Album cover. RCA Victor (LSP-4499) (1970)
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Dolly Parton
The Best of Dolly Parton RCA Victor (LSP-4499) November 9, 1970 Side 1
*Previously unreleased. |
Recording
Two previously unreleased songs were included on the album. "Mule Skinner Blues (Blue Yodel No. 8)" was the only song recorded at the May 4, 1970 session at RCA Studio B in Nashville. "How Great Thou Art" was recorded on May 12, 1970, during the second of three sessions for what would be Doll's 1971 album The Golden Streets of Glory.
Release and promotion
The album was released November 9, 1970, on LP.
Singles
The album's single, "Mule Skinner Blues (Blue Yodel No. 8)", was released in June 1970. It debuted at number 60 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart dated July 4, 1970. It peaked at number three on the chart dated August 29, its ninth week on the chart. It charted for a total of 16 weeks. The single also peaked at number four in Canada on the RPM Country Singles chart.
Critical reception
The review published in the November 21, 1970 issue of Billboard said, "This LP teams with big hits, including "Mule Skinner Blues", "In the Good Old Days (When Times Were Bad)", and "Just Because I'm a Woman". Every tune is packed with that special emotion only Dolly Parton can render in a song. "Down from Dover" is a real tearjerker."
Cashbox published a review in the November 14, 1970 issue which said, "It becomes difficult to choose the selections for a best hits album for Dolly, because almost everything she's recorded has been a hit! Nevertheless, this new album is just a small sampling of the enormous talent she has. "Mule Skinner Blues", "Down from Dover", "Gypsy, Joe and Me", "In the Ghetto", "Just Because I'm a Woman", "How Great Thou Art," and "Just the Way I Am" are included."
AllMusic gave the album 4.5 out of 5 stars.
Cashbox published a review in the November 14, 1970 issue which said, "It becomes difficult to choose the selections for a best hits album for Dolly, because almost everything she's recorded has been a hit! Nevertheless, this new album is just a small sampling of the enormous talent she has. "Mule Skinner Blues", "Down from Dover", "Gypsy, Joe and Me", "In the Ghetto", "Just Because I'm a Woman", "How Great Thou Art," and "Just the Way I Am" are included."
AllMusic gave the album 4.5 out of 5 stars.
Billboard review, November 21, 1970.
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Cashbox review, November 14, 1970.
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Commercial performance
The album debuted at number 44 on the Billboard Top Country Albums charted dated December 4, 1970. It peaked at number 12 on the chart dated February 6, 1971, its tenth week on the chart. The album charted for a total of 21 weeks.
Accolades
Dolly earned her first solo Grammy nomination for "Mule Skinner Blues (Blue Yodel No. 8)". It was nominated for Best Female Country Vocal Performance at the 13th Annual Grammy Awards.
Personnel
Adapted from the album liner notes and RCA recording session records.
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