Dolly Parton, the iconic singer and songwriter, is set to release her 49th album, “Rockstar,” in November. With a career spanning decades, Parton has not only become a legend in the music industry but also a beloved figure worldwide. What many people may not know is that Parton has used her songwriting talents to help others along the way. Here are five songs that you probably didn’t know Parton wrote for other artists.
One of these songs is “In the Good Old Days (When Times Were Bad),” which was recorded by Merle Haggard and The Strangers.
The song was brought to Haggard’s attention by Bonnie Owens, who toured with Parton and Porter Wagoner. Another song, “Steady as the Rain,” was recorded by Dolly’s younger sister, Stella Parton, and became one of her most popular songs.
“The Company You Keep,” recorded by Bill Phillips, is a cautionary song about choosing the right company, while “The Last One to Touch Me,” recorded by Porter Wagoner, explores themes of loss. Lastly, “Too Lonely Too Long,” recorded by Lucille Starr, is a classic country track.
These songs not only showcase Parton’s songwriting abilities but also highlight her ability to write for various genres and artists. Parton’s contributions to the music industry go beyond her own albums, and her talent for storytelling through music is evident in these lesser-known songs. With nearly 50 albums under her belt, Dolly Parton continues to be a force to be reckoned with in the music world.