Album cover. RCA Victor (APL1-0646) (1974)
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Porter Wagoner and Dolly Parton
Porter 'n' Dolly RCA Victor (APL1-0646) August 19, 1974 Side A
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Recording
Recording sessions for the album took place on May 23 and 24, 1974, at RCA Studio B in Nashville, Tennessee. These two sessions produced eight of the album's ten tracks. The two other tracks were recorded during sessions for previous albums. "Sounds of Nature" was recorded during a September 30, 1971 session for the 1972 album The Right Combination • Burning the Midnight Oil and "Together You and I" was recorded during a May 2, 1972 session for the 1972 album Together Always.
Dolly would later re-record two songs from this album. She re-recorded "The Fire That Keeps You Warm" for her 1976 album All I Can Do and "Together You and I" for her 2011 album Better Day.
Dolly would later re-record two songs from this album. She re-recorded "The Fire That Keeps You Warm" for her 1976 album All I Can Do and "Together You and I" for her 2011 album Better Day.
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September 30, 1971
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May 24, 1974
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Release and promotion
The album was released August 19, 1974, on LP, cassette, and 8-track.
Singles
"Please Don't Stop Loving Me" was released as the album's single on July 15, 1974. It debuted at number 98 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart dated August 3. It peaked at number one on the chart dated October 12, its eleventh week on the chart. It was Porter and Dolly's only song to top the chart. The single charted for 17 weeks. It was less successful in Canada where it peaked at number 45 on the RPM Country Singles chart.
Critical reception
Billboard gave a positive review of the album, noting that all of the album's tracks were written by Wagoner and Parton. They continued by saying the album contains "some nice ballads, some up-tempo, but [they are] all good listening." The review indicated "We'd Have to Be Crazy", "Two", and "The Power of Love" as the best cuts on the album. The review concluded with a note to record dealers that the album's "portrait cover will enhance display."
In another positive review, Cashbox said, "Although Porter and Dolly have each assumed their own artistic identities as far as live performing, they are still recording together. This new LP features some excellent material and the inimitable duo are sounding better than ever. The LP is a sparkling collection and Porter and Dolly have always stood as an exceptional duo on the country music scene. "Please Don't Stop Loving Me" is an up-tempo ditty that professes that they need each other. "The Fire That Keeps You Warm" is a heart warming tune that tells of true love."
In another positive review, Cashbox said, "Although Porter and Dolly have each assumed their own artistic identities as far as live performing, they are still recording together. This new LP features some excellent material and the inimitable duo are sounding better than ever. The LP is a sparkling collection and Porter and Dolly have always stood as an exceptional duo on the country music scene. "Please Don't Stop Loving Me" is an up-tempo ditty that professes that they need each other. "The Fire That Keeps You Warm" is a heart warming tune that tells of true love."
Billboard review, August 31, 1974.
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Cashbox review, August 24, 1974.
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Commercial performance
The album debuted at number 49 on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart dated September 14, 1974. It peaked at number eight on the chart dated October 26, its seventh week on the chart. It remained at that position for a second week and charted for 25 weeks.
Personnel
Adapted from the album liner notes and RCA recording session records.
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Reissues
The album was included in the 2014 box set Just Between You and Me: The Complete Recordings, 1967–1976. The album was made available as a digital download on September 28, 2018. It was reissued by BGO Records in 2020 on a two CD set with We Found It, Say Forever You'll Be Mine, and Porter & Dolly.