, childhood, business ventures, or various philanthropic endeavors you would do well to search out a more wide-scoped biography. If you want to read about Dolly as a feminist icon, you may want to read Sarah Smarsh's recently released She Come By It Natural. If you want to dive into her musical processes, then THIS is the book for you. Music professor Lydia R. Hamessley focuses on Parton's songs and "mountain music heritage," not her image. The massive compilation of research and endless details included in this book made me appreciate the amazing woman who is Dolly Parton all the more, like the facts that Parton has written over 3000 songs and over 450 have been recorded! A must read for any musician or Dolly fan!
Come chat with me about books here, too:
Blog | Instagram | Twitter | Pinterest
If you are looking to read about Dolly Parton's personal life, childhood, business ventures, or various philanthropic endeavors you would do well to search out a more wide-scoped biography. If you want to read about Dolly as a feminist icon, you may want to read Sarah Smarsh's recently released She Come By It Natural. If you want to dive into her musical processes, then THIS is the book for you. Music professor Lydia R. Hamessley focuses on Parton's songs and "mountain music heritage," not her image. The massive compilation of research and endless details included in this book made me appreciate the amazing woman who is Dolly Parton all the more, like the facts that Parton has written over 3000 songs and over 450 have been recorded! A must read for any musician or Dolly fan!
Come chat with me about books here, too:
Blog | Instagram | Twitter | Pinterest
August 22, 2024
I love me some Dolly! Never switched 🆙 💐💐💐
October 18, 2020
One of the greatest female singers of the current era, Dolly Parton is often misunderstood as she is judged by the lyrics of only one or a few of her famous songs. By examining her thoroughly through her musical creations, author and music professor Lydia R. Hamessley gives a dynamic view of this remarkable star.
Parton did indeed grow up in poverty; the doctor who delivered her in 1946 Tennessee was paid with corn meal, and she was the fourth of 12 children. From the earliest age, she started singing --- first the church music of her parents like “Wayfaring Stranger” and then the traditional Appalachian ballads like “Barbara Allen.” She made her own musical instruments, forced her younger siblings to be her “audience” and got her first job on a local TV/radio show when she was 10. But the aspect that distinguishes her from other women who might have similar stories to tell was her strong penchant for song composition.
Hamessley says that people are amazed when they learn that Parton has written about 3,000 songs, of which 450 have been recorded. Her childhood and upbringing are filtered through her songs, the best known of which is perhaps “Coat of Many Colors,” reflecting on the suffering and shame of poverty and the determination to be proud despite the judgment of others. The latter is a theme that runs through many of Parton’s greatest hits.
Hamessley’s exploration of Parton’s career takes the reader --- via her songs --- through her years performing with Porter Wagoner, her successful venture into the world of pop music, and her return to country style in later years. Well-known and lesser-known compositions are dissected in detail. Her obliquely expressed feminism comes to light in such lyrics as “she’s a sparrow when she’s broken, but she’s an eagle when she flies.” Some of her initial perplexity about life in the big city is revealed in “When the Sun Goes Down Tomorrow”:
New York City ain’t no kind of place
For a country girl with a friendly face
Hamessley was supported in her prodigious work, which spanned several years, by Parton’s producer and friend Steve Buckingham, who provides the book’s foreword. Much of her insight, while bolstered by peripheral research, comes directly through Parton’s “generosity in answering a long list of questions.” The many quotations from Parton, one of the most recognized figures in American entertainment and honored with a musical theme park in her name, show a thoughtful, introspective, rather humble personality that belies her often over-the-top stage presence.
Parton offered this view of her songs and her singing in plain language with which most singers would readily identify: “That’s how I express my feelings… it feels natural like I want to go to those places.” And her final words for Hamessley’s book are 100% Dolly: “I’d love to just die in the middle of a great song --- that I had written, hopefully.”
Reviewed by Barbara Bamberger Scott
Parton did indeed grow up in poverty; the doctor who delivered her in 1946 Tennessee was paid with corn meal, and she was the fourth of 12 children. From the earliest age, she started singing --- first the church music of her parents like “Wayfaring Stranger” and then the traditional Appalachian ballads like “Barbara Allen.” She made her own musical instruments, forced her younger siblings to be her “audience” and got her first job on a local TV/radio show when she was 10. But the aspect that distinguishes her from other women who might have similar stories to tell was her strong penchant for song composition.
Hamessley says that people are amazed when they learn that Parton has written about 3,000 songs, of which 450 have been recorded. Her childhood and upbringing are filtered through her songs, the best known of which is perhaps “Coat of Many Colors,” reflecting on the suffering and shame of poverty and the determination to be proud despite the judgment of others. The latter is a theme that runs through many of Parton’s greatest hits.
Hamessley’s exploration of Parton’s career takes the reader --- via her songs --- through her years performing with Porter Wagoner, her successful venture into the world of pop music, and her return to country style in later years. Well-known and lesser-known compositions are dissected in detail. Her obliquely expressed feminism comes to light in such lyrics as “she’s a sparrow when she’s broken, but she’s an eagle when she flies.” Some of her initial perplexity about life in the big city is revealed in “When the Sun Goes Down Tomorrow”:
New York City ain’t no kind of place
For a country girl with a friendly face
Hamessley was supported in her prodigious work, which spanned several years, by Parton’s producer and friend Steve Buckingham, who provides the book’s foreword. Much of her insight, while bolstered by peripheral research, comes directly through Parton’s “generosity in answering a long list of questions.” The many quotations from Parton, one of the most recognized figures in American entertainment and honored with a musical theme park in her name, show a thoughtful, introspective, rather humble personality that belies her often over-the-top stage presence.
Parton offered this view of her songs and her singing in plain language with which most singers would readily identify: “That’s how I express my feelings… it feels natural like I want to go to those places.” And her final words for Hamessley’s book are 100% Dolly: “I’d love to just die in the middle of a great song --- that I had written, hopefully.”
Reviewed by Barbara Bamberger Scott
August 3, 2020
Beyond just a discussion and analysis of her songwriting, Unlikely Angel bears—as producer Steve Buckingham notes in the Foreward—Dolly Parton's personal stamp of approval. And like last year's NPR podcast series Dolly Parton's America, it benefits enormously from interviews with Dolly exclusively for this project.
Highlights: the extensive examination of "sad-ass" songs from early in Dolly's career, particularly those that dealt with dying children and abandoned young women; a reminder that Dolly has re-recorded her own material throughout her career (the numerous versions of "Light of a Clear Blue Morning" is my favorite among them, and "Letter to God" is the surprise here), and; the parallels that develop when you've written literally thousands of songs (notably the mirrored melodies in "More Than I Can Say" from 1987 and "Unlikely Angel" in 1996).
It's not a biography (see Alanna Nash's still-unmatched Dolly from 1978 for that) and it's also perhaps not for a casual reader. Too many repeated quotes and references to previous or upcoming chapters left me wishing this were structured more chronologically, based on when the songs were recorded. The theme structure is necessary, I understand, but my sense of déjà vu reading some direct quotes left me wondering if I'd read them in another book (and then, no, immediately after I would find reference to another reason for this same quote elsewhere in *this* book). Technical language like "modal chords" and "Harmonized with only I and bVIII," while understandably relevant, particularly coming from a university press in a book about songwriting, broke the otherwise easy flow of the narrative. Finally, as a Dolly fan, I would have appreciated direct reference (in the text) to the quotes that were taken exclusively for this book (versus those found elsewhere).
Notably absent is any reference to "Yellow Roses," a gorgeous #1 song from 1989 that Dolly has inexplicably refused to perform live in the years since.
Look for the Unlikely Angel playlist on Spotify before you read this book to avoid looking these songs up separately, as I did. It's a superb complement that I discovered by accident a little too late in my reading.
A 4 star rating because it ultimately is a satisfying read from an unusual perspective. It should perfectly complement Dolly's own Songteller coffee table book also due this fall.
ARC received from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
Highlights: the extensive examination of "sad-ass" songs from early in Dolly's career, particularly those that dealt with dying children and abandoned young women; a reminder that Dolly has re-recorded her own material throughout her career (the numerous versions of "Light of a Clear Blue Morning" is my favorite among them, and "Letter to God" is the surprise here), and; the parallels that develop when you've written literally thousands of songs (notably the mirrored melodies in "More Than I Can Say" from 1987 and "Unlikely Angel" in 1996).
It's not a biography (see Alanna Nash's still-unmatched Dolly from 1978 for that) and it's also perhaps not for a casual reader. Too many repeated quotes and references to previous or upcoming chapters left me wishing this were structured more chronologically, based on when the songs were recorded. The theme structure is necessary, I understand, but my sense of déjà vu reading some direct quotes left me wondering if I'd read them in another book (and then, no, immediately after I would find reference to another reason for this same quote elsewhere in *this* book). Technical language like "modal chords" and "Harmonized with only I and bVIII," while understandably relevant, particularly coming from a university press in a book about songwriting, broke the otherwise easy flow of the narrative. Finally, as a Dolly fan, I would have appreciated direct reference (in the text) to the quotes that were taken exclusively for this book (versus those found elsewhere).
Notably absent is any reference to "Yellow Roses," a gorgeous #1 song from 1989 that Dolly has inexplicably refused to perform live in the years since.
Look for the Unlikely Angel playlist on Spotify before you read this book to avoid looking these songs up separately, as I did. It's a superb complement that I discovered by accident a little too late in my reading.
A 4 star rating because it ultimately is a satisfying read from an unusual perspective. It should perfectly complement Dolly's own Songteller coffee table book also due this fall.
ARC received from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
August 21, 2020
Unlikely Angel is a difficult book to review because on one hand it delivers when it comes to the musicology of Dolly Parton’s music and is a must for all strong fans of the iconic country and western singer but if you are not quite on the bandwagon, this may leave you a little bit cold.
I am a huge admirer of Dolly and growing up on a farm in northern New York, Dolly Parton’s music is part of my music tapestry. I loved the insight and the musicology of the book and as I have a musical background, I found this very interesting. I loved how Hamessley was able to tear down each song and rebuild it to look at tone, context and what sounds like simple music is exactly very complex. Hamessley also took some of the best known songs of Dolly but she found lesser known gems that actually made me go back to listen to them as I was unfamiliar with some of the tunes.
The way that she lovingly puts this together, I found myself indulging in all things Dolly and put a special playlist together and I have now added multiple tracks to my favourites down to this book. The better known songs are explored and though with these as they are the soundtrack of my life, I learned some new titbits of information which helped me discover all over again.
The downfall of the book though is mainly with if you are not a Dolly fan or are not that familiar with her work, this may leave you a bit cold. We are given glimpses in to her life but to be honest, if you are fan and know her music, you have a pretty good insight anyway. This may not find new fans for her but it will make already fans greater admires of this dumb blonde hick who is far smarter and far more clever than anyone has ever given her credit for.
Dolly is an icon, gifted songwriter, and in some ways one of the most prolific song writers for the past fifty years and this book only goes and proves it. I for one, loved the book but I am pretty bias when it comes to Ms Parton, the true reigning queen of country music.
I am a huge admirer of Dolly and growing up on a farm in northern New York, Dolly Parton’s music is part of my music tapestry. I loved the insight and the musicology of the book and as I have a musical background, I found this very interesting. I loved how Hamessley was able to tear down each song and rebuild it to look at tone, context and what sounds like simple music is exactly very complex. Hamessley also took some of the best known songs of Dolly but she found lesser known gems that actually made me go back to listen to them as I was unfamiliar with some of the tunes.
The way that she lovingly puts this together, I found myself indulging in all things Dolly and put a special playlist together and I have now added multiple tracks to my favourites down to this book. The better known songs are explored and though with these as they are the soundtrack of my life, I learned some new titbits of information which helped me discover all over again.
The downfall of the book though is mainly with if you are not a Dolly fan or are not that familiar with her work, this may leave you a bit cold. We are given glimpses in to her life but to be honest, if you are fan and know her music, you have a pretty good insight anyway. This may not find new fans for her but it will make already fans greater admires of this dumb blonde hick who is far smarter and far more clever than anyone has ever given her credit for.
Dolly is an icon, gifted songwriter, and in some ways one of the most prolific song writers for the past fifty years and this book only goes and proves it. I for one, loved the book but I am pretty bias when it comes to Ms Parton, the true reigning queen of country music.
October 16, 2020
Dolly Parton is an Unlikely Angel and a prolific songwriter. She has written literally thousands of songs. In fact, she vows, “I write everyday. I will do that till the day I die, whether anybody buys them or hears those songs till after I’m dead. I’m dead serious about my music.”
Unlikely Angel is an in-depth look into both the music itself and Dolly’s own songwriting process. As the book states, Dolly herself claims “her creativity is a ‘God-given gift’ her songwriting talent comes from God, and she is serious about her stewardship of that spiritual gift.” Emmylou Harris, another country queen who sang with Dolly on two albums, agrees, “I’ve never seen someone so spontaneously creative. ... With Dolly, it’s like the songs come out whole.”
I enjoyed the book’s short biography of Dolly in the beginning and the inside look into Dolly’s writing process. There is an intriguing look into Dolly’s jump into pop music and movies as just a way to fund her trip back into the country, bluegrass and mountain songs of her youth. Dolly truly is no “Dumb Blonde”.
The deep dive into her music made me realize why this book was published by the University of Illinois. The six Listening Outlines of Dolly’s songs plop me straight back to papers I wrote in my two semesters of Music Appreciation. To be honest, if my college had offered a class called Music Appreciation of Dolly, I would have used up another elective to take it.
If you are a songwriter or aspiring to be one, Unlikely Angel is a great tool to put in your music toolbox. In addition, fans of Dolly who want to know more about how she writes will be blown away by the details revealed here in this well-researched music biography. 4 stars!
Thanks to University of Illinois Press and NetGalley for a copy in exchange for my honest review.
Unlikely Angel is an in-depth look into both the music itself and Dolly’s own songwriting process. As the book states, Dolly herself claims “her creativity is a ‘God-given gift’ her songwriting talent comes from God, and she is serious about her stewardship of that spiritual gift.” Emmylou Harris, another country queen who sang with Dolly on two albums, agrees, “I’ve never seen someone so spontaneously creative. ... With Dolly, it’s like the songs come out whole.”
I enjoyed the book’s short biography of Dolly in the beginning and the inside look into Dolly’s writing process. There is an intriguing look into Dolly’s jump into pop music and movies as just a way to fund her trip back into the country, bluegrass and mountain songs of her youth. Dolly truly is no “Dumb Blonde”.
The deep dive into her music made me realize why this book was published by the University of Illinois. The six Listening Outlines of Dolly’s songs plop me straight back to papers I wrote in my two semesters of Music Appreciation. To be honest, if my college had offered a class called Music Appreciation of Dolly, I would have used up another elective to take it.
If you are a songwriter or aspiring to be one, Unlikely Angel is a great tool to put in your music toolbox. In addition, fans of Dolly who want to know more about how she writes will be blown away by the details revealed here in this well-researched music biography. 4 stars!
Thanks to University of Illinois Press and NetGalley for a copy in exchange for my honest review.
July 11, 2020
Lydia R. Hamessly's Unlikely Angel: The Songs of Dolly Parton was both more and less than I expected. I chose it because I was hoping it would have some info about Ms. Parton and about her music in general. I was not expecting a technical treatise.
There was a wealth of information about Ms. Parton, her history, and her music, which was delightful and an easy read. There was also an analysis of many of her songs, and how she creates music, which was fascinating, even though it was a bit much to slog through at some points.
Although the publisher classifies this as part of "The short, readable books in the Women Composer series," the book - at 296 pages - is slated on my Kindle as requiring 6 hours and 31 minutes to read.
I think this book is ideal for actual musicians or serious fans of Ms. Parton, as so much technical information is included. While this is a boon for those in the industry, it should, perhaps, be noted on the book's page that this is not intended as a casual biography or memoir.
All in all, the book is enjoyable, but it is not a casual read by any means.
There was a wealth of information about Ms. Parton, her history, and her music, which was delightful and an easy read. There was also an analysis of many of her songs, and how she creates music, which was fascinating, even though it was a bit much to slog through at some points.
Although the publisher classifies this as part of "The short, readable books in the Women Composer series," the book - at 296 pages - is slated on my Kindle as requiring 6 hours and 31 minutes to read.
I think this book is ideal for actual musicians or serious fans of Ms. Parton, as so much technical information is included. While this is a boon for those in the industry, it should, perhaps, be noted on the book's page that this is not intended as a casual biography or memoir.
All in all, the book is enjoyable, but it is not a casual read by any means.
November 16, 2020
I have always had a keen interest in Dolly’s music, hence why this book attracted me. I’ve learnt so much from this book and listened to songs I’d never heard before. It is a very well written and researched book, with a wealth of interesting information. It is not a biography – if you’re looking for her life story then I suggest you find another title – this is part of the reason I enjoyed this book so much. It’s primarily about her songs, with input from Dolly herself on the story behind them, how successful they were and the how they shaped her career. Dolly’s input was obtained by a series of questions submitted to her by Hamessley, with much of the writing is her own words – you can even hear Dolly’s beautiful Appalachian dialect in your head as you read!
I would recommend this title to any music fans, but especially those who enjoy country music and/or have a love of all things Dolly!
Many thanks to University of Illinois Press and NetGalley for the free review copy. My review copy was electronic, and I expect a physical copy would make for a better reading experience as you would be able to fully enjoy the photographs throughout the book.
I would recommend this title to any music fans, but especially those who enjoy country music and/or have a love of all things Dolly!
Many thanks to University of Illinois Press and NetGalley for the free review copy. My review copy was electronic, and I expect a physical copy would make for a better reading experience as you would be able to fully enjoy the photographs throughout the book.
June 16, 2020
Excellent biography of Dolly Parton, highly recommended for serious music fans.
This is not your ordinary biography of a music legend. This book, by a musicologist, looks at Dolly Parton as the serious songwriter and musical genius that she is. It doesn't cover all the gossip and wild stories about Dolly's personal life. A small portion of the book covers her relationships with Carl Dean, Judy Ogle, and Porter Waggoner - but only as these relationships affected Dolly's songwriting career. Instead, this book takes a very deep dive into Dolly's Smoky Mountain musical roots and songwriting influences. If you care to, the author takes you verse by verse into many of Dolly's important songs, providing analysis while you listen to each song.
Dolly Parton cooperated with this book, providing the author with long answers to questions posed to her. Steve Buckingham, Dolly's longtime producer, also cooperated with the author.
I'm delighted to see a book devoted to taking a close look at Dolly Parton as the musical genius that she is.
This is not your ordinary biography of a music legend. This book, by a musicologist, looks at Dolly Parton as the serious songwriter and musical genius that she is. It doesn't cover all the gossip and wild stories about Dolly's personal life. A small portion of the book covers her relationships with Carl Dean, Judy Ogle, and Porter Waggoner - but only as these relationships affected Dolly's songwriting career. Instead, this book takes a very deep dive into Dolly's Smoky Mountain musical roots and songwriting influences. If you care to, the author takes you verse by verse into many of Dolly's important songs, providing analysis while you listen to each song.
Dolly Parton cooperated with this book, providing the author with long answers to questions posed to her. Steve Buckingham, Dolly's longtime producer, also cooperated with the author.
I'm delighted to see a book devoted to taking a close look at Dolly Parton as the musical genius that she is.
November 13, 2020
Unlikely Angel
The Songs of Dolly Parton
by Lydia R. Hamessley
University of Illinois Press
Biographies & Memoirs | Entertainment
Pub Date 16 Sep 2020
I am reviewing a copy of Unlikely Angel through University of Illinois Press and Netgalley:
I’n 1964 Dolly Parton went to New York with her senior class to see the hit musical Hello, Dolly! Just three years later Dolly’s first solo album was released. It was titled Hello, I’m Dolly.
Dolly was born on January 19, 1946, in Sevier County, Tennessee. When Dolly was thirteen, Uncle Bill arranged for her to cut a demo record, “Puppy Love,” a rockabilly style, bubblegum pop tune Dolly had cowritten with him two years earlier.
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.
From an early age Dolly Parton saw herself as a songwriter more than a performer. She writes her songs from experience, leaving for deep and meaningful lyrics, which is why many of her songs top the charts.
When Dolly left the mountains in 1964, she knew she was making an unusual move for an 18-year-old girl at that time: Dolly returns to hymns and scripture in her songs when events shake her faith, as she did in “Raven Dove” and “Hello God.” In these responses to the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, Dolly makes no direct references to the events of 9/11, unlike most popular and country songs about that day. With spiritual rather than patriotic lyrics, these songs are not on lists of 9/11 songs found online. Dolly’s songs encompass feelings of fear, frustration, and hope greater than just a response to a specific event.
In this book Lydia R. Hamessley’s expert of analysis of how Dolly Parton’s characteristically straightforward input inform this comprehensive look at the process, influences, and themes that have shaped the superstar's songwriting artistry. She talks about 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.
I found that Unlikely Angel was a powerful story of how Dolly Parton’s music has touched many.
I give Unlikely Angel five out of five stars !
Happy Reading!
The Songs of Dolly Parton
by Lydia R. Hamessley
University of Illinois Press
Biographies & Memoirs | Entertainment
Pub Date 16 Sep 2020
I am reviewing a copy of Unlikely Angel through University of Illinois Press and Netgalley:
I’n 1964 Dolly Parton went to New York with her senior class to see the hit musical Hello, Dolly! Just three years later Dolly’s first solo album was released. It was titled Hello, I’m Dolly.
Dolly was born on January 19, 1946, in Sevier County, Tennessee. When Dolly was thirteen, Uncle Bill arranged for her to cut a demo record, “Puppy Love,” a rockabilly style, bubblegum pop tune Dolly had cowritten with him two years earlier.
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.
From an early age Dolly Parton saw herself as a songwriter more than a performer. She writes her songs from experience, leaving for deep and meaningful lyrics, which is why many of her songs top the charts.
When Dolly left the mountains in 1964, she knew she was making an unusual move for an 18-year-old girl at that time: Dolly returns to hymns and scripture in her songs when events shake her faith, as she did in “Raven Dove” and “Hello God.” In these responses to the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, Dolly makes no direct references to the events of 9/11, unlike most popular and country songs about that day. With spiritual rather than patriotic lyrics, these songs are not on lists of 9/11 songs found online. Dolly’s songs encompass feelings of fear, frustration, and hope greater than just a response to a specific event.
In this book Lydia R. Hamessley’s expert of analysis of how Dolly Parton’s characteristically straightforward input inform this comprehensive look at the process, influences, and themes that have shaped the superstar's songwriting artistry. She talks about 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.
I found that Unlikely Angel was a powerful story of how Dolly Parton’s music has touched many.
I give Unlikely Angel five out of five stars !
Happy Reading!
December 20, 2020
Author Lydia R. Hamessley's biography of Dolly Parton focuses on Parton's songwriting artistry, musical ability, and peerless vocals. While the subject of "Unlikely Angel: The Songs of Dolly Parton" is known for her dazzling appearance, lightning-quick wit, and her charm as an entertainer, she is also very serious about her songwriting. Parton has written over 3,000 songs, and more than 450 of them have been recorded. When beginning her research, Hamessley, a professor of music, and herself a banjo player, first approached Steve Buckingham, a longtime Parton producer and friend. Buckingham, who would later provide the forward for the book, was impressed with the author's vision and contacted Parton, who responded with enthusiastic support. The result is a fascinating, richly-detailed history, not only of a beloved entertainer, but of the music of the Tennessee mountains and the timeless culture of Appalachian America. Parton's lively mind and natural curiosity also propel her to incorporate elements of pop, rock, folk, inspirational, and the most current of musical trends into her own music making. The timeline in "Unlikely Angel" begins with Parton's birth in Locust Ridge, TN in 1946, and continues through to her early years in Nashville, winds through her surge in global stardom as a pop crossover artist, and shines a light on her return to country music, bluegrass, and traditional music, including inspirational and gospel. Today, Dolly Parton is more revered and respected than ever, and as she approaches her 75th birthday, she is still sparkling and effervescent. Her seriousness about her music remains evident in all of the elements she continues to blend together and all the projects she takes on in writing, recording and performing--not just in music, but also in television and film. From the little girl who made her own first guitar and wrote her first song about "Little Tiny Tasseltop"--a doll made from a corn cob--to the incomparable, internationally-acclaimed artist who is also beloved for her great heart and philanthropy, Dolly Parton is a true American Icon. Author Lydia R. Hamessley succeeds in her quest to spotlight the amazing artistry of the "Unlikely Angel". Highly recommended for fans of Dolly Parton, lovers of music, and for those who believe in the American Dream.
Book Copy Gratis University of Illinois Press
Book Copy Gratis University of Illinois Press
September 2, 2020
A fascinating look at an American icon and the songs that built her legacy and inspired millions
First and foremost this is an academic approach to the music, not necessarily a tribute to the songwriter. Even so, there's a substantial biography woven throughout the book as it examines not just the songs, but the artist as well in relation to her music and to the business side of the industry by delving into her values and motivating factors. As a result, the insightful commentary breathes new life into old favorites, allowing us to be inspired by her songs all over again.
The many illustrations and listening outlines remind us that the author is, first and foremost, a dedicated teacher. This may be a scholarly approach, but it is still approachable and relatable. The author allows new insights through the manner in which the chapters and examined songs are arranged.
The detailed examination of the music itself as an expressive language is sufficiently academic without being dry or boring. The author tackles not only the lyrics and how they were influenced by the artist’s experiences, but also how the melody for each song enhances the emotional impact of the message.
As much as Dolly can be defined by her music, this is a solid biography. Extensively annotated, this book serves as both a relaxing read and the springboard for a more intensive study.
Infused with many Dolly quotes and references to her books, this is a well-sourced tribute to an American icon known for her progressive feminism, her rock-solid faith, her expansive heart and generosity of spirit. The author refers to Dolly’s comment about her songs being simple enough to be understood and complex enough to be appreciated. That is a perfect way to describe this book – anyone can understand it and everyone will appreciate it. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
First and foremost this is an academic approach to the music, not necessarily a tribute to the songwriter. Even so, there's a substantial biography woven throughout the book as it examines not just the songs, but the artist as well in relation to her music and to the business side of the industry by delving into her values and motivating factors. As a result, the insightful commentary breathes new life into old favorites, allowing us to be inspired by her songs all over again.
The many illustrations and listening outlines remind us that the author is, first and foremost, a dedicated teacher. This may be a scholarly approach, but it is still approachable and relatable. The author allows new insights through the manner in which the chapters and examined songs are arranged.
The detailed examination of the music itself as an expressive language is sufficiently academic without being dry or boring. The author tackles not only the lyrics and how they were influenced by the artist’s experiences, but also how the melody for each song enhances the emotional impact of the message.
As much as Dolly can be defined by her music, this is a solid biography. Extensively annotated, this book serves as both a relaxing read and the springboard for a more intensive study.
Infused with many Dolly quotes and references to her books, this is a well-sourced tribute to an American icon known for her progressive feminism, her rock-solid faith, her expansive heart and generosity of spirit. The author refers to Dolly’s comment about her songs being simple enough to be understood and complex enough to be appreciated. That is a perfect way to describe this book – anyone can understand it and everyone will appreciate it. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
October 13, 2020
Unlikely Angel, The Songs of Dolly Parton, Lydia R. Hamessley
Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews
Genre: Entertainment, Biographies & Memoirs
My bad, I didn't fully read description, just Dolly, Biography and Memoirs...and as a Dolly fan I thought it would feature more of her life, her journey into music. It does do that to a degree, but is more focused on analysing the music and writing ( I was shocked she was so prolific – didn't realise quite how many songs she'd written).
As a businesswoman too she was a shrewd lady, recognising that to get the music she wanted to make rather than the producers wanted her to do she needed to play a long game. She was clear sighted about where she was going eventually, but it took her several detours. I so admire her persistence, when so many others would have given up, and she deserves all credit for that, her hard work, sticking to her ideals.
I enjoyed the more personal sections, about Dolly and her life, her upbringing, imagining little Dolly touring the US in the van with her uncle, belting out songs from that tiny frame. I loved reading the inspiration for her songs, the people she was influenced by, but the rest wasn't really a book I would have chosen if I'd taken the time to read properly. I'm not really interested in taking apart songs, analysing them, just in listening to them and a brief look at what inspired them.
For those who love that side of things, the technical dissection of her music then its perfect. Just not me. Another one of those reader taste issues, not a book writing issue.
Stars: Three, a good book for the right reader, but for me it was just OK.
ARC supplied by Netgalley and publisher
Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews
Genre: Entertainment, Biographies & Memoirs
My bad, I didn't fully read description, just Dolly, Biography and Memoirs...and as a Dolly fan I thought it would feature more of her life, her journey into music. It does do that to a degree, but is more focused on analysing the music and writing ( I was shocked she was so prolific – didn't realise quite how many songs she'd written).
As a businesswoman too she was a shrewd lady, recognising that to get the music she wanted to make rather than the producers wanted her to do she needed to play a long game. She was clear sighted about where she was going eventually, but it took her several detours. I so admire her persistence, when so many others would have given up, and she deserves all credit for that, her hard work, sticking to her ideals.
I enjoyed the more personal sections, about Dolly and her life, her upbringing, imagining little Dolly touring the US in the van with her uncle, belting out songs from that tiny frame. I loved reading the inspiration for her songs, the people she was influenced by, but the rest wasn't really a book I would have chosen if I'd taken the time to read properly. I'm not really interested in taking apart songs, analysing them, just in listening to them and a brief look at what inspired them.
For those who love that side of things, the technical dissection of her music then its perfect. Just not me. Another one of those reader taste issues, not a book writing issue.
Stars: Three, a good book for the right reader, but for me it was just OK.
ARC supplied by Netgalley and publisher
August 1, 2020
ARC received from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
Unlikely Angel is a rare focus only on Dolly Parton's songwriting (which is second to none) and not her larger-than-life persona, which intrigued me, but while interesting, I had a hard time knowing what it wanted to be. Much of the time it read like a thesis paper or textbook, while other times it read like the general non-fiction book I was looking for.
Dolly Parton has written thousands of songs in her lifetime. Drawing on her mountain roots and traditions, femininity, and the world around her, music is clearly her way of interpreting, exploring, and processing the world. I enjoyed reading about her songwriting process and her interpretations of various aspects of her career. Sometimes her persona overshadows her brilliant songwriting, which I think is a shame, and I appreciated this book for focusing on Dolly's music. Where Unlikely Angel fell short for me was in some of the writing style and presentation. If I wanted to read a term paper or textbook I would seek that out; I didn't want this book to feel like required reading that I would be graded on. From the beginning, the author lays out objectives for the book and throughout the text refers clinically to other sections ("as I outline in chapter X"). When analyzing specific songs, she often talks about chord progressions or such without any real interpretation of what that means for the song. Dolly has so much life and emotion in her, and that took away that aspect of her songs.
Overall, interesting, glad I read it, but I would have liked for it to have some more of the spirit that Dolly shows in her songwriting.
Unlikely Angel is a rare focus only on Dolly Parton's songwriting (which is second to none) and not her larger-than-life persona, which intrigued me, but while interesting, I had a hard time knowing what it wanted to be. Much of the time it read like a thesis paper or textbook, while other times it read like the general non-fiction book I was looking for.
Dolly Parton has written thousands of songs in her lifetime. Drawing on her mountain roots and traditions, femininity, and the world around her, music is clearly her way of interpreting, exploring, and processing the world. I enjoyed reading about her songwriting process and her interpretations of various aspects of her career. Sometimes her persona overshadows her brilliant songwriting, which I think is a shame, and I appreciated this book for focusing on Dolly's music. Where Unlikely Angel fell short for me was in some of the writing style and presentation. If I wanted to read a term paper or textbook I would seek that out; I didn't want this book to feel like required reading that I would be graded on. From the beginning, the author lays out objectives for the book and throughout the text refers clinically to other sections ("as I outline in chapter X"). When analyzing specific songs, she often talks about chord progressions or such without any real interpretation of what that means for the song. Dolly has so much life and emotion in her, and that took away that aspect of her songs.
Overall, interesting, glad I read it, but I would have liked for it to have some more of the spirit that Dolly shows in her songwriting.
July 20, 2020
This was a really fascinating book. I am not a huge fan of Dolly Parton, other than liking some of her biggest hits like “9 to 5”, “Here You Come Again”, and her duets with Kenny Rogers, so I enjoyed reading about her background but I really enjoyed diving deep into the meanings of her songs.
The book starts out with a synopsis of Dolly’s life and then a chapter by chapter deeper look into her songs. It is actually a very technical book and probably best suited for a musician, songwriter, or a hardcore Dolly Parton fan. Although, I am none of those and really enjoyed it. I especially liked the stories behind the songs “Coat of Many Colors”, “Jolene”, and “I Will Always Love You.”
My main takeaway from this book is that Dolly is an extremely talented songwriter. Thank you to Netgalley for the providing me an eARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
The book starts out with a synopsis of Dolly’s life and then a chapter by chapter deeper look into her songs. It is actually a very technical book and probably best suited for a musician, songwriter, or a hardcore Dolly Parton fan. Although, I am none of those and really enjoyed it. I especially liked the stories behind the songs “Coat of Many Colors”, “Jolene”, and “I Will Always Love You.”
My main takeaway from this book is that Dolly is an extremely talented songwriter. Thank you to Netgalley for the providing me an eARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
June 15, 2020
Unlikely Angel by Lydia Hamessley is an excellent book for any Dolly Parton fan.
The author goes through Ms. Parton’s extensive list of songs that she has produced and written and talks about her inspiration and thoughts that helped create each masterpiece. As a fan, I knew about some things, however I did learn quite a bit more.
Very impressed.
5/5 stars
Thank you NetGalley and University of Illinois Press for this ARC and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
I am posting this review to my GR account immediately and will post it to my Amazon and B&N accounts upon publication.
The author goes through Ms. Parton’s extensive list of songs that she has produced and written and talks about her inspiration and thoughts that helped create each masterpiece. As a fan, I knew about some things, however I did learn quite a bit more.
Very impressed.
5/5 stars
Thank you NetGalley and University of Illinois Press for this ARC and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
I am posting this review to my GR account immediately and will post it to my Amazon and B&N accounts upon publication.
October 10, 2020
This book tells the story’s behind some of Dolly Partons song, the process of her song writing and the challenges she has to overcome to become one of the greatest woman songwriters and performers in not only country but music world wide.
I liked this book. Looking at Dolly’s past and finding out so much about her songs and the way she can just put pen to paper and come up with so many songs is inspiring. I actually didn’t know most of what I read and found out that Dolly actually wrote a lot more than I realised. I think this book will be a great read for any Dolly fan or any fan that likes music history.
Thank you to University Of Illinois Press for this advanced copy.
I liked this book. Looking at Dolly’s past and finding out so much about her songs and the way she can just put pen to paper and come up with so many songs is inspiring. I actually didn’t know most of what I read and found out that Dolly actually wrote a lot more than I realised. I think this book will be a great read for any Dolly fan or any fan that likes music history.
Thank you to University Of Illinois Press for this advanced copy.
October 12, 2020
In Unlikely Angel, Lydia R. Hamessley offers to scholars and fans alike a phenomenal exploration of what makes Dolly Parton a songwriter and musician unlike any other. Hamessley's choice to present Parton's songs not chronologically, but arranged by topic, offers to the reader the opportunity to explore the layered and sophisticated threads that are woven into Parton's music, those threads that make it uniquely "hers." This is an exhaustively researched, compulsively readable, wonderful addition to the Women Composers series.
November 30, 2020
I liked this book on Dolly. Didn’t love, but liked. It does explain and tell the reader exactly what Dolly believes and who she is. It explains many of her songs in detail, how important they are to her. They are so important to her she calls them “her children.” I believe Dolly’s career and music was very important to her. I believe it was more important than anything to her. Though I don’t agree with Dolly on some things, I respect her work she puts into her songs, because it is truly obvious she is a great songwriter.
September 30, 2024
3.5-4 stars
I chose this audiobook specifically because it is not just a biography on Dolly’s life. If that’s what you’re looking for there are tons to choose from. This is an in-depth look at many of her songs and the elements that make up their structures. A lot of the information thrown at the listener is highly technical and went over my head. But some of it stuck and it got me looking deeper into some of the things this books touches on. It still includes enough of a biography to give context and even uses audio of Dolly herself. Worth a listen if you’re interested in the decision making behind some of her most popular songs.
Narrator 4/5 stars
I chose this audiobook specifically because it is not just a biography on Dolly’s life. If that’s what you’re looking for there are tons to choose from. This is an in-depth look at many of her songs and the elements that make up their structures. A lot of the information thrown at the listener is highly technical and went over my head. But some of it stuck and it got me looking deeper into some of the things this books touches on. It still includes enough of a biography to give context and even uses audio of Dolly herself. Worth a listen if you’re interested in the decision making behind some of her most popular songs.
Narrator 4/5 stars
July 18, 2020
I love Dolly Parton and her music. This book talks about all her songs and what she has gone through. While reading this book, I realized i had already read the one she written herself. I love this one, because it talks about everything. If you look up Dolly Parton now you will see she has accomplished so much more. I am thankful that netgalley and the publishers let me read this in exchange for an honest review.
October 7, 2020
Unlikely Angel provides an intense look at Dolly Patton’s life and writing style. I am a big Dolly fan and this book made me love her even more. The book is filled with tidbits of the backstory of her songs.
Read
October 12, 2020Unlikely Angel: The Songs of Dolly Parton is a beautiful book about Dolly Parton and her music. Dolly fans will more than likely know most of the information in this book, but I found it an insightful look into her life.
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