Description
Dolly Parton – Coat Of Many Colors – 180 Gram Rainbow Splatter Vinyl Record
Vinyl Me, Please
50th annivererary edition of Dolly’s breakout solo album
(AAA) Laquers cut from tapes by Ryan Smith, Sterling Sound. Plated at Welcome to 1979
Pressed on exclusive 180g rainbow splatter vinyl
Listening notes booklet by Amileah Sutliff
Brand new, never played and still in the factory plastic
Dolly Parton’s Coat of Many Colors (1971) is one of her most iconic and beloved albums, and it remains a cornerstone in the genre of country music. The album is both deeply personal and universally relatable, with its title track, “Coat of Many Colors,” standing out as one of Parton’s signature songs. The album showcases Parton’s remarkable storytelling ability and her fusion of traditional country, Appalachian folk, and bluegrass with heartfelt, emotionally resonant lyrics. Released during her early solo career, the album solidified Parton’s position as a country music legend.
The album blends traditional country sounds with elements of Appalachian folk music, reflecting Parton’s rural upbringing in the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee. Instrumentally, it features the hallmarks of classic country music, including acoustic guitar, fiddle, steel guitar, and banjo, giving the songs a timeless, authentic feel. Parton’s unique voice, which is both tender and powerful, carries the emotional weight of each song. Her vocals are clear and warm, full of the sincerity and emotional depth that define her style.
Key Tracks
“Coat of Many Colors”: The title track is the emotional centerpiece of the album and one of Parton’s most famous songs. It tells the story of her mother sewing her a coat from scraps of fabric, with the young Dolly wearing it proudly despite being teased by her schoolmates. The song is a touching reflection on poverty, family love, and self-worth, and it became an anthem for resilience and pride in the face of hardship. Its simple, heartfelt storytelling and folk-inspired melody have made it a timeless classic.
“Traveling Man”: This lively, upbeat track tells the story of a love triangle, where the protagonist’s mother runs off with her love interest, the “traveling man.” The song’s clever, humorous lyrics and catchy melody show Parton’s storytelling skills and her ability to infuse humor into her music.
“My Blue Tears”: This song showcases Parton’s more melancholic side, featuring a mournful melody and lyrics about heartache and loss. Its haunting harmonies and traditional country instrumentation highlight her Appalachian roots.
“Here I Am”: A soulful, gospel-influenced track, “Here I Am” is a declaration of resilience and faith. The song’s heartfelt lyrics and uplifting melody demonstrate Parton’s ability to write inspiring, empowering songs.
“Early Morning Breeze”: One of the more poetic tracks on the album, this song reflects Parton’s connection to nature. Its gentle melody and imagery evoke the peacefulness of an early morning in the mountains, creating a sense of serenity and introspection.
The title track, “Coat of Many Colors,” touches on childhood poverty, but it’s not a song about material hardship; instead, it emphasizes the wealth of love and family values that money can’t buy. Parton’s lyrics focus on the love her mother put into making the coat and how that love made the coat more valuable than the wealthiest clothing. Several songs, like “My Blue Tears” and “She Never Met a Man (She Didn’t Like),” explore themes of heartbreak and emotional pain, reflecting Parton’s ability to connect with universal experiences of loss.
Many tracks, particularly “Here I Am,” reflect a theme of inner strength and resilience. Parton’s lyrics often convey messages of empowerment, particularly for women, celebrating their ability to endure hardship and find inner peace. Songs like “Early Morning Breeze” evoke the beauty and simplicity of nature, showcasing Parton’s connection to the land and the natural world, which are recurring themes in her work.
The album was produced by Bob Ferguson, who had worked with other country legends like Porter Wagoner and Conway Twitty. The production on Coat of Many Colors is minimalist and authentic, allowing Parton’s vocals and the acoustic instruments to take center stage. The arrangements are straightforward, focusing on traditional country instruments like steel guitar, banjo, and fiddle. The sound is intimate and warm, reflecting the personal nature of the songs. The simplicity of the production highlights the emotional depth of Parton’s storytelling and enhances the album’s timeless quality.
Upon its release, Coat of Many Colors was met with widespread critical acclaim. Critics praised Parton’s songwriting and her ability to blend personal, autobiographical elements with universal themes. The album reached No. 7 on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart, and the title track became one of her most successful singles. Over time, Coat of Many Colors has become regarded as one of the greatest country albums of all time. The title track, in particular, is seen as one of Parton’s most enduring songs, often included in lists of the best country songs ever written.
The album’s themes of poverty, resilience, and family love have resonated with generations of listeners, and its influence can be seen in the work of countless country and folk artists who followed in Parton’s footsteps.
Coat of Many Colors has become a central part of Parton’s public persona, embodying her own story of rising from humble beginnings to international fame. The song was adapted into a television movie in 2015, further cementing its place in American cultural history. The album’s themes of empowerment, poverty, and self-worth have had a lasting impact on country music, influencing generations of artists who explore similar themes in their work. Parton’s autobiographical storytelling style has inspired a wide range of artists in country, folk, and pop music. Dolly Parton herself has often cited Coat of Many Colors as one of her favorite and most personal albums, and it has remained a fan favorite throughout her career.
Coat of Many Colors stands as one of Dolly Parton’s most significant albums, showcasing her unmatched ability to blend personal storytelling with universal themes. With its themes of family, resilience, and heartache, the album captures the essence of Parton’s songwriting style—intimate, authentic, and emotionally powerful. The title track, in particular, has become an enduring symbol of Parton’s legacy, and the album as a whole remains a touchstone for country music fans and artists alike. For those looking to understand the depth and impact of Dolly Parton’s music, Coat of Many Colors is an essential listen.
Track Listing
Coat Of Many Colors
Traveling Man
My Blue Tears
If I Lose My Mind
The Mystery Of The Mystery
She Never Met A Man (She Didn’t Like)
Early Morning Breeze
The Way I See You
Here I Am
A Better Place To Live
