45 single, Side A. RCA (PB-11705) (1979)
Image credit: spidey2 at 45cat.com
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"Great Balls of Fire" / "Sweet Summer Lovin'" is a double A-side single by Dolly Parton. It was released on August 6, 1979, by RCA Records as the second and third single from Dolly's twenty-first solo studio album, Great Balls of Fire. "Great Balls of Fire" , written by Otis Blackwell and Jack Hammer, was sent to pop radio, while "Sweet Summer Lovin'", written by Blaise Tosti, was sent to country radio. "Sweet Summer Lovin'" peaked at number one on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart, becoming Dolly's twelfth song to top the chart. "Great Balls of Fire" was originally recorded by Jerry Lee Lewis who took the song to number two on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1957.
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Track listing
Original 45 single
Side A
German 45 single
Side A
UK 45 single
Side A
Side A
- Great Balls of Fire (Otis Blackwell, Jack Hammer) 3:33
- Sweet Summer Lovin' (Blaise Tosti) 3:17
German 45 single
Side A
- Great Balls of Fire (Otis Blackwell, Jack Hammer) 3:51
- Down (Dolly Parton) 3:35
UK 45 single
Side A
- Great Balls of Fire (Otis Blackwell, Jack Hammer) 3:51
- Do You Think That Time Stands Still (Dolly Parton) 3:56
Promotional videos
Promotional videos were filmed for both tracks. "Great Balls of Fire" features Dolly performing the song in a white dress against a black backdrop with purple and pink lights surrounding her. "Sweet Summer Lovin'" shows Dolly performing in a peach colored dress while sitting in a gazebo. "Down" was issued as the single's B-side in Germany and its video depicts Dolly performing the song in a white dress against a gray backdrop surrounded by pink flowers.
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Critical reception
"Sweet Summer Lovin'" was reviewed in the August 18, 1979 issue of Billboard magazine. The review said, "Hotter than ever, Dolly continues her streak with a sweet summer sound. Flowing production includes banjo and flutes with an uptempo beat. Lilting vocal highlights the track." Billboard did not formally review "Great Balls of Fire", but it was included in the "recommended" section of the Top Single Picks in the August 25, 1979 issue.
Cashbox reviewed both sides of the single in their August 18, 1979 issue. The review said, "Dolly Parton's talent continues to flow unabated, and this double-sided single is suited for any radio format. The energy of "Great Balls of Fire" should burn up pop radio. "Sweet Summer Lovin'" is smooth, silky, and made for country and MOR stations, although it will probably generate pop play also."
Cashbox reviewed both sides of the single in their August 18, 1979 issue. The review said, "Dolly Parton's talent continues to flow unabated, and this double-sided single is suited for any radio format. The energy of "Great Balls of Fire" should burn up pop radio. "Sweet Summer Lovin'" is smooth, silky, and made for country and MOR stations, although it will probably generate pop play also."
Billboard review, August 18, 1979.
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Cashbox review, August 18, 1979.
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Commercial performance
"Great Balls of Fire" was aimed at pop radio and failed to chart on its own. Its only chart appearance was on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart, where it charted as the flip-side of "Sweet Summer Lovin".
"Sweet Summer Lovin'" was released to country radio and debuted at number 46 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart dated September 1, 1979. It peaked at number seven on the chart dated October 27, its ninth week on the chart. It charted for 13 weeks. "Sweet Summer Lovin'" also peaked at number 47 on the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart and number 77 on the Billboard Hot 100. It also peaked at number nine on the Cashbox Country Singles chart. It was a hit in Canada as well, peaking at number six on the RPM Country Singles chart and number eight on the RPM Adult Contemporary chart.
"Sweet Summer Lovin'" was released to country radio and debuted at number 46 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart dated September 1, 1979. It peaked at number seven on the chart dated October 27, its ninth week on the chart. It charted for 13 weeks. "Sweet Summer Lovin'" also peaked at number 47 on the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart and number 77 on the Billboard Hot 100. It also peaked at number nine on the Cashbox Country Singles chart. It was a hit in Canada as well, peaking at number six on the RPM Country Singles chart and number eight on the RPM Adult Contemporary chart.
Personnel
The Great Balls of Fire liner notes do not give credits for individual songs. To view credits for the album as a whole please visit the album's page.
