Both music and media

[TC Chris]

Last night the Grand Ole Opry had a tribute to Dolly Parton. I decided to listen to it on the 1951 Magnavox that I had recapped earlier in the summer. At first I could find nothing at 650 kHz, where WSM resides. Then I reached behind and rotated the big hinged AM antenna. Bingo! I did not realize how directional that big loop was. Had a good strong signal. Bass was a bit boomy. And I miss the old-time Opry stars.

Chris Campbell

[electra225]

There are no "stars" on the Opry anymore. Roy Acuff must be rolling over in his grave. I was a fan of Dolly when she was with Porter Wagoner and after when she was on her own. Up to the Kenny Rogers recordings. Then she lost me. Kenny Rogers was a washed-up rocker, in the same vein as Conway Twitty and Jerry Lee Lewis. Kenny Rogers recorded in the "country" genre, but was never really a true country artist. Rock simply got more "rocky" so Kenny sounded sedate in comparison, like Conway Twitty. Jerry Lee actually was a better country artist than he was a rocker. Dolly's songs that everybody goes gaga over are the ones I don't like. Dolly was a better businesswoman than she was a singer in my estimation. She was a sharp lady, very likeable, didn't pick on people or make them feel bad. That I admired in her personality. I have most of the material she recorded with Porter Wagoner's band. After that, I have nary a note......

The media never paid any attention to Dolly until she passed. They should let the lady rest in peace.....

[TC Chris]

Dolly Parton embodied most of the virtues that we think of as part of our national character. She was self-made, rising by her own efforts from poverty.
She as smart and hard-working. She was focused and determined. She handled celebrity with a skill that few others did. She had talent and used it effectively. She was not self-absorbed. She seemed to have a reflexive kindness. She was generous with time, attention, and money and she did it wisely. Within the year I've seen a nice documentary on her books for kids program. The newspaper today said that 1 of every 6 kids in the country has books from her program. There was no other person as widely admired by people of every belief & persuasion--or who deserved it as much.

I lived in that end of Tennessee for a while (Sullivan County). Sevier County was not a natural jumping-off point for fame or fortune. And even by Sevier County standards, she was disadvantaged. She succeeded without succumbing to alcohol or drugs, and apparently while enjoying her trip through life.

We Americans tend to idolize sports stars and various goofy celebrities. I think people realize that she was one who deserved admiration.

Chris Campbell

[William]

I could not agree more, Chris. RIP Dolly and I hope your legacy continues.

Bill

[danrclem]

I miss the old-time Opry stars too. I went there a few times and really enjoyed myself. The sound system was good, the seats were comfortable and it was a very family friendly atmosphere. It was top notch all the way.

One time Grandpa Jones was on stage and a guy with a good set of lungs yelled out from the balcony section, "Hey Grandpa, what's for supper." Grandpa looked up and without hesitation rattled off several different foods just like he had already rehearsed it.

You got to see lots of stars, but the bad part is that each singer would only sing two songs. For some singers that was enough but for a lot of them I wanted to hear more. It's been a long time since I've been there, and I wouldn't even consider going there today.