One of twelve children from an impoverished childhood in Tennessee's Smoky Mountains, Dolly Parton would become an enduring voice, a gifted songwriter, and an iconic vision of country culture. Rooted in traditional country but just as enamored with pop, folk, and honky-tonk, she would pull off one of the most successful crossovers ever. Discovered when she was 12, while performing on Knoxville television, she was quickly signed and soon performing on the Grand Old Opry. The combination of a clear, accurate voice that could be tremulous with passion while exuding a childlike tenderness, the ability to craft emotionally engaging songs and her sheer drive and determination would culminate into dozens of albums and a string of chart topping singles, eventually earning her seven Grammy Awards. In 1977, Dolly Parton was still in the process of becoming a household name. With a number of country hits and a moderately successful television variety show behind her, she was making the transition to world-class performer and her chart-topping hit single, "Here You Go Again," released that year, would begin taking her where she wanted to go. Recorded for the popular Live At The Bottom Line radio concert series, this 1977 recording captures a truly pivotal moment in Parton's career. This three-night run at the intimate Bottom Line would mark Parton's first ever concerts in New York City. Now working with a pop/rock savvy band, Gypsy Fever, Parton was consciously breaking through the barriers of the country music industry on her own terms, paving the way for countless others to follow. By the time this performance was recorded on the final night of her New York City debut, this show had become the hottest ticket in town and the Bottom Line was deluged with celebrity ticket requests, including from other iconic songwriters like Bruce Springsteen and Mick Jagger, who both attended this show. Despite the high profile pressure, Parton was extremely comfortable with her audience and any apprehension she had coming into the Big Apple was long gone. Speaking as if she was performing to family and friends in her own living room, Parton tells the audience about everythingwho inspired each song; the fact that she went that afternoon to friend Lily Tomlin's one-woman Broadway show; and that she took the time to buy new shoes while in Manhattan. "They told me people in New York City don't like country music," Parton exclaims early on in the show, "and you people LOVE country, dontcha?" From the very moment Dolly hits the Bottom Line stage, her undeniable magnetism propels her forward, but her music is the real selling point to this show. The set begins with Dolly's band, Gypsy Lights, tearing into a country/pop hybrid arrangement of the Jackie Wilson classic, "Higher & Higher," (which had been a Top 10 hit just the year before for Rita Coolidge). Dolly initially struts around backstage as the band builds up to her cue, at which point she leaps onto the stage in her
| | Dolly Parton concert at Bottom Line on 14 May 77 |  | 9.98 |  |