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Album cover. RCA Victor (LSP-4387) (1970)
A Real Live Dolly is the first live album by Dolly Parton. It was released on June 29, 1970, by RCA Victor. The album was produced by Bob Ferguson. It was recorded on April 25, 1970, at Sevier County High School, which Dolly had graduated from in May 1964. It peaked at number 32 on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart.

Track listing

Side 1
  1. Introduction by Cas Walker / Wabash Cannon Ball (A.P. Carter) 1:29
  2. You Gotta Be My Baby (George Jones) 1:07
  3. Tall Man (Billy Strange, Juan Esquivel) 1:13
  4. Medley: Dumb Blonde (Curly Putman) / Something Fishy (Dolly Parton) / Put It Off Until Tomorrow (Dolly Parton, Bill Owens) 3:05
  5. My Blue Ridge Mountain Boy (Dolly Parton) 3:30
  6. You All Come (Y'all Come) (Arlie Duff) 1:58
  7. Bloody Bones (A Story for Kids) (Dolly Parton) 2:40
Side 2
  1. Don Howser Makes a Presentation 2:02
  2. Comedy by Speck Rhodes 2:25
  3. Run That by Me One More Time (duet with Porter Wagoner) (Dolly Parton) 2:27
  4. Jeannie's Afraid of the Dark (duet with Porter Wagoner) (Dolly Parton) 2:29
  5. Tomorrow Is Forever (duet with Porter Wagoner) (Dolly Parton) 2:22
  6. Two Sides to Every Story (duet with Porter Wagoner) (Dolly Parton, Bill Owens) 1:35
  7. How Great Thou Art (Stuart K. Hine) 3:29​
2009 CD reissue and digital download bonus tracks​
​      15.    Just Because I'm a Woman* (Dolly Parton) 3:33
      16.   Daddy Come and Get Me** (Dolly Parton) 3:19
      17.    He's a Go Getter** (Dolly Parton) 2:02
      18.   Coat of Many Colors* (Dolly Parton) 3:20

​* Previously released on the 2003 CD reissue of Just Because I'm a Woman.
** Previously unreleased.

Background

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Cashbox, May 9, 1970.
The initial announcement regarding the production of a live album appeared in the February 28, 1970 edition of Billboard. The publication highlighted that April 25 would mark the second annual Dolly Parton Day in her hometown, during which she would perform a benefit concert at her former high school. The purpose of this event was to raise funds for a scholarship program and to acquire musical instruments for the students. Additionally, it was revealed that RCA intended to record the concert for the live album. The article further noted that two busloads of artists were scheduled to travel from Nashville to Sevierville to participate in the benefit event.

Recording

The album was recorded on April 25, 1970, at Dolly's high school alma mater, Sevier County High School in Sevierville, Tennessee. Eight songs performed that day were cut from the album's release: "Just Because I'm a Woman", "In the Good Old Days (When Times Were Bad)", "Daddy Come and Get Me", "He's a Go-Getter, "Just the Way I Am", "Coat of Many Colors", "Chicken Every Sunday", and a reprise of "Tall Man". Two of these unused tracks would be released as bonus tracks on the 2003 reissue of Just Because I'm a Woman ("Just Because I'm a Woman" and "Coat of Many Colors"). Those two tracks plus two additional songs were added to the 2009 reissue of A Real Live Dolly ("Daddy Come and Get Me" and "He's a Go-Getter"). The performance of "Coat of Many Colors" recorded at this show was Dolly's first public performance of the song.

Release and promotion

​The album was released June 29, 1970, on LP, cassette, and 8-track.

Critical reception

​The review published in the July 11, 1970 issue of Billboard said, "This package has a very homey quality. Dolly is recorded live, doing a show in her home town. Special guest is Porter Wagoner, and together they do several of their noted duets. The tunes include "Wabash Cannonball", "Two Sides to Every Story" and "How Great Thou Art". This disk is headed for big sales."

Cashbox also published a review in their July 11 issue, which said, "Dolly Parton went back to her home in Sevier County, Tennessee, recently to be feted by the local folk, to establish a Dolly Parton Scholarship Foundation and to record this album at her alma mater, Sevier County High School, whose students will receive the scholarships. Her many devotees will want to own the set, which features Porter Wagoner in four duets with the songstress. Look for big action on this one."

Record World gave a positive review of the album, saying that "Dolly's a dilly with the hometown Sevierville, Tennessee, crowd.

AllMusic rated the album 4.5 out of 5 stars.
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Billboard review, July 11, 1970.
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Cashbox review, July 11, 1970.

Commercial performance

​The album debuted at number 34 on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart dated August 8, 1970. It would peak the following week at number 32. The album spent four weeks on the chart. It debuted and peaked at number 154 on the Billboard  200, where it remained for two weeks.

Personnel

Credits are adapted from the original album liner notes and the 2009 CD reissue.
  • Joe Babcock – background vocals
  • Terry Blackwell – guitar
  • James Buchanan – fiddle
  • Jack Drake – guitar
  • Pete Drake – steel guitar
  • Bobby Dyson – bass
  • Dolores Edgin - background vocals
  • Bob Ferguson – producer
  • D.J. Fontana – drums
  • Johnny Gimble – fiddle
  • Edward Howard – guitar
  • Don Howser – presenter
  • Dave Kirby – guitar
  • Les Leverett – photography
  • Mack Magaha – fiddle
  • George McCormick – guitar
  • Al Pachucki – recording engineer
  • June Page – background vocals
  • Dolly Parton – lead vocals, guitar
  • Speck Rhodes – performer
  • Hargus "Pig" Robbins – piano
  • Dale Sellers – guitar
  • Roy Shockley – recording technician
  • Buck Trent – banjo, guitar
  • Hugh "Skip" Trotter – liner notes
  • Bill Vandevort – recording technician
  • Porter Wagoner – duet vocals
  • Cas Walker – introduction