Album cover. RCA Victor (APL1-0033) (1973)
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Dolly Parton
My Tennessee Mountain Home RCA Victor (APL1-0033) April 2, 1973 Side A
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2007 CD reissue bonus track
12. Sacred Memories* (Dolly Parton) 2:42 |
*Originally released on the 1974 album Love Is Like a Butterfly. Recorded September 1, 1972.
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Recording
Recording sessions for the album began at RCA Studio B on September 1, 1972. Three additional sessions followed on September 5, October 2 and 3.
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September 1, 1972
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October 2, 1972
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Content
Largely a concept album about her childhood in rural East Tennessee, the album begins with a recitation of the first letter Dolly wrote to her parents shortly after moving from her hometown of Sevierville, Tennessee to Nashville in 1964. Most of the songs are fond reminiscences of her youth and family, though in one song, "In the Good Old Days (When Times Were Bad)", she candidly admits that though she is grateful for the lessons the poverty of her childhood taught her, she is in no hurry to repeat the experience. The final cut on the album, "Down on Music Row", recounts her first days on Nashville's Music Row, trying to get a record deal, and thanking those who helped her along the way, making specific mention of Chet Atkins and RCA's Bob Ferguson.
"In the Good Old Days (When Times Were Bad)" was previously recorded and released on Dolly's 1969 album of the same name.
"In the Good Old Days (When Times Were Bad)" was previously recorded and released on Dolly's 1969 album of the same name.
Release and promotion
The album was released April 2, 1973, on LP, cassette, and 8-track.
Singles
The album's single and title track, "My Tennessee Mountain Home", was released on December 4, 1972. It debuted at number 57 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart dated January 6, 1973. It peaked at number 15 on the chart dated March 10, its tenth week on the chart. The single charted for 13 weeks. The single peaked at number 10 in Canada on the RPM Country Singles chart.
Critical reception
In a positive review of the album, Billboard said, "This is an autobiography, from start to finish. Telling musically what has happened in Dolly's life, her relationships with her family and friends, her career, etc. A little out of the ordinary and her devotees will love it. It even has liner notes by her parents, and a picture of her early home." They named "In the Good Old Days (When Times Were Bad)", "My Tennessee Mountain Home", and "Down on Music Row" as the best cuts on the album.
Stephen Thomas Erlewine of AllMusic have the album 3 out of 5 stars. He felt that it is "one of the rootsiest records" of Dolly's career. He praised the album's sound, calling it "a direct and moving slice of mountain music that isn't dressed up in cosmopolitan production."
Stephen Thomas Erlewine of AllMusic have the album 3 out of 5 stars. He felt that it is "one of the rootsiest records" of Dolly's career. He praised the album's sound, calling it "a direct and moving slice of mountain music that isn't dressed up in cosmopolitan production."
Billboard review, April 14, 1973.
Commercial performance
The album debuted at number 39 on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart dated April 21, 1973. It peaked at number 19 on the chart dated June 2, its seventh week on the chart. The album charted for 10 weeks.
Personnel
Adapted from the album liner notes.
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Reissues
The album was reissued on CD and as a digital download on April 3, 2007 with on bonus track from the album sessions, "Sacred Memories". In 2010, Sony Music reissued the 2007 CD in a triple-feature set with 1971's Coat of Many Colors and 1974's Jolene.