Dolly Parton is one of the worldās most recognisable and iconic performers. Having been in the limelight from a very young age, sheās managed to stay at the top of her career for decades and sheās the most-loved Country music star on the planet. At 74 years of age, Parton is showing no signs of slowing down any time soon and this year alone sheās released holiday album āA Holly Dolly Christmasā, her Netflix Christmas film āChristmas on the Squareā and a book, āSongteller: My Life in Lyricsā.
āSongteller: My Life in Lyricsā is a large hardback book thatās beautifully designed. With an iconic picture of Parton on the front, the book is a real treasure for fans detailing the stories and lyrics of 150 of the singer-songwriterās songs. There are stunning photos from across Partonās career throughout the book and an introduction from the legend herself sets the scene for what youāre about to read. Split into 14 chapters, the book kicks off with the lyrics to 1952 song āLittle Tiny Tassletopā, which Parton wrote when she was just six years old.
I really love the way the book sets context for each of the songs before presenting the lyrics. Then right after you get an anecdote from Parton about how the song came to life. Itās a fascinating insight into one of the worldās most gifted lyricists and you can almost hear her Southern accent jumping from the pages. These songs arenāt just the most well-known ones ā although ā9 to 5ā, āJoleneā and āI Will Always Love Youā are in there of course ā there are some gems from throughout her career that may not have got the attention they deserve like āBackwoods Barbieā, āMy Blue Tearsā and āHeartbreak Expressā.
As well as sharing personal and intimate stories alongside each of the songs, āSongteller: My Life in Lyricsā is also an autobiography of sorts with each chapter exploring a different phase of Partonās career. We get to learn about her start in music and her 1959 Opry guest appearance, right through to her charitable endeavours and always positive outlook. There are some fantastic insights that give a real glimpse into the icon that is loved by so many.
āSongteller: My Life in Lyricsā is a really unique book and itās one that all Country fans should have in their collection. Itās astounding to think just how prolific Parton has been throughout her career and the fact that the majority of the songs were penned solo is even more impressive. This is a beautiful way to celebrate the career and life of an entertainer who has made a huge impact in the world and has built a legacy that will live on for many decades to come.
Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton Release date: 17th November 2020 Buy āSongteller: My Life in Lyricsā now
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