My Blue Ridge Mountain Boy

Last updated
My Blue Ridge Mountain Boy
Blueridgemountainboy.jpg
Studio album by
ReleasedSeptember 8, 1969
RecordedSeptember 9, 1968–June 2, 1969
Studio RCA Studio B (Nashville)
Genre Country
Length32:25
Label RCA Victor
Producer Bob Ferguson
Dolly Parton chronology
Always, Always
(1969)
My Blue Ridge Mountain Boy
(1969)
The Fairest of Them All
(1970)
Singles from My Blue Ridge Mountain Boy
  1. "Daddy"
    Released: March 10, 1969
  2. "In the Ghetto"
    Released: June 23, 1969
  3. "My Blue Ridge Mountain Boy"
    Released: September 8, 1969

My Blue Ridge Mountain Boy is the fourth solo studio album by American singer-songwriter Dolly Parton. It was released on September 8, 1969, by RCA Victor. The album was produced by Bob Ferguson. It peaked at number six on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart, Parton's first solo top ten, and number 194 on the Billboard 200 chart. The album spawned three singles: "Daddy", "In the Ghetto", and the title track. "Daddy" was the most successful, peaking at number 40 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart.

Contents

Recording

Recording sessions for the album began at RCA Studio B in Nashville, Tennessee, on May 14, 1969. Three additional sessions followed on May 20, 21 and June 2. "Daddy" was recorded on September 9, 1968, during a session for 1969's In the Good Old Days (When Times Were Bad) .

Content

The title song tells the story of a small town girl whose aspirations take her to New Orleans, where she becomes a prostitute, dreaming of the boy she'd left behind. "Gypsy, Joe and Me" details the story of a woman, her love and their small dog, who all eventually perish. "Evening Shade" tells the story of an orphanage run by an evil headmistress, Mrs. Bailey. The orphans eventually burn the home down, with Mrs. Bailey sleeping inside. "Daddy", a Parton composition, tells the story of a daughter pleading with her father to reconsider leaving her mother for a woman much younger.

Also included are Parton's covers of the Mac Davis-penned Elvis Presley hit "In the Ghetto" and Joe South's "Games People Play". She also covered current country hits by Porter Wagoner ("Big Wind") and Jan Howard ("We Had All the Good Things Going").

In a CMT interview with Patty Loveless, Parton confirmed that the man on the album cover is her reclusive husband, Carl Dean.

Parton re-recorded the title song for her 1982 album Heartbreak Express .

Release and promotion

The album was released September 8, 1969, on LP and 8-track.

Singles

The first single from the album, "Daddy", was released in March 1969 [1] and debuted at number 97 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart dated April 12. It peaked at number 40 on the chart dated May 31, its eight week on the chart. The single spent ten weeks on the chart. The second single from the album, "In the Ghetto", was released in June 1969 [2] and debuted at number 73 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart dated July 26. It peaked at number 50 on the chart dated September 6, its seventh chart week. The single charted for eight weeks. It also peaked at number 12 in Canada on the RPM Country Singles chart. "My Blue Ridge Mountain Boy" was released as the third single in September 1969 [3] and debuted at number 61 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart dated October 18. The single peaked at number 45 on the chart dated November 15, its fifth week on the chart. It spent a total eight weeks on the chart. The single also peaked at number 22 in Canada on the RPM Country Singles chart.

Critical reception

Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusic Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svgStar empty.svg [4]
The Encyclopedia of Popular Music Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svgStar empty.svg [5]

The review in the September 20, 1969 issue of Billboard said, "Undoubtedly, this is the best composite album that Miss Dolly Parton has created. Her country version of "In the Ghetto" is now on the country singles chart and should provide plenty of LP sales impetus. While her "Daddy", "Gypsy, Joe and Me", and "Home for Pete's Sake" are tearjerkers in the traditional vein. "Games People Play" is also a strong contender for honors." [6]

Cashbox also published a review of the album, saying, "Dolly Parton effectively changes moods and tempos as she sings her way through this set containing her latest singles in addition to other noteworthy offerings. The set includes, besides title track, "In the Ghetto", "Games People Play", "Big Wind", "Daddy", and "We Had All the Good Things Going." Rapid chart action can be expected on this one." [7]

AllMusic gave the album 3 out of 5 stars. [4]

On a list of the top 50 Dolly Parton songs, Rolling Stone magazine listed the title track at number 31, and "Evening Shade" at number 23. [8]

Commercial performance

The album debuted at number 43 on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart dated October 11, 1969. It peaked at number 6 on the chart dated December 27, its twelfth week on the chart. It charted for 28 weeks. It also peaked at number 194 on the Billboard 200 chart.

Reissues

The album was released as a digital download on October 22, 2013.

Track listing

Side one
No.TitleWriter(s)Recording dateLength
1."In the Ghetto" Mac Davis June 2, 19692:50
2."Games People Play" Joe South June 2, 19692:26
3."'Til Death Do Us Part" Dolly Parton May 14, 19693:09
4."Big Wind"
  • Wayne P. Walker
  • Alex Zanetis
  • George McCormick
June 2, 19692:18
5."Evening Shade"PartonMay 21, 19693:22
6."I'm Fed Up With You" Bill Owens June 2, 19692:00
Side two
No.TitleWriter(s)Recording dateLength
1."My Blue Ridge Mountain Boy"PartonMay 20, 19693:32
2."Daddy"PartonSeptember 9, 19682:50
3."We Had All the Good Things Going"
May 14, 19692:45
4."The Monkey's Tale"Leona RossMay 14, 19691:51
5."Gypsy, Joe and Me"PartonMay 21, 19693:13
6."Home for Pete's Sake"Rudy PrestonMay 14, 19691:59

Personnel

Adapted from the album liner notes and RCA recording session records.

Charts

Weekly charts

Chart performance for My Blue Ridge Mountain Boy
Chart (1969)Peak
position
US Billboard 200 [9] 194
US Top Country Albums (Billboard) [10] 6

Year-end charts

Year-end chart performance for My Blue Ridge Mountain Boy
Chart (1969)Peak
position
US Top Country Albums (Billboard) [11] 48

Release history

Release dates and formats for My Blue Ridge Mountain Boy
RegionDateFormatLabelRef.
VariousSeptember 8, 1969 RCA Victor [12]
October 22, 2013 Digital download [13]

Related Research Articles

<i>Trio</i> (1987 album) 1987 studio album by Dolly Parton, Linda Ronstadt, and Emmylou Harris

Trio is a collaborative album by American singers Dolly Parton, Linda Ronstadt, and Emmylou Harris. It was released on March 2, 1987, by Warner Bros. Records. The album has platinum certification in the U.S. for sales of one million copies, and has total worldwide sales of approximately four million. A second collaborative album, Trio II, was released in 1999.

<i>Coat of Many Colors</i> 1971 studio album by Dolly Parton

Coat of Many Colors is the eighth solo studio album by American singer-songwriter Dolly Parton. It was released on October 4, 1971, by RCA Victor. The album was nominated for Album of the Year at the 1972 CMA Awards. It also appeared on Time magazine's list of the 100 Greatest Albums of All Time and at No. 257 on Rolling Stone's 2020 list of the 500 Greatest Albums of All Time. Parton has cited the title track on numerous occasions as her personal favorite of all the songs she has written.

<i>Heartbreaker</i> (Dolly Parton album) 1978 studio album by Dolly Parton

Heartbreaker is the twentieth solo studio album by American singer-songwriter Dolly Parton. It was released on July 17, 1978, by RCA Victor. The album was produced by Gary Klein and Parton with Charles Koppelman serving as executive producer, and was an even more direct aim at the pop charts, with several of its songs verging on disco. The album topped the Billboard Top Country Albums chart for nine consecutive weeks and peaked at number 27 on the Billboard 200. The album produced two number one hits on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart, "Heartbreaker" and "I Really Got the Feeling", while "Baby I'm Burnin'" peaked at number 25 on the Billboard Hot 100. The album has been certified Gold in the United States and Canada.

<i>Great Balls of Fire</i> (Dolly Parton album) 1979 studio album by Dolly Parton

Great Balls of Fire is the twenty-first solo studio album by American singer-songwriter Dolly Parton. It was released on May 28, 1979, by RCA Victor. The album was produced by Dean Parks and Gregg Perry with Parton and Charles Koppelman serving as executive producers. The album peaked at number four on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart and number 40 on the Billboard 200. Two of the album's four singles charted in the top ten of the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart. "You're the Only One" topped the chart, while "Sweet Summer Lovin'" peaked at number seven. The album has been certified Gold in the United States.

<i>Porter & Dolly</i> 1980 studio album by Porter Wagoner and Dolly Parton

Porter & Dolly is the thirteenth and final collaborative studio album by Porter Wagoner and Dolly Parton. It was released on August 4, 1980, by RCA Victor. The album is made up of previously unreleased material recorded during Wagoner and Parton's duet years (1967–76), with new studio overdubs. It was released as part of a settlement from legal action Wagoner took against Parton following her departure from his band and syndicated television series. Two singles were released from the album. "Making Plans" peaked at number two on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart and "If You Go, I'll Follow You" peaked at number 12.

<i>Once Upon a Christmas</i> (Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton album) 1984 studio album by Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton

Once Upon a Christmas is a collaborative studio album by Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton. It was released on October 29, 1984, by RCA Records. The album was produced by Rogers with David Foster. It was Rogers' second Christmas album, following 1981's Christmas, and Parton's first. The album's release was accompanied by a CBS television special, Kenny & Dolly: A Christmas to Remember. The album was certified 2× Platinum by the RIAA in 1989.

<i>Bubbling Over</i> (album) 1973 studio album by Dolly Parton

Bubbling Over is the twelfth solo studio album by American singer-songwriter Dolly Parton. It was released on September 10, 1973, by RCA Victor. The album cover photo was shot by Nashville photographer Les Leverett near the fountain at the Country Music Hall of Fame.

<i>Rhinestone</i> (soundtrack) 1984 soundtrack album by various artists

Rhinestone is the soundtrack album from the 1984 film of the same name starring Dolly Parton and Sylvester Stallone. It was released on June 18, 1984, by RCA Victor. The album was produced by Mike Post and Parton. It peaked at number 22 on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart and number 135 on the Billboard 200. The Dolly Parton-composed soundtrack produced two top ten singles on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart: "Tennessee Homesick Blues" and "God Won't Get You", which peaked at numbers one and ten, respectively.

<i>The Best of Dolly Parton</i> 1970 compilation album by Dolly Parton

The Best of Dolly Parton is a compilation album by American singer-songwriter Dolly Parton. It was released on November 9, 1970, by RCA Victor. The album was produced by Bob Ferguson. It includes some of Parton's early hits, a few non-single album tracks, and two previously unreleased tracks. The album peaked at number 12 on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart. The single, "Mule Skinner Blues " peaked at number three on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart and earned Parton a nomination for Best Female Country Vocal Performance at the 13th Annual Grammy Awards. The album was certified Gold by the RIAA on June 12, 1978, for sales of 500,000 copies.

<i>Joshua</i> (album) 1971 studio album by Dolly Parton

Joshua is the seventh solo studio album by American singer-songwriter Dolly Parton. It was released on April 12, 1971, by RCA Victor. The album was produced by Bob Ferguson. It peaked at number 16 on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart and number 198 on the Billboard 200 chart. The album's single, "Joshua", was nominated for a Grammy and was Parton's first song to reach number one on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart.

<i>Just Between You and Me</i> (Porter Wagoner and Dolly Parton album) 1968 studio album by Porter Wagoner and Dolly Parton

Just Between You and Me is the first collaborative studio album by Porter Wagoner and Dolly Parton. It was released on January 15, 1968, by RCA Victor. The album was produced by Bob Ferguson. It peaked at number eight on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart and spawned one single, "The Last Thing on My Mind", which peaked at number seven on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart.

<i>Just the Two of Us</i> (Porter Wagoner and Dolly Parton album) 1968 studio album by Porter Wagoner and Dolly Parton

Just the Two of Us is the second collaborative studio album by Porter Wagoner and Dolly Parton. It was released on September 9, 1968, by RCA Victor. The album was produced by Bob Ferguson. It peaked at number five on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart and number 184 on the Billboard 200 chart. The album spawned three singles. "Holding on to Nothin'" and "We'll Get Ahead Someday" were top ten hits on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart, peaking at numbers seven and five, respectively. The third single, "Jeannie's Afraid of the Dark", peaked at number 51.

<i>Just Because Im a Woman</i> (1968 album) 1968 studio album by Dolly Parton

Just Because I'm a Woman is the second solo studio album by American singer-songwriter Dolly Parton. It was released on April 15, 1968, by RCA Victor. The album was produced by Bob Ferguson. It peaked at number 22 on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart. The album's title track was the only single released and it peaked at number 17 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart.

<i>In the Good Old Days (When Times Were Bad)</i> 1969 studio album by Dolly Parton

In the Good Old Days (When Times Were Bad) is the third solo studio album by American singer-songwriter Dolly Parton. It was released on February 3, 1969, by RCA Victor. The album was produced by Bob Ferguson. It peaked at number 15 on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart. The album's title track was the only single released and it peaked at number 25 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart.

<i>Always, Always</i> 1969 Portner Wagoner and Dolly Parton album

Always, Always is the third collaborative studio album by Porter Wagoner and Dolly Parton. It was released on June 30, 1969, by RCA Victor. The album was produced by Bob Ferguson. It peaked at number five on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart and number 162 on the Billboard 200 chart. "Yours Love" and the album's title track were released as singles, peaking at numbers nine and 16, respectively.

<i>The Fairest of Them All</i> (album) 1970 studio album by Dolly Parton

The Fairest of Them All is the fifth solo studio album by American singer-songwriter Dolly Parton. It was released on February 2, 1970, by RCA Victor. The album was produced by Bob Ferguson. It was the first of Parton's albums on which she wrote the majority of the songs. The Fairest of Them All peaked at number 13 on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart. The album's only single, "Daddy Come and Get Me", peaked at number 40 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart.

<i>Porter Wayne and Dolly Rebecca</i> 1970 studio album by Porter Wagoner and Dolly Parton

Porter Wayne and Dolly Rebecca is the fourth collaborative studio album by Porter Wagoner and Dolly Parton. It was released on March 9, 1970, by RCA Victor. The album was produced by Bob Ferguson. It peaked at number four on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart and number 137 on the Billboard 200 chart. Two top ten singles were released from the album, "Just Someone I Used to Know" and "Tomorrow Is Forever", peaking at numbers five and nine, respectively. "Just Someone I Used to Know" was nominated for Best Country Performance by a Duo or Group at the 12th Annual Grammy Awards.

<i>Once More</i> (Porter Wagoner and Dolly Parton album) 1970 studio album by Porter Wagoner and Dolly Parton

Once More is the fifth collaborative studio album by Porter Wagoner and Dolly Parton. It was released on August 3, 1970, by RCA Victor. The album was produced by Bob Ferguson. It peaked at number 7 on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart and number 191 on the Billboard 200 chart. The album's single, "Daddy Was an Old Time Preacher Man", peaked at number 7 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart and was nominated for Best Country Performance by a Duo or Group at the 13th Annual Grammy Awards.

<i>Hungry Again</i> 1998 studio album by Dolly Parton

Hungry Again is the thirty-fifth solo studio album by American singer-songwriter Dolly Parton. It was released on August 25, 1998, by Decca Records and Blue Eye Records. The album was produced by Parton and her cousin, Richie Owens. It is seen as a predecessor to Parton's critically acclaimed bluegrass trilogy, The Grass Is Blue, Little Sparrow, and Halos & Horns.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dolly Parton singles discography</span>

The singles discography of American country singer-songwriter Dolly Parton includes over 200 singles and touches on eight decades. Parton has released 198 singles as a lead artist, 49 as a featured artist, six promotional single and 68 music videos. Parton also released 21 singles with Porter Wagoner from 1968 to 1980, bringing her total number of singles to 243.

References

  1. "Spotlight Singles" (PDF). World Radio History. Billboard. March 22, 1969. p. 71. Retrieved September 25, 2020.
  2. "Spotlight Singles" (PDF). World Radio History. Billboard. July 5, 1969. p. 80. Retrieved September 25, 2020.
  3. "Spotlight Singles" (PDF). World Radio History. Billboard. September 20, 1969. p. 76. Retrieved September 25, 2020.
  4. 1 2 My Blue Ridge Mountain Boy at AllMusic
  5. Colin Larkin (2006). "Parton, Dolly". The Encyclopedia of Popular Music . Vol. 6 (4th ed.). Muze, Oxford University Press. p. 435–6. ISBN   978-0-19-531373-4.
  6. "Album Reviews" (PDF). World Radio History. Billboard. September 20, 1969. p. 66. Retrieved September 25, 2020.
  7. "Country LP Reviews" (PDF). World Radio History. Billboard. September 13, 1969. p. 47. Retrieved September 25, 2020.
  8. Betts, Stephen (April 5, 2023). ""The 50 Best Dolly Parton Songs"". Rolling Stone. Retrieved April 14, 2023.
  9. "Dolly Parton Chart History (Billboard 200)". Billboard.
  10. "Dolly Parton Chart History (Top Country Albums)". Billboard.
  11. "Top Country Albums - Year-End Charts (1969)". Billboard. Retrieved 2 December 2020.
  12. "Dolly Parton - My Blue Ridge Mountain Boy". Discogs. Retrieved 20 May 2019.
  13. "My Blue Ridge Mountain Boy by Dolly Parton on Amazon Music - Amazon.com". www.amazon.com. Retrieved 25 May 2019.