Dolly Parton Releases Album on Own Label

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Dolly Parton knows a good investment when she sees one, and these days she sees one in the mirror.

Parton, whose business portfolio includes a theme park and an entertainment production company, says she's spending a lot of her own money trying to get back on country radio with her new CD, "Backwoods Barbie."

"I'm looking at it like an investment," she told The Associated Press. "I thought, 'I've made enough money. I can afford to invest a little in myself.'"

She has self-released the disc on her own label, Dolly Records, and hired a seven-member promotions team.

"I purposely tailor-made this to try to get some hits," Parton explained.

The album reached No. 2 on Billboard in its second week, her best showing in 17 years.

The first single, "Better Get to Livin'," a country-pop song she describes as sonically similar to Keith Urban, sputtered at No. 48. But the second single, "Jesus & Gravity," is just now arriving at radio.

At age 62, Parton remains an icon and inspiration to younger singers.

"I don't think there's anything that woman can't do," said rising country star Kellie Pickler, who calls Parton her greatest influence. "She just walks into a room and lights it up. She's got that 'it' factor that money can't buy. She's the whole package."

Music Row began to lose interest in Parton in the '90s as a new crop of country stars emerged. Her last Top 5 hit, "Rockin' Years," was in 1991, and she hasn't had a major label record deal in 10 years.

"When it changed I was still as serious as ever and was thinking I'm still as good as ever, if I ever was any good," Parton said.

She has watched with interest as new technology has created opportunities without the big labels.

"Now the majors are what they used to think I was: history," she said.

"I thought this is a good time, but I need to make an all-out effort. ... Whatever it takes, you fight for it. You do what you have to do to feed your habit, and I'm a music addict."

Comments

[AxelDC]

10:14 AM on 03/24/2008

Dolly Parton is a living legend. I just wish she would do more movies.

[DramaQueen101]

09:09 PM on 03/23/2008

With all of her success and business savvy, I must say I'm surprised that Miss Dolly didn't do this before now. But I'm glad that she has.

[vandegrasse]

03:09 PM on 03/23/2008

i love Dolly! She's the genuine article. Not like these new pretty C and W wannabe's who all sound alike.

[PatA]

10:17 AM on 03/23/2008

GeoNorth !!

YEA! I live 30 miles outside of Austin and it is the music capitol of the World! We have everything here.......and we have Willie Nelson. I used to work for him . He does so much for this area and will continue to sing as long as he can still get on the bus.

Dolly is a role model for so many women! You go, Woman!!

[thankulord13]

10:20 AM on 03/24/2008

Your kidding right Austin, Texas please don't make me laugh!

[GeoNorth]

12:36 AM on 03/23/2008

Glad to see Dolly taking matters into her own hands. The woman can sing. She can write, and she can do it all better than most of those brainless, talentless hacks in Nashville. It's a shame that that town is home to some of the best talent in the world and the empty suits who run the show hate true creativity. It would take a little work to deal with truly talented people. They'd rather stick to what the formulas say than take a chance. The major labels kill heart and soul. I hope Dolly doesn't feel compelled to compromise her self to sell records. When she stays true to her mountain roots, she's at her best.

As far as I'm concerened (and I'm a DJ), Nashville is not the seat of country music. It's the seat of Nashville Pop. If you want real country music, check out Austin.

[gerontion72]

07:46 PM on 03/22/2008

I'm glad you posted this, HuffPo. I might have missed it.