Can You Name the First 10 Songs Dolly Parton Released? Don’t Worry if You Can’t—We’ve Got the List!

Dolly Parton is a living legend whose career spans more than five decades, and her influence on country music is undeniable. With a prolific songwriting career and a unique voice, she’s captivated audiences worldwide. But do you know the first 10 songs that launched Dolly’s rise to stardom? While many fans are familiar with her hits like “Jolene” and “9 to 5,” only the most devoted Dolly enthusiasts might know the earliest gems in her catalog. Don’t worry if you can’t name them—we’ve got you covered! Here’s a look back at the first 10 songs Dolly Parton ever released.

1. “Puppy Love” (1959)

At just 13 years old, Dolly made her first recording debut with the youthful and catchy “Puppy Love.” Released under Goldband Records, this song introduced Dolly to the world as a budding talent. Though it wasn’t a commercial hit, it was the spark that ignited her long and illustrious career.

2. “Girl Left Alone” (1964)

Dolly’s second single, “Girl Left Alone,” was a country ballad that reflected her ability to convey deep emotions through music. Written by Parton, her uncle Bill Owens, and Louis Owens, it became an early testament to her songwriting abilities.

3. “It’s Sure Gonna Hurt” (1965)

Released in 1965, “It’s Sure Gonna Hurt” came from Dolly’s work with Monument Records. This upbeat track showcased her range and versatility early on, setting the stage for future hits.

4. “The Love You Gave” (1965)

Also released in 1965, “The Love You Gave” was another of Dolly’s singles with Monument Records. This tune gave fans a glimpse of her evolving musical style as she navigated the shift from country to pop influences.

5. “Happy, Happy Birthday Baby” (1965)

Dolly’s third single of 1965 was “Happy, Happy Birthday Baby,” a cover of The Tune Weavers’ classic. Though it didn’t make waves on the charts, it marked a point in Dolly’s early career where she was experimenting with different musical styles.

6. “Busy Signal” (1966)

In 1966, Dolly released “Busy Signal,” an upbeat tune about missed connections. This track exemplified Dolly’s knack for storytelling, with a narrative many listeners could relate to.

7. “Don’t Drop Out” (1966)

An interesting shift toward a more pop-oriented sound, “Don’t Drop Out” was one of Dolly’s early attempts to break into the pop scene. With a catchy, radio-friendly beat, it’s a reminder of Dolly’s versatility across genres.

8. “I Wasted My Tears” (1966)

Dolly’s 1966 single “I Wasted My Tears” took her back to her country roots with an emotional ballad about heartbreak. This song foreshadowed the many soul-stirring ballads that would later define her career.

9. “Dumb Blonde” (1967)

One of Dolly’s first significant chart successes, “Dumb Blonde,” was released in 1967 and became a standout hit. Written by Curly Putman, the song’s title may be deceiving, as it carried a message of empowerment, showing that Dolly was anything but the stereotypical “dumb blonde.”

10. “Something Fishy” (1967)

Rounding out the list is “Something Fishy,” another hit from 1967. This playful and clever tune gave audiences a taste of Dolly’s humorous side and helped cement her place in country music.

A Look Back at Dolly’s Early Career

From the tender age of 13, Dolly was destined for greatness. Her first 10 releases capture the evolution of a young artist experimenting with various styles and genres, from country ballads to pop-infused tunes. While some of these tracks didn’t gain commercial success, they laid the groundwork for the global sensation Dolly would soon become.

Each of these early songs has its own charm, and together they paint a portrait of an artist who was always meant for stardom. Whether you’re a die-hard Dolly fan or just learning about her legendary career, revisiting these first 10 songs is a must for understanding how she became the icon we know today.