Dolly Parton’s Most Cherished Album: The Untold Story of Her Personal Favorite

In the annals of country music, few figures shine as brightly as Dolly Parton. Her prolific career, marked by numerous hits and a distinctive voice, has earned her a place in the hearts of millions. Among her vast discography, one album stands out as particularly special to her: New Harvest… First Gathering, released in 1977. This album, the first she ever self-produced, holds a unique place in her heart, and its story is a testament to her artistic vision and personal growth.

Stepping Out on Her Own

The release of New Harvest… First Gathering was a milestone for Parton. After years of collaboration with Porter Wagoner, both on his show and with him as her producer, Parton made the bold decision to produce her own album. The experience, as she recounted in Alanna Nash’s book Dolly, was profoundly significant.

“Even if it doesn’t sell a nickel’s worth, it will always be my special album, because it was the first time in my whole life I got to do something totally on my own,” she shared. The album marked a crucial turning point in her career, symbolizing her break from Wagoner and her family band. Though the decision was painful, it was necessary for her artistic freedom.

“I didn’t feel the people I was involved with were dreamin’ as big as I was,” she explained. “In certain areas, I was workin’ under pressure. It broke my heart to have to relieve several people, but I had to do it. This is by far the best thing I’ve ever done. It was the first chance I had to have total musical freedom and self-expression — the first time I’ve ever produced anything.”

An Album of Pure Love

Parton’s affection for New Harvest… First Gathering stems from its departure from her previous works. “It’s the first thing I’ve done of this nature, and it’s not the only kind of thing I’m ever gonna be doin’,” she said. The album allowed her to explore new musical landscapes and production styles, which brought her immense satisfaction.

While she acknowledged that she might return to simpler albums in the future, the pride she felt for this album was unmistakable. “It’s one of the greatest, most fulfillin’ things of my life,” she stated. “There was just so much joy in it. It’s an album of pure old love, as far as I’m concerned.”

Breaking Free from Creative Constraints

The joy of self-producing an album was particularly poignant for Parton, who had felt creatively stifled in her previous collaborations. Her professional split from Wagoner was fraught with public tension, but Parton clarified that her departure was driven by her unfulfilled creative ambitions.

“Me and Porter fought all the time. We’ve fought for years,” she revealed. “I tried to tell him what I was trying to do. I tried to tell him my dreams and plans, but it was too touchy a thing. I had to go because we couldn’t share it together because he wouldn’t accept it … I have my own kind of respect and admiration for him. But he knows better than to make it sound like I just left, that he didn’t know why. My dreams were so big that they were turning into nightmares because I didn’t have anyone to help me carry them out.”

A Legacy of Artistic Independence

New Harvest… First Gathering stands as a beacon of Parton’s artistic independence and her relentless pursuit of creative freedom. The album not only marked her successful crossover to the pop charts but also solidified her status as a self-reliant artist unafraid to dream big. For Parton, it wasn’t just about commercial success; it was about taking control of her musical destiny and creating something that was entirely her own. This album remains a testament to her enduring spirit and unwavering commitment to her craft.