Celebrating Dolly Parton: 75 Years of Song

Tuesday, January 19 from 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm via Zoom

Green Mountain Academy for Lifelong Learning (GMALL) welcomes Hamilton College Professor Lydia Hamessley to talk about Dolly Parton. Dolly has written over 3,000 songs and over 450 of them have been recorded. Dolly is a well-known cultural icon and philanthropist. But aside from die-hard Dolly fans, most have only a passing knowledge of Dolly as a deeply skilled, sensitive songwriter, and few realize the scope of her catalogue of songs. Dolly writes about poverty, loneliness, betrayal, and abuse. But she also writes uplifting songs of unbounded optimism, inspiration, and joy. In this talk, professor and musicologist Lydia Hamessley will explore and play excerpts from the many facets of Dolly’s songwriting: her songs influenced by her Appalachian heritage, her Nashville country songs, her pop crossover songs, and her foray into bluegrass. Registration is $15 per person. For more information or to register, please call 802-867-0111 or visit our website at greenmtnacademy.org.