Travelin' Prayer

Last updated

"Travelin' Prayer"
Travelin' Prayer label.jpg
Single by Billy Joel
from the album Piano Man
B-side "Ain't No Crime"
ReleasedAugust 1974 [1]
Recorded Devonshire Sound, Los Angeles
Genre Country rock
Length3:03(single)
4:16 (album)
Label Family Productions/Columbia
Songwriter(s) Billy Joel
Producer(s) Michael Stewart
Billy Joel singles chronology
"Worse Comes to Worst"
(1974)		"Travelin' Prayer"
(1974)		"The Ballad of Billy the Kid"
(1974)

"Travelin' Prayer" is a song written and performed by singer Billy Joel, and released as the third US single from his 1973 album Piano Man as its opening track. The song is "urgent" and "banjo-fueled". [2] It reached number No. 77 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 34 on the Adult Contemporary chart in 1974. It was a slightly bigger hit in Canada, where it reached No. 61.

Contents

The country-flavored song has been covered by both Earl Scruggs and Dolly Parton. Parton's version was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Female Country Vocal Performance in 2001.

Lyrics and music

Joel wrote "Travelin' Prayer" about two years before it appeared on the album. [3] The song has four verses, the first of which is later repeated, and two instrumental breaks. [4] The lyrics offer a prayer that the singer's lover be protected until she returns to the singer. [4] The song has elements of country music, and is taken at a brisk pace. [4] Instrumentation includes honky-tonk piano, banjo, bass, violin and drums, the latter of which are played with brushes using just a snare and bass drum. The drummer has a fixated smile throughout the whole song. [4] Joel plays mouth harp during the second instrumental break. [4] Author Ken Bielen sees the song as being influenced by a traditional Irish blessing for an easy return home. [4] Bielen also notes that the song fits with a trend during the period in which religious images were often used in popular songs. [4] Author Hank Bordowitz describes the song as a "pop-grass on-the-road-again song." [3] Bordowitz particularly praises the banjo playing of Eric Weissberg. [3]

Reception

Billboard regarded "Travelin' Prayer" as Joel's "best single effort yet," praising the banjo arrangement and the contrast between the prayer-like lyrics and the fast tempo of the song. [5] Cash Box called it "an up-tempo bluegrass flavored tune" with "the same dynamism that 'Piano Man' exhibited, saying that "Billy's voice is powerful and his piano work is really sensational" and "his technique is clean and polished." [6] Record World said that it's "a result of strong across-the-dials feedback on this powerful cut" which "translates [Joel's] live excitement into hot, hot wax." [7]

Cover versions

"Travelin' Prayer" was covered by Earl Scruggs Revue in 1973 on the album Rockin' Cross the Country . [8] Billboard rated it as one of the "best cuts" on the album. [9] It later earned Dolly Parton a Grammy Award Nomination for Best Female Country Vocal Performance, when she covered it in 1999 on the album The Grass Is Blue . [10] [11] CMJ noted the song as a "recommended track." [12]

Parton has stated that she "always loved Billy Joel's 'Travelin' Prayer', which [she] thought lent itself to pure bluegrass." [13] The CMJ New Music Report confirmed that Parton's arrangement transforms the song into a "legitimate bluegrass tune." [12] AllMusic critic Philip Van Vleck agrees that it works as a bluegrass song. [14] Author Ken Bielen notes that "Parton recognizes the roots music element" of the song. [4] Bielen notes that Parton's version begins with a slow violin introduction that lasts almost a minute, but the rest of the song goes at "pedal to the metal" speed. [4] In addition to the violin, Parton's backing instruments include banjo, dobro, mandolin, guitar and upright bass. [4]

Holly Dunn covered the song in her Across the Rio Grande album in 1988 though the song was not released.

Chart positions

Chart (1974)Peak
position
Canadian Singles Chart [15] 61
U.S. Billboard Hot 100 [16] 77
U.S. Billboard Hot Adult Contemporary Tracks [17] 34

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dolly Parton</span> American singer (born 1946)

Dolly Rebecca Parton is an American singer-songwriter, actress, and philanthropist, known primarily for her decades-long career in country music. After achieving success as a songwriter for others, Parton made her album debut in 1967 with Hello, I'm Dolly, which led to success during the remainder of the 1960s, before her sales and chart peak came during the 1970s and continued into the 1980s. Some of Parton's albums in the 1990s did not sell as well, but she achieved commercial success again in the new millennium and has released albums on various independent labels since 2000, including her own label, Dolly Records.

<i>Piano Man</i> (Billy Joel album) 1973 studio album by Billy Joel

Piano Man is the second studio album by American recording artist Billy Joel, released on November 14, 1973, by Columbia Records. The album emerged from legal difficulties with Joel's former label, Family Productions, and ultimately became his first breakthrough album.

<i>Roses in the Snow</i> 1980 studio album by Emmylou Harris

Roses in the Snow is the seventh studio album by country music artist Emmylou Harris, released in 1980. While Harris' previous release, 1979's Blue Kentucky Girl, featured traditional, straight-ahead country, Roses in the Snow found Harris performing bluegrass-inspired music, with material by Flatt and Scruggs, Paul Simon, The Carter Family, and Johnny Cash. Cash, Dolly Parton, Linda Ronstadt, The Whites, Ricky Skaggs, Willie Nelson and Tony Rice made guest appearances. "Wayfaring Stranger" was released as the first single in 1980 and went to #7 on the Billboard Country charts. The second single, a remake of a Simon & Garfunkel song, "The Boxer", reached #13. Backing musicians included Albert Lee and Jerry Douglas.

<i>Red Hot + Country</i> 1994 compilation album by various artists

Red Hot + Country was the follow-up to No Alternative in the Red Hot Benefit series of compilation albums, a series produced to raise awareness and money to fight AIDS/HIV as well as other related health and social issues. This compilation featured music from the classic country and classic rock genres performed by an assortment of seasoned old and new country music artists.

<i>The Grass Is Blue</i> 1999 studio album by Dolly Parton

The Grass Is Blue is the thirty-seventh solo studio album by American singer-songwriter Dolly Parton. It was released on October 26, 1999, by Sugar Hill and Blue Eye Records. The album won a Grammy for Best Bluegrass Album and "Travelin' Prayer" was nominated for Best Female Country Vocal Performance.

<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.

<i>Little Sparrow</i> 2001 studio album by Dolly Parton

Little Sparrow is the thirty-eighth solo studio album by American singer-songwriter Dolly Parton. It was released on January 23, 2001, by Sugar Hill and Blue Eye Records. The album received a Grammy nomination for Best Bluegrass Album and "Shine" won Best Female Country Vocal Performance. The album is dedicated to Parton's father, Lee Parton, who died in November 2000.

"Captain Jack" is a song by Billy Joel featured on his 1973 album Piano Man as its closing track with a live version on his 1981 album Songs in the Attic.

"The Ballad of Billy the Kid" is a song by American singer-songwriter Billy Joel from the album Piano Man. It was also issued as a single in the UK backed with "If I Only Had The Words ."

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Los Angelenos</span> 1974 song by Billy Joel

"Los Angelenos" is a song written by Billy Joel that was first released on his 1974 album Streetlife Serenade. A live version was released on the 1981 album Songs in the Attic.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">She's Got a Way</span> 1971 single by Billy Joel

"She's Got a Way" is a song by American singer-songwriter Billy Joel, originally released on his first studio album, Cold Spring Harbor (1971) as the opening track of it and as a single from that album in some countries. It was also featured as a single from the 1981 live album Songs in the Attic, peaking at number 23 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in early 1982.

"Everybody Loves You Now" is a song written by Billy Joel. It was first released on his 1971 debut album Cold Spring Harbor and was also released as a b-side to his singles "She's Got a Way" and "Tomorrow Is Today." Live versions were included on the albums Songs in the Attic, 12 Gardens Live and Live at Shea Stadium: The Concert.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Root Beer Rag</span> 1974 instrumental by Billy Joel

"Root Beer Rag" is a composition from Billy Joel's 1974 album Streetlife Serenade. An instrumental track in a very fast ragtime style, it was later released as the B-side of several singles from Joel's 52nd Street album, including "Big Shot" in the US, "Until the Night" in the UK, and "Honesty" in Japan and some European countries. A live version was included with the DVD that was part of the 30th anniversary re-release of The Stranger.

<i>The Crow: New Songs for the 5-String Banjo</i> 2009 studio album by Steve Martin

The Crow: New Songs for the 5-String Banjo is a 2009 album by Steve Martin, featuring Dolly Parton, Vince Gill, Earl Scruggs, Tim O'Brien, Tony Trischka and Mary Black. It contains 15 songs and is the first album focusing on Martin as a musician. Martin's 1977 comedy recording Let's Get Small, however, did feature him briefly playing the banjo during some of the comedy bits, and The Steve Martin Brothers devotes one side to banjo playing, including earlier renditions of some of the music presented here. It was first released on January 27, 2009, as an Amazon.com exclusive and then released to retail stores everywhere on May 19, 2009. On January 31, 2010, the album won the Grammy Award for Best Bluegrass Album at the 52nd Grammy Awards.

<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.

<i>Deuces</i> (album) 2007 studio album by Charlie Daniels

Deuces is an album by the Charlie Daniels Band. Released on October 9, 2007, it consists of duets with prominent rock, country and bluegrass artists, including covers of songs by Ray Charles and Bob Dylan. Guests on the album include Dolly Parton, Darius Rucker, Brenda Lee, Vince Gill, the Del McCoury Band, Brad Paisley, Brooks & Dunn and Gretchen Wilson. An expanded edition, entitled Duets was released on July 16, 2021, which includes 6 additional tracks, including a duet with Garth Brooks.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Worse Comes to Worst</span> 1974 single by Billy Joel

"Worse Comes to Worst" is a song by singer Billy Joel released as the second single from his 1973 album Piano Man. It reached #80 on the Billboard Hot 100.

"Scandinavian Skies" is a song written by Billy Joel that was first released on his 1982 album The Nylon Curtain. Commentators have noted its Beatle-esque elements and obscure lyrics. Joel has stated that the song was inspired by an experience with heroin. Although not released as a single, it reached #38 on Billboard's Mainstream Rock chart.

<i>Dumplin</i> (soundtrack) 2018 film soundtrack

Dumplin' is the soundtrack album by American country music singer-songwriter Dolly Parton for the 2018 film of the same name. It was released on November 30, 2018, by Dolly Records and RCA Nashville. The album features guest performances by Elle King, Alison Krauss, Miranda Lambert, Sia, Mavis Staples and Rhonda Vincent, among others.

<i>Run, Rose, Run</i> 2022 studio album by Dolly Parton

Run, Rose, Run is the forty-eighth solo studio album by American singer-songwriter Dolly Parton. It was released March 4, 2022, through Parton's own Butterfly Records. The album was produced by Parton with Richard Dennison and Tom Rutledge. It is a companion album to the novel of the same name, co-written by Parton and James Patterson. The album was preceded by the release of the singles "Big Dreams and Faded Jeans" and "Blue Bonnet Breeze". On March 21, 2022, it was announced that Parton would star in and produce a film adaptation of the novel from Reese Witherspoon's Hello Sunshine.

References

  1. ↑ "Great Rock Discography". p. 436.
  2. ↑ "Song of the Day: 'Travelin' Prayer,' Billy Joel". The Star-Ledger. November 7, 2011. Retrieved January 31, 2014.
  3. 1 2 3 Bordowitz, H. (2006). Billy Joel: The Life & Times of an Angry Young Man. Random House. pp. 74–75, 238. ISBN   9780823082483.
  4. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Bielen, K. (2011). The Words and Music of Billy Joel. ABC-CLIO. pp. 27, 130. ISBN   9780313380167.
  5. ↑ "Top Single Picks" (PDF). Billboard. August 3, 1974. p. 54. Retrieved July 22, 2020.
  6. ↑ "CashBox Record Reviews" (PDF). Cash Box. August 3, 1974. p. 16. Retrieved December 11, 2021.
  7. ↑ "Single Picks" (PDF). Record World. August 3, 1974. p. 14. Retrieved March 15, 2023.
  8. ↑ "Rockin' Cross the Country". AllMusic . Retrieved March 27, 2014.
  9. ↑ "Billboard's Top Album Picks". Billboard . June 1, 1974. p. 48. Retrieved March 27, 2014.
  10. ↑ Graff, G. (February 13, 2001). "Dolly Parton Makes Big Splash With Little Sparrow". ABC News . Retrieved March 27, 2014.
  11. ↑ "Dolly Parton awards". IMDb . Retrieved March 27, 2014.
  12. 1 2 "Dolly Parton: The Grass is Blue". CMJ New Music Report . November 1, 1999. p. 28. Retrieved March 27, 2014.
  13. ↑ Bessman, J. (September 25, 1999). "Parton Sings Bluegrass for the Fans". Billboard . p. 34. Retrieved March 27, 2014.
  14. ↑ Van Vleck, P. "The Grass is Blue". AllMusic . Retrieved March 27, 2014.
  15. ↑ "Item Display – RPM – Library and Archives Canada". Collectionscanada.gc.ca. Retrieved January 31, 2014.
  16. ↑ "Billy Joel – Chart history". Billboard. Retrieved January 31, 2014.
  17. ↑ "Billy Joel – Chart history". Billboard. Retrieved January 31, 2014.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.