45 single, Side A. Goldband (G-1086) (1959)
Image credit: T.o.D. at 45cat.com
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"Puppy Love" was released as Dolly's debut single on April 6, 1959, by Goldband Records. The song was written by Dolly and her uncle Bill Owens (although the original 45 single label only credits Owens), and produced by Eddie Shuler. The single was recorded in March 1959 at Goldband Recording Studio in Lake Charles, Louisiana. The single did not chart, but received minor play on local radio stations and was reviewed by Billboard and Cashbox magazines.
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Track listing
Side A
- Puppy Love (Dolly Parton, Bill Owens) 1:48
- Girl Left Alone (Dolly Parton, Bill Owens, Dorothy Jo Hope) 2:04
Background
Dolly's uncle Robert Henry Owens (later known by his stage name John Henry III) was in the Air Force and stationed in Lake Charles, Louisiana. He, along with some of his musician brothers, had found a small recording studio there. They told Dolly she needed to come make a record, but she didn't know how she'd get there since her parents wouldn't let her go alone (she was only thirteen at the time). Uncle Henry sent her the money to make the trip and Dolly talked her grandmother into going with her. They traveled by bus and when they got off in Birmingham, Alabama, they got lost and the bus left them there. They had to sleep in the bus station that night, but eventually made it to Lake Charles. Dolly recorded the single, but it only received local radio play in her hometown. Dolly and her uncle Bill Owens managed to get a guest appearance on the Grand Ole Opry on July 25, 1959, thanks to Jimmy C. Newman giving them one of his spots.
Recording
The single was recorded in March 1959 at Goldband Recording Studio in Lake Charles, Louisiana.
Dolly has re-recorded the song twice. The first, titled "Puppy Love (Billy Version)", was released in February 2024 to coincide with Dolly hosting Dolly Parton's Pet Gala on CBS. Another version of the song, recorded with several of Dolly's younger family members, was released in November 2024 on the family collaboration album, Smoky Mountain DNA: Family, Faith and Fables.
Dolly has re-recorded the song twice. The first, titled "Puppy Love (Billy Version)", was released in February 2024 to coincide with Dolly hosting Dolly Parton's Pet Gala on CBS. Another version of the song, recorded with several of Dolly's younger family members, was released in November 2024 on the family collaboration album, Smoky Mountain DNA: Family, Faith and Fables.
Audio
Critical reception
Billboard reviewed the single in their April 20, 1959 issue. They rated both sides two stars, indicating moderate sales potential. On "Puppy Love" the review said Dolly sings "with feeling," noting that "she sounds about 12 years old." "Girl Left Alone" was described as a "traditional country effort."
Cashbox reviewed the single in their April 18, 1959 issue. They gave "Puppy Love" a C+ (good) rating, describing the track as a "teen-slanted, frantic rock-a-billy opus with high pitched, nasal femme lead." The B-side, "Girl Left Alone," was given a C (fair) rating and described as "a ballad style weeper."
Cashbox reviewed the single in their April 18, 1959 issue. They gave "Puppy Love" a C+ (good) rating, describing the track as a "teen-slanted, frantic rock-a-billy opus with high pitched, nasal femme lead." The B-side, "Girl Left Alone," was given a C (fair) rating and described as "a ballad style weeper."
Billboard review, April 20, 1959.
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Cashbox review, April 18, 1959.
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Personnel
Credits are adapted from the 2009 box set, Dolly.
- Bill Owens – guitar
- Dolly Parton – lead vocals
- Eddie Shuler – producer
- Other personnel unknown