Album cover. RCA Victor (LSP-4398) (1971)
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Dolly Parton
The Golden Streets of Glory RCA Victor (LSP-4398) February 15, 1971 Side 1
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Letter to Heaven: Songs of Faith & Inspiration (2010) bonus tracks
11. Would You Know Him (If You Saw Him) (Dolly Parton, Dorothy Jo Hope) 2:53 12. Comin' for to Carry Me Home (Traditional, arr. by Dolly Parton) 3:02 13. Daddy Was an Old Time Preacher Man Porter Wagoner and Dolly Parton (Dolly Parton, Dorothy Jo Hope) 3:03 14. God's Coloring Book (Dolly Parton) 2:17 15. Letter to Heaven (Dolly Parton) 2:26 16. Sacred Memories (Dolly Parton) 2:43 17. The Seeker (Dolly Parton) 3:14 |
1993 CD reissue and I Believe (1997) track listing
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Recording
Recording sessions for the album took place at RCA Studio B in Nashville, Tennessee, on May 11, 12 and 13, 1970.
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May 11, 1970
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May 13, 1970
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Critical reception
The review published in the February 27, 1971 issue of Billboard said, "Sacred music is an essential part of the country field, and with this album Dolly Parton shows her knowledge of this material. Her vocals are full of sincerity and include such standards as "How Great Thou Art", "Wings of a Dove", and "I Believe"."
Cashbox published a review in the issue dated February 13, which said, "There has always been a tremendous similarity between country music and gospel music, and with this album, Dolly Parton closes the gap. Already one of the top female vocalists in her field, this new LP will practically immortalize her. It is honest, sincere, direct, and religious–all in one. "I Believe", "Yes, I See God", "Heaven's Just a Prayer Away", "Book of Life", "Lord, Hold My Hand", and "Wings of a Dove", are only a sampling of the selections that will make this new Dolly Parton album one of the all time best sellers."
AllMusic gave the album 3 out of 5 stars.
Cashbox published a review in the issue dated February 13, which said, "There has always been a tremendous similarity between country music and gospel music, and with this album, Dolly Parton closes the gap. Already one of the top female vocalists in her field, this new LP will practically immortalize her. It is honest, sincere, direct, and religious–all in one. "I Believe", "Yes, I See God", "Heaven's Just a Prayer Away", "Book of Life", "Lord, Hold My Hand", and "Wings of a Dove", are only a sampling of the selections that will make this new Dolly Parton album one of the all time best sellers."
AllMusic gave the album 3 out of 5 stars.
Billboard review, February 27, 1971.
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Cashbox review, February 13, 1971.
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Commercial performance
The album debuted at number 33 on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart dated March 13, 1971, It peaked at number 22 on the chart dated April 10, its fifth week on the chart. The album charted for a total of eight weeks.
Accolades
The album was nominated for Best Sacred Performance at the 14th Annual Grammy Awards.
Personnel
Adapted from the album liner notes and the 2009 box set Dolly.
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Reissues
The album was reissued on CD for the first time in 1993 as Golden Streets of Glory, with the track listing arranged in a different order, and again in 1997 under the title I Believe, using the 1993 track order. It was reissued again in 2010 as Letter to Heaven: Songs of Faith and Inspiration, with seven bonus tracks, including the 1971 single "Comin' for to Carry Me Home," which did not make the original album track listing, and an unreleased song from the original album sessions, "Would You Know Him (If You Saw Him)". The album was made available as a digital download on August 19, 2016.