45 single, Side A. Columbia (38-73200) (1989)
Image credit: spidey2 at 45cat.com
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"He's Alive" is a single by Dolly Parton. It was released on November 6, 1989, by Columbia Records as the third single from Dolly's twenty-ninth solo studio album, White Limozeen, following her performance of the song at the CMA Awards on October 9. The song was written by Don Francisco and produced by Ricky Skaggs. Francisco originally recorded the song on his 1977 album, Forgiven. Dolly's cover peaked at number 39 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart.
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Track listing
Side A
- He's Alive (Don Francisco) 4:37
- What Is It My Love (Dolly Parton) 4:13
Live performance
Dolly's performance from the 1989 CMA Awards served as the single's music video.
Critical reception
The single was reviewed in the December 9, 1989 issue of Billboard magazine. The review said, "Parton recreates her stunning performance of the song that stopped the CMA Awards show. Her fragile, sensitive voice holds the listener until the arrival of the lavishly produced finale."
Cashbox reviewed the single in their November 18, 1989 issue. It said, "A few words, such as "phenomenal," "excellent," or "highly inspirational," could describe this new Parton release, yet it deserves even more. If you were one of the many who witnessed this year's CMA Awards telecast, you would perhaps say the highlight was the "He's Alive" performance. Who else but superstar Parton could deliver such a powerhouse tune? The song itself deserves praise, with lyrics describing in detail the resurrection of Christ. Vocally, Parton is at her outstanding best, accompanied by Nashville's Christ Church Choir, which proves to be totally miraculous as well. "He's Alive" is featured on the latest Parton project, White Limozeen. What? We haven't yet mentioned the music and production? Once again — phenomenal, excellent, and highly inspirational. Bravo, Dolly — you've outdone yourself on this one."
Cashbox reviewed the single in their November 18, 1989 issue. It said, "A few words, such as "phenomenal," "excellent," or "highly inspirational," could describe this new Parton release, yet it deserves even more. If you were one of the many who witnessed this year's CMA Awards telecast, you would perhaps say the highlight was the "He's Alive" performance. Who else but superstar Parton could deliver such a powerhouse tune? The song itself deserves praise, with lyrics describing in detail the resurrection of Christ. Vocally, Parton is at her outstanding best, accompanied by Nashville's Christ Church Choir, which proves to be totally miraculous as well. "He's Alive" is featured on the latest Parton project, White Limozeen. What? We haven't yet mentioned the music and production? Once again — phenomenal, excellent, and highly inspirational. Bravo, Dolly — you've outdone yourself on this one."
Billboard review, December 9, 1989.
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Cashbox review, November 18, 1989.
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Commercial performance
"He's Alive" debuted at number 69 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart dated December 9, 1989. It peaked at number 39 on the chart dated January 13, 1990, its sixth week on the chart. It charted for eight weeks. The single also peaked at number 40 on the Cashbox Country Singles chart and number 49 on the RPM Country Singles chart in Canada.
Personnel
Credits are adapted from the White Limozeen liner notes.
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"He's Alive"
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"What Is It My Love"
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