Dolly Parton Reveals Uncertainty Over Iconic Hit: ‘Not the Kind of Hit I Wanted’

In 1977, Dolly Parton made a bold move with the release of her album Here You Come Again. This album marked her calculated transition into the pop music scene, a goal she had been working towards for some time. Despite its success, Parton expressed mixed feelings about the album’s production and the method she used to achieve her crossover.

“I knew the song was a hit, but I wasn’t sure if it was the kind of hit I wanted,” Parton admitted, according to Alanna Nash’s book Dolly. The country music icon reflected on the album’s polished sound, which she felt was a departure from her usual style. “I wouldn’t want to get labeled with this slick production because my own songs are a lot more gutsy and a lot more soulful. The album is slicker than I’ve ever heard myself, or would probably ever want to hear myself again. But it was somethin’ I purposely did.”

Here You Come Again was more polished than her previous work, a conscious decision by Parton to appeal to a broader audience. This approach proved successful, as the album quickly became her best-selling work up to that point. “We were purposely trying to get a single and an album that would cross over. And we did,” she explained. “In three weeks, the single sold more than anything else I’ve ever had out. And in two weeks, the album outsold any other album I’ve ever done.”

While Parton’s fans might have been surprised by the slicker sound, the album’s commercial success cannot be denied. It not only secured her place on the pop charts but also demonstrated her versatility as an artist. Despite her reservations about the production style, Parton’s strategic choice paid off, solidifying her status as a crossover sensation in the music industry.

This period in Parton’s career highlights her ability to navigate the complexities of the music business while staying true to her roots. Even when experimenting with different styles, she remained committed to her goal of reaching a wider audience. Her honesty about the process and the results offers a glimpse into the challenges artists face when balancing artistic integrity with commercial success.

As Dolly Parton continues to be a beloved figure in both country and pop music, her reflections on Here You Come Again serve as a reminder of the risks and rewards inherent in artistic evolution. While it may not have been the kind of hit she initially envisioned, it was undoubtedly a milestone that contributed to her enduring legacy.