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45 single, Side A. Monument (Mn45-1218) (1970)
Image credit: Dolldean66 at discogs.com
"Mathilda (I Cry and Cry for You)" is a single by John Henry III and the Country Blues. It was released on August 3, 1970, by Monument Records. The song was written by George Khoury and Huey Thierry. John Henry III is the stage name of Dolly's uncle Robert Henry Owens. The song features uncredited harmony vocals by Dolly and was produced by another of her uncles, Bill Owens. While the single did not chart, it was reviewed in Cashbox magazine.

Track listing

Side A
  • Mathilda (I Cry and Cry for You) (with uncredited harmony by Dolly Parton) (George Khoury, Huey Thierry) 2:20
Side B
  • You Just Answered the Question (Bill Owens, Louis Owens, Robert Owens) 2:14

Background

"Mathilda (I Cry and Cry for You)" was first released in early 1970 by Nashville label Music City Records. In the summer of 1970, Monument Records leased the master from Music City Records to release the single on a larger scale. The song would later be included on an EP by John Henry III released on Hillbilly Heaven Records in 1972. The single was reissued several more times in the 1970s by Samter Records in 1973, Royal American in 1976, and Country Blues Records in 1977 (this was the first version of the single to credit Dolly for her harmony vocals).

Critical reception

The single was reviewed in the August 15, 1970 issue of Cashbox. It said, "JohnHenry has come on with a fine remembrance of "Old-Time Country Blues." The song must be listened to a few times to really get into it, and when you do, you get hung on it. This should be a hit for him, and it is a good introduction to the country field."
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Cashbox review, August 15, 1970.

Personnel

Credits are adapted from the Monument single.
  • John Henry III – lead vocals
  • Bill Owens – producer
  • Dolly Parton – harmony vocals (uncredited)