45 single, Side A. RCA Victor (47-9369) (1967)
Image credit: fortyfivesfrank at 45cat.com
|
"The Last Thing on My Mind" is a single by Dolly Parton and Porter Wagoner. It was released on October 30, 1967, by RCA Victor as the duo's first single. It was written and originally recorded by Tom Paxton in 1964. The track was produced by Bob Ferguson. It peaked at number seven on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart. It was included on their first collaborative studio album, Just Between You and Me, in January 1968.
|
Track listing
Side A
- The Last Thing on My Mind (Tom Paxton) 2:34
- Love Is Worth Living (Dolly Parton) 2:32
Background
Porter Wagoner asked Dolly to replace Norma Jean as the "girl singer" on his television series and road show in August 1967. Dolly made her first appearance on the September 5 episode of the show. The duo made their first concert appearance on September 14, in Lebanon, Virginia. The crowd booed Dolly and chanted for Norma Jean, which led Porter to begin singing duets with Dolly on the television show. Porter was instrumental in persuading RCA Victor to sign Dolly to a recording contract. The duo had their first recording session on October 10 at RCA Studio B in Nashville. Dolly's first three sessions for RCA were limited to duets with Porter as she could not record for RCA as a solo artist until her contract with Monument expired.
Recording
Both sides of the single were recorded on October 10, 1967, at RCA Studio B in Nashville, Tennessee.
Dolly recorded a solo version of "The Last Thing on My Mind" for the 2023 compilation album, I Am a Pilgrim: Doc Watson at 100.
Dolly recorded a solo version of "The Last Thing on My Mind" for the 2023 compilation album, I Am a Pilgrim: Doc Watson at 100.
Audio
Critical reception
Billboard reviewed the single in the November 11, 1967 issue. The review said, "In the tradition of country duets, this one can't miss. Miss Parton moves over to RCA to join Wagoner and their initial outing should prove a giant. The folk-oriented ballad material has much pop potential."
Cashbox also reviewed the single in their November 11, 1967 issue, which said, "Porter Wagoner teams up with his brand new Victor-mate and TV protege Dolly Parton in a very effective updating of the contemporary folk ditty, "The Last Thing on My Mind". An appealing blending of voices makes this a good best for big chart honors."
Cashbox also reviewed the single in their November 11, 1967 issue, which said, "Porter Wagoner teams up with his brand new Victor-mate and TV protege Dolly Parton in a very effective updating of the contemporary folk ditty, "The Last Thing on My Mind". An appealing blending of voices makes this a good best for big chart honors."
Billboard review, November 11, 1967.
|
Billboard review, November 11, 1967.
|
Commercial performance
The single debuted at number 70 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart dated December 2, 1967. It peaked at number seven on the chart dated February 10, 1968, its eleventh week on the chart. It charted for 17 weeks. It also peaked at number seven on the Cashbox Country Singles chart. The single peaked at number four on the RPM Country Singles chart in Canada.
Personnel
Credits are adapted from the 2014 box set, Just Between You and Me: The Complete Recordings, 1967–1976.
|
|