I’m not what you could call a classic Country Music fan, but I am bowled over by the new podcast from WNYC and Jad Abumrad, Dolly Parton’s America. The first two episodes of the 9-part series are out now, so it’s not too late to catch up and listen as they air. Dolly Parton is remarkable, brilliant, and way more complex than you think. I can’t recommend it highly enough.
It also gives me a chance to link to one of my favorite YouTube viral videos, of Dolly’s “Jolene” slowed down to 3/4 speed.
and this one, where she prefers “Do I Ever Cross Your Mind” live and then at the end sings it “sped up” like a record at the wrong speed.