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Dolly Parton, the Theme and Mentor on American Idol This Week
March 29, 2008 09:03:13After The Beatles week, the finalists of American Idol Season 7 will be singing songs by Dolly Parton and what's special about the week is that Parton will also appear as their mentor. The April 1 show will see the country star personally assisting each of the 9 remaining contestants on her biggest hits.
Beside making an appearance at the performance show, Parton will also return the next day to take the stage. She will sing "Jesus and Gravity" that is taken from her new album "Backwoods Barbie" on the April 2 show which is also the Result Day. Also performing that day is bluegrass band The Clark Brothers, who was declared the winner of The Next Great American Band, a spin off of American Idol.
Jessica Simpson in Talks with CMT for a Special, Not Reality Show
February 16, 2008 11:02:57While words are mounting that Jessica Simpson is about to make a comeback into the small screen, eying a CMT reality show, it has been confirmed that the actress-singer will star in a special instead.
Is close to completing her first country album, Jess' daddy/manager, Joe Simpson, told Entertainment Weekly that in addition to her music effort his daughter also has her eye on a deal for an unscripted CMT show, which would mark her second stab at reality TV.
Dolly Parton Unveils Rescheduled U.S. Tour Dates
February 15, 2008 11:02:25While her back pain that many have said stemming from her large busts is on the mend, Dolly Parton has announced the rescheduled dates of her U.S. tour. The trek in support of "Backwoods Barbie" was forced to be postponed earlier this week after her doctors advised her to remain in bed.
In a statement released yesterday (February 14), Parton said, "Hey, thanks for being patient. "I'm mending very nicely and will be fit as a fiddle soon. And I'll not only have the fiddle, but the rest of the band as well. We can't wait to hit the road for our 'Backwoods Barbie' tour... Look forward to seeing you soon."
Hurt Her Back, Dolly Parton Cancels U.S. Dates
February 12, 2008 10:02:47Dolly Parton has to cancel her U.S. tour in promotion of her latest album "Backwoods Barbie" after she hurt her back. The jaunt was due to begin February 28 in Minneapolis but because she was ordered by doctor to rest, she will reschedule it for dates in April or May.
On the postponement, the country singer released a statement saying "I know I have been breaking my neck and bending over backwards trying to get my new 'Backwoods Barbie' CD and world tour together, but I didn't mean to hurt myself doing it!"
Dolly Parton Goes Digital for New Album
January 30, 2008 01:01:24Country singer Dolly Parton and her label Dolly Records have signed a major deal with INgrooves to distribute her albums worldwide digitally, and her upcoming album 'Backwoods Barbie' will be the first venture. The deal is part of Parton's attempts to be innovative in creating connection with her fans through the sale of her albums.
"When we started Dolly Records we knew we had to be cutting edge as well as put out great music," Parton said. "After looking at the choices in digital distribution, INgrooves was the perfect partner for our first release. They had tons of experience and were flexible enough to work with a crazy country girl like me and I know we'll have a ball making waves in the digital world."
The Star Studded 81st Annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade
November 23, 2007 11:11:45While many people prefer to celebrate Thanksgiving by staying at home and enjoying a traditional meal with family and friends, some of Hollywood famous celebrities still manage to make headlines on the holiday by serving foods for the less unfortunate ones. Jennifer Love Hewitt, Calista Flockhart and actor fiance Harrison Ford are some lending a helping hand to the mission. Elsewhere, Ashley Tisdale and the Jonas Brothers are among those on hand to help celebrating the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.
The 81st Annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, took place Thursday morning November 22nd in New York City, was hosted by "The Today Show" cast of Matt Lauer, Meredith Vieira and Al Roker.
Dolly Parton Releasing New Album Under 'Private' Label
August 02, 2007 10:08:52
Dolly Parton has plenty of musical plan going ahead next year. Beside launching her 'private' label, the country diva will release an album in February and launch a tour the next month.
Representing the diva, manager Danny Nozell said that Dolly records will set sail in coincidence with the album release. But exclusively made for Parton, Dolly Records is not opened for other artists. "She's going to be the only person on that label," Nozell continued. "We're not signing any other artists - it's going to be strictly for Dolly Parton".
Eric Clapton's "Layla" Voted Worst Cover
June 26, 2007 04:06:36
Eric Clapton's unmistakable guitar rendition of "Layla" has been voted as the worst cover song. "Layla" that was originally sung by Derek and the Dominos has topped the poll gathered by RetroCrush.com.
The website has commented upon the result, "It's the equivalent of Robert Plant and Jimmy Page doing a kazoo version of Stairway To Heaven."
Kanye West to Guest in 2007 Songwriter's Hall of Fame
June 05, 2007 03:06:52
In an event to honor songwriters, Kanye West will make an appearance and witness the induction ceremonies of previously announced inductees. He will join the bunch of artists attending the gala on June 7 at Marriott Marquis Hotel in New York.
Besides the induction of songwriters Don Black, Jackson Browne, Irving Burgie, Michael Masser, Bobby Weinstein and the late Teddy Randazzo, the event will also honor John Legend with Hal David Starlight award and Dolly Parton with Johnny Mercer award.
Dolly Parton Rekindles Old Times with Porter Wagoner
May 07, 2007 01:05:21
Country star Dolly Parton will be reunited on one stage with her old time buddy Porter Wagoner. They will be celebrating Porter's 50 years career in music industry by conducting a tribute show on May 19 at Nashville, Tennessee's Grand Ole Opry.
Within the show, there will also be the launching of Martin Issues guitar that is specially constructed in honor of Porter. Honky-tonk singer Marty Stuart will also be present as the host of a one-hour fragment exclusively for Great American Country network.
Jessica Simpson Pulled Out of the "Kennedy Center Honors"
December 22, 2006 12:12:48
Jessica Simpson has asked for removal. The pop singer was unhappy with her second try at paying tribute to Dolly Parton for the "Kennedy Center Honors" on December 2nd and hence wants for a removal.
Simpson, performing at the Kennedy Center Honors, was attempting to sing Parton's classic hit "9 to 5." Unfortunately, she flubbed the words during a taping of the annual show causing her to walk out the stage in tears. Lucky for her that the show producers gave her a second chance which, sad to say, didn't go much better.
Dolly Parton Makes Donation to Hospital and Cancer Center in Her Hometown
December 14, 2006 04:12:00
Dolly Parton has her own way to express honor to the country doctor who delivered her, that is by making $500,000 donation to a $90 million hospital and cancer center in her Smoky Mountains hometown.
On the physician who delivered her in 1946 Parton said, "I have wonderful, wonderful memories of Dr. (Robert F.) Thomas. I know the grand vision of this hospital would have made Dr. Thomas proud."
Recipients Honored at the 29th Annual Kennedy Center Honors
December 04, 2006 11:12:45
The likes of Dolly Parton, Steven Spielberg, and Andrew Lloyd Webber were those who were honored with the Kennedy Center Honors of 2006 Sunday Dec 3rd during the 29th annual national celebration of the arts.
The awards, recognize those who have made outstanding contributions to the performing arts in the US, whether through TV, film, music, theater, opera or music, also honored conductor Zubin Mehta who becomes the first person of Indian heritage to receive a Kennedy Center Honor, and Motown star Smokey Robinson.
The 40th Annual Country Music Association Awards Nominees
August 31, 2006 11:08:27
Numbers of musicians were included in the nominations list of the 40th annual Country Music Association (CMA) Awards announced Wednesday August 30th. But among the many nominees, country crooner Brooks & Dunn and Brad Paisley emerged as the leaders with six nominations each.
As for Brooks & Dunn, the duo was up for the category of Entertainer of the Year, Vocal Duo of the Year, Single of the Year and Music Video of the Year both for "Believe", Album of the Year for "Hillbilly Deluxe", and Musical Event of the Year as well. Meanwhile, Brad Paisley was nominated for Entertainer of the Year, Male Vocalist of the Year, Single of the Year for "When I Get Where I'm Going", Album of the Year for "Time Well Wasted", Music Video of the Year and Musical Event of the Year both for "When I Get Where I'm Going".
List of the Winners at the 41st Annual ACM Awards
May 24, 2006 04:05:31
The 41st annual Academy of Country Music (ACM) Awards held Tuesday night May 23rd, 2006 saw the winning of several notable musicians. Among the many winners at the prestigious event, there was Brooks & Dunn who nabbed two awards all at once, one of which was for Vocal Duo category while the other one was for Song of the Year for "Believe".
Elsewhere, the Male Vocalist award went to Keith Urban and the Female Vocalist prize was given to Sara Evans. Besides them all there were also Rascal Flatts and Jason Aldean to mention some others, each of which brought home the award for the category of Vocal Group and New Male Vocalist. As of the Female Vocalist award the winner was Carrie Underwood who at the same time also won Single Record of the Year for "Jesus Take the Wheel".
Dolly Parton Unveils Cookbook
April 15, 2006 10:04:51
There's something besides singing that Dolly Parton can do very well. Wanna know what is it? It's cooking and as an obvious evidence the singer has made an offer of a cookbook.
The set dubbed "Dolly's Dixie Fixin's" features more than 125 recipes which among others from Dolly's mother, Avie Lee Parton, and her mother-in-law, "Mama" Ginny Dean, as well as Dollywood restaurants and the Dixie Stampede Dinner and Show. It moreover also includes recipes inspired by restaurant dishes she discovered while touring over the last 40 years.
10 Hot Country Songs
February 25, 2006 10:02:34
The Billboard's Hot Country Songs chart has a new champion as Carrie Underwood's "Jesus, Take the Wheel" has been replaced by Brad Paisley and Dolly Parton's "When I Get Where I'm Going". This succession marks Paisley's fifth chart topper since "Mud on the Tires" held pole position the week of February 5, 2005. Meanwhile, it's the 25th No. 1 for Parton.
At No. 2 on the chart is Josh Turner's "Your Man", followed closely behind by Underwood's "Jesus, Take the Wheel" at No. 3 and Kenny Chesney's "Living In Fast Forward" at No. 4. Rascal Flatts' "What Hurts The Most" ups two places from last week No. 7 to No. 5, while Keith Urban's "Tonight I Wanna Cry" downs two to No. 6. No. 7 is Sugarland's "Just Might (Make Me Believe)".
The List of Oscar Presenters Is Growing
February 22, 2006 11:02:03
Hollywood actress Uma Thurman and country music queen Dolly Parton have been added to the long list of Oscar presenters. They are, in fact, the latest two additions to be announced by the Academy.
As of Parton, she is slated to perform her Academy Award-nominated original song "Travelin' Thru" from the movie "Transamerica". Also tapped to perform at the March 5 Oscars ceremony in Hollywood is Kathleen York who will sing "In the Deep" from the nominated movie film "Crash."
The 39th Annual CMA Awards aired on CBS
November 03, 2005 09:11:41Slated to perform at The 39th Annual CMA Awards held on November 15, veteran musician Elton John will not hum the tune of "Turn the Lights Out When You Leave" alone as Dolly Parton is going to join him on the stage. The song was previously featured in John's album entitled "Peachtree Road" which came up last year and was composed by himself along with his writing partner, Bernie Taupin.
"I've always admired Sir Elton's songwriting, musicianship and singing and I'm thrilled to be working with him," Parton said as quoted by Country Music Association. "It should be a very passionate performance."
Parton Reaches Career Peak
October 25, 2005 02:10:27Age is anything, but number. So keep doing your best as long as you could and don't let age blocks your way to success. See what Dolly Parton achieves at her mid-age. The star, indeed, reaches her peak just now with her new album "Those Were the Days." The set consisting a collection of cover songs of Dolly's favorites from the 1960s, entered the album chart at No. 48 in the week ended October 16.
This is the first time for the artist to do so. "Those Were the Days" is Parton's highest-ranking solo album since "Slow Dancing with the Moon" peaked at No. 16 in 1993. Keep on fire then.
New Album for Parton Patron
July 30, 2005 12:07:33Dolly Parton is in a rush. She is the studio finishing her forthcoming album, "Those Were the Days," which due October on Sugar Hill Records. Coincide with the album release, Parton also plans to hold a two months tour, beginning August 16 at the House of Blues in Atlantic City, N.J., and dates are on the books through December 10 in Charenton, La.
As for the album, it will feature a number of high-profile guest appearances from country and pop stars, which yet-mentioned. Aside, Parton has recorded a duet with George Stones for "The Blues Man," which will appear in September on the latter's upcoming Bandit album, "Hits I Missed ... And One I Didn't." Besides, the star also guests on Brad Paisley's new album, "Time Well Wasted," due August 16 via Arista.
Parton & Rumsfeld Onstage at the Grand Ole Opry
April 25, 2005 11:04:49Dolly Parton invited Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld onstage at the Grand Ole Opry, a Saturday live performance to show some "grand" support for both Donald Rumsfeld himself and the American Military. Watched by members of the U.S. military on television via satellite from Iraq, the audience applauded as Rumsfeld appeared and thanked the troops serving in the military. People entered the auditorium for the show were given postcards with "America supports you," printed on them, and they waved the cards and shouted their support to the troops watching on television.
Parton's Smoky Mountain 20th Anniversary
April 02, 2005 10:04:46Friday April 1, 2005, was a big day for Dolly Parton who at that day marked the 20th anniversary of her Smoky Mountain theme park by uttering goals of doubling attendance and investing $160 million into it over the next two decades. During an interview with The Associated Press the star said that the future will probably include a Dollywood resort hotel in Pigeon Forge, plus other additions and maybe even a Dollywood II or Dollywood III.
"We are just getting started, and are going to keep dreaming and continuing to grow and prove that we are one of the best theme parks in the whole wide world," Parton said on the opening ceremony. Moreover, as part of the celebration a 1982 interview was also played in which Parton told Barbara Walters she had a dream for a theme park in the Tennessee hills that would be "sort of a fantasy city ... a Smoky Mountain fairy land."
