Released in 1973, This Song Was Inspired by a True Story
Released in October 1973, “Jolene” quickly became one of Dolly Parton’s signature songs and one of the most recognizable country recordings ever made. With its haunting melody and unforgettable plea, the song captured the fear of losing someone you love—and decades later, it continues to resonate with listeners around the world.
The inspiration behind “Jolene” came from two real-life encounters that Dolly Parton never forgot.
The first was a beautiful young bank teller who seemed especially fond of Dolly’s husband, Carl Dean. Dolly later joked that her husband enjoyed finding reasons to visit the bank, and although she never believed there was a real romance, she couldn’t help but notice the woman’s striking beauty and confidence. Instead of turning the experience into anger, Dolly transformed it into one of the most honest songs she had ever written.
The second inspiration came from a young fan who approached Dolly after a concert. The little girl had bright red hair, green eyes, and introduced herself as Jolene. Dolly loved the name immediately, calling it one of the prettiest names she had ever heard. She remembered it, and when it came time to write the song, she gave the mysterious woman that unforgettable name.
As the lyrics came together, Dolly chose an unusual perspective. Instead of blaming her partner, the narrator speaks directly to the other woman, pleading with her not to take the man she loves. The vulnerability of the song was something country audiences hadn’t heard very often. Rather than expressing anger or revenge, it focused on insecurity, admiration, and fear.
Musically, “Jolene” was just as distinctive. Built around a simple but haunting acoustic guitar rhythm, the song created an atmosphere of tension from the very first note. Dolly’s emotional vocal performance carried the story, making every word feel deeply personal.
When “Jolene” was released, it quickly climbed the country charts and became Dolly Parton’s second No. 1 country hit. The song also crossed over to international audiences, introducing millions of listeners to her songwriting talent. Critics praised its originality, while fans connected with its raw honesty and unforgettable melody.
Over the years, “Jolene” has become one of the most covered songs in modern music. Artists from every genre—including rock, pop, folk, and even heavy metal—have recorded their own versions, proving that its emotional story speaks to people regardless of musical style. Yet despite countless interpretations, Dolly’s original recording remains the version that audiences return to again and again.
Today, more than fifty years after its release, “Jolene” is considered one of the greatest country songs ever written. Its timeless melody, unforgettable lyrics, and emotional sincerity have earned it a permanent place in music history. What began as inspiration from a friendly bank teller and a young fan with a beautiful name became a song that continues to captivate new generations—one heartfelt plea at a time.
The Heartbreak Ballad That Helped Make Ricky Van Shelton a Country Star
“Somebody Lied”: The Heartbreak Ballad That Helped Make Ricky Van Shelton a Country Star
Traditional Country | Neo-Traditional Country | 1987 | Song Story
In 1987, country music was rediscovering the power of traditional voices.
Among the artists leading that movement was Ricky Van Shelton, a Virginia-born singer whose deep, clean country delivery sounded connected to an earlier Nashville era.
Then came “Somebody Lied.”
A song about a man pretending he has recovered from a breakup — until his former lover hears otherwise — it became Shelton’s first No. 1 country hit and helped turn a promising newcomer into one of Nashville’s fastest-rising stars.
“Somebody Lied” is performed by Ricky Van Shelton.
The song was written by Joe Chambers and Larry Jenkins and appeared on Shelton’s debut Columbia album, Wild-Eyed Dream.
That album introduced Shelton as part of the neo-traditional country movement of the late 1980s, when singers with stronger ties to honky-tonk and classic-country traditions were finding a new mainstream audience.
“Somebody Lied” proved that Shelton had both the voice and the material to compete at the highest level.
Listen to “Somebody Lied”
Hank Williams’ Posthumous No. 1 That Became a Country Standard
“Your Cheatin’ Heart”: Hank Williams’ Posthumous No. 1 That Became a Country Standard
Recorded in 1952 and released after Hank Williams’ death, this devastating song of betrayal became one of the defining compositions in country music.
Hank Williams wrote and performed “Your Cheatin’ Heart,” backed by the Drifting Cowboys. Fred Rose produced the MGM recording.
Listen on YouTube
The Judds’ Farewell Song That Became Their Enduring Message
“Love Can Build a Bridge”: The Judds’ Farewell Song That Became Their Enduring Message
Co-written by Naomi Judd, Paul Overstreet and John Barlow Jarvis, the 1990 title track became the mother-daughter duo’s trademark and ultimately won two Grammy Awards.
The Judds — Naomi and Wynonna Judd perform “Love Can Build a Bridge.” Wynonna carries the powerful lead while Naomi’s harmony reinforces the mother-daughter identity at the heart of the duo.
Watch on YouTube
The Bee Gees Disco Anthem That Became a Soundtrack for Survival
“Stayin’ Alive”: The Bee Gees Disco Anthem That Became a Soundtrack for Survival
Written for Saturday Night Fever, the Bee Gees’ 1977 classic turned a relentless groove and Barry Gibb’s falsetto into one of disco’s defining records.
Bee Gees — Barry, Robin and Maurice Gibb perform “Stayin’ Alive.” The brothers wrote the song and produced it with Albhy Galuten and Karl Richardson.
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The Soul Song Janis Joplin Turned Into a Rock-Ripping Breakthrough
“Piece of My Heart”: The Soul Song Janis Joplin Turned Into a Rock-Ripping Breakthrough
Big Brother & the Holding Company’s 1968 version transformed a soul composition by Jerry Ragovoy and Bert Berns into the record that made Janis Joplin a mainstream rock star.
Big Brother & the Holding Company featuring Janis Joplin perform the famous 1968 recording. Joplin’s explosive lead vocal is backed by Sam Andrew and James Gurley on guitar, Peter Albin on bass and Dave Getz on drums.
Listen on YouTube
The Beatles Finale That Turned Newspaper Fragments Into Pop Art
“A Day in the Life”: The Beatles Finale That Turned Newspaper Fragments Into Pop Art
John Lennon and Paul McCartney fused separate ideas, a 40-piece orchestra and one monumental final chord into the closing masterpiece of Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band.
The Beatles perform the song. John Lennon leads the main sections, Paul McCartney sings the contrasting middle passage, and George Martin produced the recording.
