Dolly Parton was on Porter Wagoner's TV show when I was a kid. She'd come out in a sparkly outfit with a huge blonde wig and sing a lovely song or a duet with Porter, with his bouffant and famous spangled Nudie Suits. Even then, I couldn't really relate to the C&W vibe.

After she parted ways with him, she forged her own identity and became a crossover superstar, with songs like "I Will Always Love You," "Jolene" and "9 to 5" playing regularly on Top 40 radio. Of course, Whitney took IWALY to the moon and elevated Dolly in the process.

She didn't practice politics, but she was an outspoken humanitarian and perhaps the least judgmental person on the planet. It is truly remarkable given her religious upbringing in the American Deep South.

She performed in Austin many times, and I somehow managed never to see her. I know she was planning on touring this year or next, and I was primed. R.I.P. and say hello to Porter for me.

She was not only a National treasure in the USA but a worldwide International Treasure.

Her songs and philanthropy are memorable: she was definitely a One.

Dolly's passing is going to hit a lot of people hard. What a woman.

Jules

NOOOO!

Dolly!!

Pete Atkin at Durham Folk Festival in September.  

This will be the first time I've seen Pete  live, though I have been a fan of his music for half a century now.

I'm sure it'll be good. The last time I saw him was nearly 10 years ago and I had to get a friend who was keen to drive down to Barnard Castle.  

Got a couple of hometown gigs this week (Southend in case you were wondering   )

Sparks tomorrow night at the Cliffs Pavilion. Never seen them before so really excited for this.

An Alice In Chains tribute band at the Railway Pub on Friday. My wife's choice, but I'm not averse to their stuff.

Lovely to see you again Mick after so long, and to meet the lovely Megan, see you next year? Xx

Wafer thin mint?