51ÁÔÆæ

91B0FBB4-04A9-D5D7-16F0F3976AA697ED
C9A22247-E776-B892-2D807E7555171534
Lydia Hamessley.
“Jolene,” a well-known song by Dolly Parton, is the subject of Professor of Music Lydia R. Hamessley’s second book focused on the singer, songwriter, actress, philanthropist, and businesswoman’s music and song-writing.
Jolene by Lydia R. Hamessley
Jolene by Lydia R. Hamessley

Published in May by Oxford University Press, was preceded by Unlikely Angel: The Songs of Dolly Parton (2020), which provided a comprehensive look at the process, influences, and themes that shaped Parton’s songwriting.  According to the publisher’s website, Hamessley’s second book provides “a deep dive into ‘Jolene,’ one of Dolly Parton’s most well-known songs.”

Hamessley demonstrates how “Jolene” became a cultural phenomenon that many other musicians and groups have performed. They are as varied as Olivia Newton-John; South-African-based band The Congo Cowboys; garage-rock band The White Stripes; and Black funk, soul, and R&B singer Gloria Ann Taylor. Hamessley also writes about “answer songs,” including "You Can Have Him Jolene" by Chapel Hart; “Never Wanted to Be That Girl” by Carly Pearce and Ashley McBryde; and “Jolene’s Reply” by alternative rock band White Rabbit Object.

Hamessley, John and Anne Fischer Professor in the Fine Arts in Music, appeared in the BBC2 documentary “Dolly Parton: Here I Am” as well as on subsequent BBC radio interviews. She has also appeared on Fox’s “”, NPR’s 1A “” and in articles about Parton in the and .

Bookshelf

Explore books written by 51ÁÔÆæ alumni and faculty.

Posted May 19, 2025

Related News

Erie Canal

Goodwillie, Rodriguez-Plate on N.Y. State History Conference Panel

Director and Curator of Special Collections and Archives Christian Goodwillie and Professor of Religious Studies S.B. Rodriguez-Plate recently attended the New York State History Conference in Albany.

Martine Guyot-Bender

Guyot-Bender Attends 34th Installment of Côté Court

Professor of French and Francophone Studies Martine Guyot-Bender recently attended the 34th installment of Côté Court, the longest-running short film festival outside of Paris.

Help us provide an accessible education, offer innovative resources and programs, and foster intellectual exploration.

Site Search