 |
| Bebe Rexha & Dolly Parton (on my current playlist) |
We were attempting to get to know each other better, and he asked, "what kind of music are you into?" That was a mistake. I'm terrible at small talk. I suspect many people would say, "oh I like almost anything" or "Not jazz" but... music is just too paramount within me for any definitive synopsis. (I've written about my playlist before.)
I'd compare musical tastes to explaining how one falls in love. How do you articulate those highly personal and abstract and fervid whatabouts? Intangible notions that sometimes trigger love at first sight or maybe bit by bit and then suddenly all at once. For me, music (the arts) is the lifelong love: my first love, a love longer than all the other loves. Lonely (Gen X) kids found love where they could. My early loves were all in books and on the radio and TV.
Anyway, we had a bit of a meandering conversation; I tried to explain that the music I like is not just about the genre, or performer, or time period—it depends on the songwriting, the personal connection, and the self-expression. It's a relationship. He considered this, and asked one last question, "so, you like Dolly Parton then? I said, "absolutely." Suddenly, we understood each other! It's true: Dolly always has a way of bringing people together.
Today I'm thinking about 1970s childhood me sitting on the floor in front of the TV watching Dolly perform, feeling connected, and yes, it was love at first sight. (She was like my cousins' dolls.) But it was also her trademark self-deprecating humour, her warm neighbourliness, her sincere optimism and over time, her incredible generosity and humanity. Today, I am also remembering some other members of my childhood TV family: Mork (Robin Williams), and John Candy. Sigh.
If music is indeed like love, this week our sorry world lost love personified. Nevertheless dear friends, notice (and don't forget) that even after this world-wide collective grief fades, Dolly will always be the answer to many of life's most challenging questions.
You are deep.
ReplyDeleteHa, like I said: not good at small talk.
DeleteWho will fill Dolly's shoes? I can think of no-one.
ReplyDeleteA sad truth, but nature loves a vacuum, so maybe nature is working on this. Fingers crossed.
DeleteFor Dolly to go ... oy, that one hurts. -Kate
ReplyDeleteIt really does.
DeleteDolly was love personified, and I'm not being the least bit corny in saying that. She was perhaps the only person I can think of on who we call could agree. She surely earned her rest. And this post brought back memories of a particular era, books and songs on the radio, evoking entire inner worlds. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteThank you and thank goodness for Dolly (and for inner worlds).
Delete*about whom we all could agree (I really should proofread)
ReplyDeleteIt's encouraging that this happens to you too as I know you are a fine writer/editor/reviser.
DeleteI am learning so much more about Dolly's life and her achievements. What a wonderful woman. A legend.
ReplyDeleteI'll think we're all learning more about Dolly this week, a welcome distraction from insanity.
DeleteSuch a touching post, DB. For those of us who grew up finding comfort in the radio, books, and the glow of the TV screen, artists like Dolly felt like chosen family.
ReplyDeleteYou articulated that intangible bond with songwriting and genuine human spirit so eloquently. Her humor, immense heart, and limitless generosity set the standard for what it means to put love into the world. Dolly truly remains an enduring beacon through all of life's noise.
Thank you. Currently, it's particularly noisy out there, so yes yes yes to Dolly (and people like Dolly) being a beacon in life's noise (and darkness).
DeleteGenuine and kind all the way through. A shining example of humanity. I wasn't even a huge fan of her music. I didn't hate it, it just wasn't my thing. But I always admired the person behind the songs.
ReplyDeleteWhat we send out into the universe stays out there for everyone. She sent love out and we're all better for it.
Well said. Your comment reminds me of how people questioned her look/style and Dolly readily admitted it wasn't for everyone; I suspect she would have said the same about her music. But her Imagination Library? That was for everyone.
DeleteI think one's tastes in music go deeper than just about anything else. Although Dolly Parton was known predominantly for country music and bluegrass , she also dabbled in pop (like "Here You Come Again" and "9 to 5 ') and rock ( her last album, Rockstar).
ReplyDeleteYour first sentence is an excellent summary of what I was trying to see! Yes, she crossed over genres, another sign of her broad appeal.
Delete...music is my life. There'a always something playing my head!
ReplyDeleteIt's my life too. Right now, I'm listening to Sombr.
DeleteShe was such a legend ❤️
ReplyDeleteShe sure was, friend.
DeleteHow can one possibly not love Dolly? Pure kindness. If there is a heaven she certainly belongs there!
ReplyDeleteSo agreed! I wasn't huge on her early music but loved the later and her pure voice. But what really mattered about Dolly was who she was and what she did, not just as an artist but as a remarkable, compassionate human being. We need more of her, to be sure.
ReplyDeleteThis is a great tribute. Dolly transcends musical tastes; I honestly don't know anyone who doesn't like her...even my most ardent punk-loving friends. I can't think of any other artist so universally beloved.
ReplyDelete