Dolly Parton's America Podcast: all episodes' AI transcripts and summaries

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Podcast: Dolly Parton's America

Description: In this intensely divided moment, one of the few things everyone still seems to agree on is Dolly Parton—but why? That simple question leads to a deeply personal, historical, and musical rethinking of one of America’s great icons. Join us for a 9-episode journey into the Dollyverse. Hosted by Jad Abumrad. Produced and reported by Shima Oliaee. Dolly Parton’s America is a production from OSM Audio and WNYC Studios.

Category: Music Society & Culture

All Episodes

The Vanishing of Harry Pace Trailer from the Creators of Dolly Parton's America with full AI transcript and summary

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Update: 2021-07-07
Duration: 00:02:07
Summary: 'The Vanishing of Harry Pace' is a new podcast series by Jad Abumrad and Shima Oliaee, exploring the life of Harry Pace, founder of Black

Swan Records. Similar to 'Dolly Parton's America,' this series delves into the cultural history and identity themes tied to Pace's significant yet overlooked impact on music and American society. The narrative unfolds like a complex mystery, revealing hidden family secrets and the profound influence of Pace on artists like Ethel Waters and Louis Armstrong, as well as his role in desegregation efforts in Chicago. Tune in as this compelling tale of an enigmatic figure who changed America is revealed over six episodes.

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Shownotes: Hi, Dolly Parton's America fans! We're sharing a new trailer for our new 6-part series The Vanishing of Harry Pace -from the creators of Dolly

Parton's America, Jad Abumrad and Shima Oliaee - now premiering at Radiolab. It was Motown before Motown, FUBU before FUBU: Black Swan Records. The label founded 100 years ago by Harry Pace. Pace launched the career of Ethel Waters, Louis Armstrong, inadvertently invented the term rock n roll, played an important role in W.C. Handy becoming "Father of the Blues," inspired Ebony and Jet magazines, and helped desegregate the South Side of Chicago in an epic Supreme Court battle. Then, he disappeared. The Vanishing of Harry Pace is a series about the phenomenal but forgotten man who changed America. It's a story about betrayal, family, hidden identities, and a time like no other. To listen to the the new series, search "The Vanishing of Harry Pace" and "Radiolab," wherever you get your podcasts.

She's Alive! with full AI transcript and summary

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Update: 2020-01-01
Duration: 00:26:37
Summary: In this episode, Dolly Parton recounts a transformative story of her faith experienced in an abandoned church adorned with X-rated graffiti. She emphasizes the difference

between being spiritual and religious, reflecting on her deep connection between creativity and faith. Dolly hopes her voice and music will continue to resonate through future generations, acknowledging her regrets while highlighting the importance of personal salvation and internal peace. The episode ultimately showcases her belief in a greater divine plan and the desire for her legacy to inspire others long after her passing.

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Shownotes: As Dolly will tell you, so much of who she is - her creativity, her music, her stance on life - emanates from her faith,

but what exactly is that faith? The answer is deeply surprising. In this episode, Dolly tells a story of finding God in an abandoned church filled with X-rated graffiti. And she speaks of her plans for how she'll be remembered after she’s gone—how her voice will live on for the next 50, 100, 200 years.

Traveling Creatures: live music from the series with full AI transcript and summary

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Update: 2019-12-25
Duration: 00:12:10
Summary: In this second bonus music episode of 'Dolly Parton's America,' host Jad Abumrad showcases live performances by 14-year-old bluegrass artist Nora Brown and the accomplished

Amethyst Kiah. Nora plays a song inspired by the late ballad singer 80 Gram while Amethyst's original song 'Firewater' explores themes of melancholy and resilience. This episode emphasizes how these musical performances enrich Dolly Parton's storytelling and legacy in the bluegrass genre.

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Shownotes: In this second bonus music episode, we play two live songs we recorded, sung by bluegrass musicians Nora Brown and Amythyst Kiah. You can find

Nora on facebook @norabrownbanjo, instagram @little.nb, and her music at jalopyrecords.org and on Spotify. Amythyst is on facebook, instagram, and twitter at @amythystkiah, and her music can be found at amythystkiah.com.

Dixie Disappearance with full AI transcript and summary

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Update: 2019-12-18
Duration: 00:38:44
Summary: The episode "Dixie Disappearance" explores the controversy surrounding Dolly Parton's Dixie Stampede, now known as Dolly Parton's Stampede, which depicts the Civil War as a

friendly competition. Experts discuss the event's idealized portrayal of the antebellum South and the erasure of slavery in narratives. In the wake of the Charlottesville Riots, Dolly's decision to remove 'Dixie' from the name reflects broader national discussions on heritage and representation. The conversation highlights the complexities of Dolly Parton's image and the ongoing debates about how history is honored in America, considering both inclusive representation and historical accuracy.

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Shownotes: This episode delves into the controversy surrounding Dolly Parton’s Stampede (formerly known as “Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede”)—a dinner theater that presents the Civil War as

a friendly competition between neighbors. In the wake of the Charlottesville Riots in 2017, the Dixie Stampede was called out by the press, and then became embroiled in the larger national conversation about Civil War monuments and the white-washing of history. Dolly’s business conglomerate decided to eliminate “Dixie” from the name, which caused further uproar. Dolly embodies “a quivering mass of irreconcilable contradictions” in a way very few other American figures do… but has America arrived at a place where such contradictions are no longer defensible or tolerable?

Dolly Parton's America with full AI transcript and summary

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Update: 2019-12-04
Duration: 00:40:29
Summary: In this episode of 'Dolly Parton's America,' hosted by Jad Abumrad, a unique history class at the University of Tennessee explores the complex legacy of

Dolly Parton and her influence on Southern identity and cultural representation. Students from rural Appalachia engage in personal reflections and discussions about Parton's impact, revealing a mix of admiration and critique. The episode addresses themes of stereotypes, authenticity, and the implications of being Appalachian in the modern context, prompting a deep consideration of how Parton's legacy shapes societal perceptions of the South.

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Shownotes: At the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, we drop in on a history class called “Dolly Parton’s America.” (We borrowed the name for our series!)

Taught by Dr. Lynn Sacco, the class is filled with college students who grew up in rural Appalachia, many of whom are the first in their families to attend college. Dr Sacco gives the class an assignment: Write an essay that answers the question “What is Dolly Parton’s America?” Lurking just behind that question are thornier ones about Southern shame and identity and hillbillies and football and...well, Dolly. Is Dolly helping or hurting us? The class splits down the middle. Editor’s Note: We made two corrections to this podcast, originally released on December 3. In referring to the location of the Battle of Blair Mountain, we changed “Southwestern Virginia” to “West Virginia.” And on the origin of the term redneck, we inserted narration that makes clear that the etymology of the term goes back farther than the Battle of Blair Mountain.

Dolly's Wildflowers: live music from the series with full AI transcript and summary

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Update: 2019-11-27
Duration: 00:30:29
Summary: In this episode, various artists perform live music inspired by Dolly Parton's work. Highlights include Justin Hiltner's rendition of 'Silver Dagger,' Esther Konkara's unique interpretation

of 'Wildflowers,' and an instrumental cover of 'Marry Me.' The event, hosted at National Sawdust in Brooklyn, features performers who connect their traditional music to personal memories of home. Discussions emphasize the influence of Dolly's music and the artists' own narratives surrounding migration and memory, showcasing the powerful impact of her songs across cultures.

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Shownotes: Music performed by: Justin Hiltner (@hiltnerj, http://justinhiltner.com) Esther Konkara (@esther_konkara) Steph Jenkins (@slhjenkins, http://www.stephaniejenkins.info) Stephanie Coleman (@stephiecoleman) Courtney Hartman (@courthartman, https://www.courtneyhartman.com) Shelley Washington (@shelleyplaysaxy, http://shelleywashington.com)

Bora Yoon (@borabot, http://borayoon.com) Caroline Shaw (@caroshawmusic, https://carolineshaw.com) Recordings from National Sawdust were part of the NationalSawdust+ series: Elena Park is the curator of NationalSawdust+ Special thanks to recording engineer Garth MacAleavey, Jeff Tang, Charles Hagaman, and everyone at National Sawdust. Thanks also to Alex Overington and Jeremy Bloom for mix engineering.

The Only One For Me, Jolene with full AI transcript and summary

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Update: 2019-11-20
Duration: 00:36:10
Summary: In this episode of 'Dolly Parton's America,' the hosts investigate the complexities of Dolly Parton's iconic song 'Jolene,' often categorized as a cheating song. Nadine

Hubbs, a scholar, argues for a re-evaluation of the song's narrative, suggesting it emphasizes vulnerability and possibly a bond between women rather than rivalry. Dolly recounts the inspiration for the song, revealing personal feelings of jealousy. The discussion extends to themes of identity, freedom, and how 'Jolene' resonates with individuals from various backgrounds, ultimately highlighting the emotional depth and broader significance of the song beyond its surface meaning.

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Shownotes: One of Dolly’s most iconic and successful songs is “Jolene,” a song that, at first listen, is about a romantic rival trying to steal her

man: a prime example of the classic “cheating song.” But some see it as flipping a popular country music trope on its head. This idea takes shape when Nadine Hubbs, a professor at the University of Michigan, writes a fourth verse to “Jolene," which makes us reimagine Dolly's songs in entirely new ways.

Dollitics with full AI transcript and summary

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Update: 2019-11-13
Duration: 00:44:50
Summary: In the 'Dollitics' episode of 'Dolly Parton's America,' hosted by Jad Abumrad, the complex intersection of Dolly Parton's apolitical stance and her role in advocating

for working women's rights is examined. Despite her iconic song '9 to 5' serving as a rallying cry for labor rights, Parton maintains neutrality in political discussions, a choice shaped by past controversies. The episode explores the implications of her position within a polarized society, considering whether remaining politically neutral is viable or desirable, especially when faced with expectations from both fans and family.

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Shownotes: Dolly Parton and politics have always had an interesting relationship. On the one hand, she wrote 9 to 5, the anthem for working women and

the theme song for a movie inspired by a new labor union. On the other hand, she refuses to answer questions about President Trump, or any question on politics period. Her nephew calls this “Dollitics”: Dolly doesn’t take a position because she knows half her fans are on the right, half are on the left. In this moment in history, how should we think of this kind of fiercely apolitical stance? Is it desirable, or even possible?

Neon Moss with full AI transcript and summary

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Update: 2019-11-06
Duration: 00:41:41
Summary: In this episode of 'Dolly Parton's America', hosted by Jad Abumrad and produced by WNYC Studios & OSM Audio, we revisit Dolly Parton's Tennessee mountain

home, where she reflects on her early experiences and the emotional significance of her roots. The narrative explores themes of nostalgia, migration, and identity as Dolly restores childhood buildings, creating a space that embodies family heritage. The host draws parallels between his Lebanese heritage and Dolly's story, emphasizing the universal quest for a sense of home. Additionally, Rhiannon Giddens discusses the banjo's complex history, highlighting cultural appropriation, and the shared ancestry in music, reinforcing the intricate connections between personal stories and cultural narratives.

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Shownotes: In this episode, we go back up the mountain to visit Dolly’s actual Tennessee mountain home. But, can you ever go home again? Dolly tells

us stories about her first trips out of the holler, and shares with us where she lives now. Back on the mountaintop, standing under the rain by the Little Pigeon River, the trip triggers memories of Jad’s first visit to his father's childhood home, and opens the gateway to dizzying stories of music and migration.

Tennessee Mountain Trance with full AI transcript and summary

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Update: 2019-10-30
Duration: 00:40:27
Summary: In the episode 'Tennessee Mountain Trance' from 'Dolly Parton's America,' host Jad Abumrad reflects on his personal connection to the song 'Tennessee Mountain Home,' exploring

the themes of nostalgia, authenticity, and belonging. The narrative features stories from individuals inspired by Dolly Parton's music, including Wandi Pryor’s childhood experiences and Kenyan musician Esther Konkara's emotional ties to her homeland. As the journey unfolds through Dollywood and Dolly's childhood cabin, the episode reveals a cultural tapestry that connects various backgrounds around the universal longing for home. The visit culminates with insights from Dolly's nephew, Bryan Seaver, enriching the understanding of Dolly's legacy.

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Shownotes: We journey into the Dollyverse dimension: "Tennessee Mountain Home."Like all law abiding Tennesseans, Jad grew up with the song on a loop. He hadn’t planned

to talk with Dolly about it, but much to his surprise, he is drawn into a Tennessee Mountain Trance. The trance opens a portal to many questions about country music, authenticity, nostalgia and belonging. And to a place called Dollywood. We visit the replica of Dolly’s childhood cabin and find thousands of other pilgrims similarly entranced. Along the way, we meet Wandee Pryor, who lived in a Dolly dreamworld as a girl. And also, halfway around the world, Esther Konkara, the self-proclaimed “Kenyan Dolly Parton,” who sings "Tennessee Mountain Home" as an ode to the hills of Nairobi - hills she has not yet left. The Tennessee Mountain home begins to seem like part of a Disney fairytale.But then, Jad and Shima get a call from Dolly’s nephew and head of security Bryan Seaver, who makes an irresistible offer.

I Will Always Leave You with full AI transcript and summary

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Update: 2019-10-23
Duration: 00:53:37
Shownotes: Porter Wagoner led the most successful country music television show of its time, and in 1967 he needed a new “girl singer.” He turned to

a 21 year old songwriter named Dolly Parton, who’d just recorded her first hit “Dumb Blonde.” So began a nearly decade-long partnership that, behind the scenes, was as contentious as it was commercially successful. This episode tells the story of the “Porter years,” the period during which Dolly arguably discovers her power - both as a performer and songwriter - and then makes the difficult (and radical for its time) decision to strike out on her own. Through interviews with Dolly, country music star Marty Stuart, Wagonmaster Buck Trent, and Porter’s daughter Deborah Wagoner, we explore how Dolly handled what’s sometimes called the great “hillbilly divorce” with such characteristic grace.

Sad Ass Songs with full AI transcript and summary

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Update: 2019-10-16
Duration: 00:57:31
Shownotes: We begin with a simple question: How did the queen of the boob joke become a feminist icon? Helen Morales, author of “Pilgrimage to Dollywood,”

gave us a stern directive – look at the lyrics! So we dive into Dolly’s discography, starting with the early period of what Dolly calls “sad ass songs” to find remarkably prescient words of female pain, slut-shaming, domestic violence, and women being locked away in asylums by cheating husbands. We explore how Dolly took the centuries-old tradition of the Appalachian “murder ballad”—an oral tradition of men singing songs about brutally killing women—and flipped the script, singing from the woman’s point of view. And as her career progresses, the songs expand beyond the pain to tell tales of leaving abuse behind. How can such pro-woman lyrics come from someone who despises the word feminism? Dolly explains.