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New Harvest...First Gathering
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| New Harvest...First Gathering | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | ||||
| Studio album by | ||||
| Released | February 14, 1977 | |||
| Recorded | August 19–December 17, 1976 | |||
| Studio |
| |||
| Genre | ||||
| Length | 38:30 | |||
| Label | RCA Victor | |||
| Producer |
| |||
| Dolly Parton chronology | ||||
| ||||
| Singles from New Harvest...First Gathering | ||||
| ||||
New Harvest...First Gathering is the eighteenth solo studio album by American entertainer Dolly Parton. It was released on February 14, 1977, by RCA Victor. It is significant for being Parton's first self-produced album, as well as her first effort aimed specifically at the pop charts.
Content
[edit]In addition to her own compositions, Parton included the Temptations classic "My Girl" (sung as the gender-neutral "My Love"), and "(Your Love Has Lifted Me) Higher and Higher", originally a Jackie Wilson hit. "Applejack" features an all-star lineup of country legends singing background vocals, including Roy Acuff, Kitty Wells, Johnny Wright, Chet Atkins and Minnie Pearl.
Critical reception
[edit]| Review scores | |
|---|---|
| Source | Rating |
| AllMusic |   [1] |
| Christgau's Record Guide | B−[2] |
| The Encyclopedia of Popular Music | [3] |
| Record Mirror | [4] |
In the issue dated February 26, 1977, Billboard published a review calling the album "Parton's most progressive and individualistic LP ever. Changes in producer (Gregg Perry co-produces this with Dolly), studio, publisher and mental outlook are bound to have a significant effect on the ultimate product. The changes are dramatic and result in some of the most memorable work yet – in writing and singing – by Parton. She wrote most of the songs and vividly displays her stunning powers as a writer. This could be the album that shoves Parton from a country-only base to the category of across-the-board talents like Emmylou Harris and Linda Ronstadt who emulate and admire her."[5]
Cashbox published a review in the February 26, 1977, issue, which said, "Breaking from her country roots, Dolly has put together this package of tailor-mades for the progressive rock listener. Her versatility and natural talents combined with her excellent production as well as arrangement comes crystal clear here."[6] The New York Times noted that "the inflated, bathetic rhetoric of the arrangements will appeal to the Barry Manilow crowd, and to reject them (or him) somehow brands one antidemocratic."[7]
Commercial performance
[edit]The album peaked at No. 1 on the US Billboard Hot Country LPs chart and No. 71 on the US Billboard 200 chart.
"You Are" was released as the first single from the album in March 1977 in Europe, but did not chart. However, in 1983 it reached the number 1 position in Dutch charts, at the time it was released from a compilation album titled "The Love Album".
The first single in North America, "Light of a Clear Blue Morning" was released in March 1977 and peaked at number 11 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart. It peaked at number one on the RPM Top County Singles chart.
"Applejack" had been issued as the B-side of "You Are" in Europe and would be re-promoted as the A-side later in 1977 and did not chart.
"(Your Love Has Lifted Me) Higher and Higher" was released as a single in Germany, but did not chart; it was not released as a single in the US, due, in part, to Rita Coolidge's cover of the song, which had reached the US top ten earlier in 1977.
Track listing
[edit]All tracks are written by Dolly Parton, except as noted.
| No. | Title | Writer(s) | Recording date | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Light of a Clear Blue Morning" | August 19, 1976 | 4:53 | |
| 2. | "Applejack" | December 10, 1976 | 3:20 | |
| 3. | "My Girl (My Love)" | William Robinson, Ronald White | December 3, 1976 | 3:44 |
| 4. | "Holdin' on to You" | August 22, 1976 | 2:46 | |
| 5. | "You Are" | August 20, 1976 | 5:14 |
| No. | Title | Writer(s) | Recording date | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "How Does It Feel" | November 21, 1976 | 3:13 | |
| 2. | "Where Beauty Lives in Memory" | December 10, 1976 | 3:50 | |
| 3. | "(Your Love Has Lifted Me) Higher and Higher" | Gary Jackson, Carl Smith | December 16, 1976 | 2:52 |
| 4. | "Getting in My Way" | August 21, 1976 | 2:40 | |
| 5. | "There" | December 17, 1976 | 5:32 |
Personnel
[edit]Adapted from the album liner notes.
- Roy Acuff – backing vocals
- Rich Adler – engineer
- Chet Atkins – backing vocals
- Anita Ball – backing vocals
- Bashful Brother Oswald – backing vocals
- Stu Basore – steel
- Lea Jane Berinati – background vocals
- Clyde Brooks – drums, percussion, tambourine, backing vocals
- Mark Casstevens – banjo
- Charlie Chappelear – bass, backing vocals
- Ralph Childs – tuba
- Jimmy Colvard – acoustic guitars, electric guitar
- Jimmy Crawford – steel, backing vocals
- Richard Dennison – backing vocals
- Bobby Dyson – bass
- Bob Ferguson – Applejack's voice
- Mary Fielder – backing vocals
- Janie Fricke – backing vocals
- Hubert Gregory and the Fruit Jar Drinkers – backing vocals
- Joe and Rose Lee Maphis – backing vocals
- Shane Keister – organ synthesizer, organ
- The Kelly Kirkland Strings – string
- Dave Kirby – acoustic guitars
- Jerry Kroon – drums, percussion
- Larrie Londin – drums
- Brent Maher – engineer
- Kirk McGee – backing vocals
- Joe McGuffee – dobro, steel
- Terry McMillan – harmonica
- Farrell Morris – percussion
- The Nashville Horns – horns
- Jamie Nichol – conga
- Avie Lee Parton – backing vocals
- Dolly Parton – producer, lead vocals, backing vocals, banjo
- Lee Parton – backing vocals
- Randy Parton – backing vocals
- Minnie Pearl – backing vocals
- John Pell – acoustic guitar, classical guitar, backing vocals
- Gregg Perry – producer, piano, tambourine, keyboards, backing vocals, string arrangements, string conductor
- Debbie Joe Puckett – backing vocals
- Dwight Puckett – backing vocals
- Billy Puett – flute, piccolo, horns
- Jimmy Riddle – Jew's (juice) harp
- Don Roth – electric guitars
- Tom Rutledge – acoustic guitars
- Rod Smarr – electric guitar, acoustic guitars, slide guitar, backing vocals
- Buddy Spicher – fiddle
- Bobby Thompson – banjo, acoustic guitars
- Ernest Tubb – backing vocals
- Ray Walker – backing vocals
- Don Warden – backing vocals
- Kitty Wells – backing vocals
- The Willis Brothers – backing vocals
- Wilma Lee and Stoney Cooper – backing vocals
- Casey Worden – backing vocals
- Kelly Worden – backing vocals
- Mickie Worden – backing vocals
- Johnny Wright – backing vocals
Charts
[edit]| Chart (1977) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| US Top Country Albums (Billboard)[8] | 1 |
| US Billboard 200[9] | 71 |
| US Cashbox Country Albums[10] | 1 |
| US Cash Box Top Albums [11] | 151 |
Singles
| Year | Single | Chart | Peak position |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1977 | "Light of a Clear Blue Morning" | US Hot Country Singles (Billboard)[12] | 11 |
| US Hot 100 (Billboard)[13] | 87 | ||
| 1977 | "Light of a Clear Blue Morning" | Canada Top Country Singles (RPM) | 1 |
Accolades
[edit]| Year | Nominee / work | Award | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1978 | "(Your Love Has Lifted Me) Higher and Higher" | Best Country Vocal Performance, Female | Nominated |
| Year | Nominee / work | Award | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1978 | "New Harvest...First Gathering" | Favorite Country Album | Won |
| Year | Nominee / work | Award | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1978 | "New Harvest...First Gathering" | Album of the Year | Nominated |
References
[edit]- ^ Deming, Mark. New Harvest...First Gathering at AllMusic
- ^ Christgau, Robert (1981). "Consumer Guide '70s: P". Christgau's Record Guide: Rock Albums of the Seventies. Ticknor & Fields. ISBN 089919026X. Retrieved March 10, 2019 – via robertchristgau.com.
- ^ Colin Larkin (2006). "Parton, Dolly". The Encyclopedia of Popular Music. Vol. 6 (4th ed.). Muze, Oxford University Press. p. 435–6. ISBN 978-0-19-531373-4.
- ^ Russell, Rosalind (March 19, 1977). "Albums: Dolly Parton – New Harvest...First Gathering" (PDF). Record Mirror. London: Spotlight Publications Ltd. p. 20. ISSN 0144-5804. Archived from the original (PDF) on June 23, 2023. Retrieved December 8, 2023 – via World Radio History.
- ^ "Billboard Magazine – February 26, 1977" (PDF). American Radio History. Billboard Magazine. Retrieved December 6, 2018.
- ^ "Cashbox Magazine – February 26, 1977" (PDF). American Radio History. Cashbox Magazine. Retrieved December 6, 2018.
- ^ Rockwell, John (March 25, 1977). "The Pop Life". The New York Times. p. C16.
- ^ "Dolly Parton Chart History (Top Country Albums)". Billboard.
- ^ "Dolly Parton Chart History (Billboard 200)". Billboard.
- ^ "Cash Box Country Albums" (PDF). Cashbox. Retrieved December 23, 2024.
- ^ "Cash Box Top 100 Albums" (PDF). Cashbox. Retrieved December 23, 2024.
- ^ "Dolly Parton Chart History". Billboard. Retrieved December 5, 2018.
- ^ "Dolly Parton Chart History". Billboard. Retrieved December 7, 2018.
New Harvest...First Gathering
View on Grokipediafrom Grokipedia
Background
Development
Following her departure from the Porter Wagoner Show in 1974, Dolly Parton sought greater artistic independence, marking a pivotal career pivot toward a broader audience beyond her country roots. This shift was influenced by the end of her performing partnership with Wagoner, which had constrained her creative direction for nearly a decade, although contractual obligations—including Wagoner producing her records—continued until 1976, and her ambition to incorporate pop elements to modernize her image.[4][5][2] New Harvest...First Gathering represented Parton's first self-produced album after 17 prior solo releases with RCA Victor, granting her full creative control for the first time. She collaborated with Gregg Perry as co-producer to blend rock and soul influences with her country foundation, aiming to appeal to pop listeners while redefining her persona. The project began in August 1976, with recording sessions spanning through December at Nashville studios including Soundshop Recording Studios and Creative Workshop.[1][6][5]Recording process
The recording sessions for New Harvest...First Gathering occurred primarily in Nashville at The Soundshop, where strings and vocals for several tracks were captured using multi-track technology, and at Creative Workshop for the majority of the instrumentation; additional elements, such as tack piano, were recorded at Lee Hazen's Studio, with final mixing handled at Sound Labs in Los Angeles.[6] Engineers Rich Adler and Brent Maher oversaw the process, employing overdubs to layer diverse instruments including synthesizer, flute, piccolo, classical guitar, slide guitar, and tuba, which allowed for a polished yet organic sound.[6] As the album's self-producer, Dolly Parton played a central role in shaping the arrangements, drawing from her long-standing desire to control her artistic vision after years under label producers; this hands-on approach enabled her to experiment with pop-infused elements while preserving country authenticity, though it required careful navigation of Nashville's traditional expectations versus broader commercial appeal.[5] A notable production choice was the inclusion of guest backing vocals on "Applejack" from country icons Roy Acuff, Chet Atkins, Minnie Pearl, Ernest Tubb, Kitty Wells, and Grandpa Jones, alongside Parton's parents and brother Randy, evoking a communal barn-dance feel amid the album's evolving style.[7] The sessions wrapped in late December 1976, allowing for the album's release on February 14, 1977, and marking Parton's pivotal shift toward self-directed projects.[1]Music and lyrics
Genre and style
New Harvest...First Gathering marks Dolly Parton's transition from traditional country music toward a crossover style that incorporates elements of pop, rock, and soul. The album is classified primarily as country-pop, with influences from contemporary country and traditional country sounds. This fusion is evident in its blend of upbeat country arrangements with broader pop accessibility, reflecting Parton's ambition to reach wider audiences beyond the country genre.[8] A key aspect of this genre shift is the inclusion of soul and R&B covers, drawing on Motown-era influences. Parton reinterprets Jackie Wilson's 1967 hit "(Your Love Has Lifted Me) Higher and Higher" and The Temptations' 1964 standard "My Girl," infusing them with her country vocal style while retaining their rhythmic energy and emotional uplift. These tracks highlight the album's departure from pure country roots, showcasing Parton's versatility in merging soulful grooves with her signature twang.[1] Instrumentation plays a central role in achieving the album's vibrant, crossover appeal, featuring prominent electric guitars from Don Roth and Rod Smarr, alongside synthesizers handled by Shane Keister on organ. Upbeat rhythms, supported by drummer Clyde Brooks and keyboards from Bobby Wood, contribute to a rock-inflected energy that distinguishes the record from more acoustic country albums of the era. This setup evokes the polished crossover sounds of mid-1970s contemporaries pushing genre boundaries.[9] As Parton's first self-produced effort, the album delivers a bright and polished production tailored for pop radio play. Tracks such as the opening "Light of a Clear Blue Morning" exemplify this approach, presenting an empowering anthem with gospel-tinged backing vocals and motivational drive. The overall structure comprises 10 tracks with a runtime of approximately 38 minutes, prioritizing high-energy, accessible compositions that maintain momentum throughout.[2][10]Themes and songwriting
New Harvest...First Gathering features eight original compositions out of its ten tracks, all penned by Dolly Parton, which emphasize themes of female empowerment, romantic love, and personal self-reliance.[11] These lyrics mark a shift toward introspective narratives drawn from Parton's evolving personal experiences, particularly her assertion of artistic autonomy following her departure from longtime collaborator Porter Wagoner in 1974.[4] The album's songwriting process highlights Parton's solo creative control as her first self-produced effort, allowing her to infuse the material with raw optimism and resilience reflective of her life transitions.[2] Central to the album's thematic core is female independence, exemplified in the cover of "(Your Love Has Lifted Me) Higher and Higher," originally by Jackie Wilson.[12] Similarly, the Motown classic "My Girl" is retitled "My Girl (My Love)" with personalized lyric adjustments, transforming it into a tender expression of devotion from Parton's perspective.[13] A standout original, "Light of a Clear Blue Morning," serves as an autobiographical ode to optimism and deliverance, inspired by Parton's struggle for independence after leaving Wagoner's show; as she described it in her 2020 memoir Songteller: My Life in Lyrics, it was her "song of deliverance."[14] Adding a lighter touch, "Applejack" offers a playful tribute to an elderly banjo-playing mentor from Parton's youth, evoking joy and musical heritage through its nostalgic storytelling, enhanced by backing vocals from country legends including Roy Acuff, Kitty Wells, and Grandpa Jones.[15] Overall, Parton's songwriting on the album weaves personal narratives of growth and affection, prioritizing emotional authenticity over conventional country tropes.Release and promotion
Commercial release
New Harvest...First Gathering was released on February 14, 1977, by RCA Victor, marking Dolly Parton's debut as a self-produced album aimed at broadening her appeal beyond country music.[16] The initial formats included vinyl LP in a gatefold sleeve, 8-track tape, and cassette, catering to the dominant consumer preferences of the mid-1970s recording industry.[16] The album's packaging featured a gatefold sleeve with a cover photograph of Parton in contemporary, relaxed attire—long straight hair, a simple blouse, and jeans—signaling a departure from her earlier glamorous image.[17] This design choice emphasized accessibility and modernity, while the title New Harvest...First Gathering symbolized a fresh start in Parton's career, representing "a new day was coming" after her professional independence and the collection of her original songs.[5] Distribution prioritized the U.S. market with a nationwide rollout through RCA's established network of retailers, typical for major label country-pop releases at the time. International versions followed shortly, including pressings for the UK, Australia, and Canada, adapted with local manufacturing to meet regional demand.[18] The launch aligned with Parton's high-profile television appearances earlier that year, such as her January 19 guest spot on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, which helped generate pre-release buzz and visibility for the album's pop-oriented direction.Singles and marketing
The lead single from New Harvest...First Gathering was "Light of a Clear Blue Morning," released on March 21, 1977, to highlight the album's uplifting themes of personal empowerment and renewal.[19] While no other tracks received major single releases, Promotion efforts centered on television appearances to broaden Parton's visibility beyond traditional country outlets. Parton performed "Light of a Clear Blue Morning" on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson on February 17, 1977, shortly before the single's release, showcasing the song's energetic pop-inflected arrangement.[20] She made additional guest spots on the program earlier that year, including her debut appearance on January 19, 1977, where she discussed her evolving career.[21] RCA Records supported these efforts with print advertisements in industry publications like Billboard, emphasizing the album's fresh sound and Parton's self-production role.[22] In interviews, Parton actively highlighted the album's intent as a pop crossover venture, marking her first deliberate push toward mainstream audiences after years rooted in country music.[2] This strategy targeted younger demographics by incorporating contemporary production elements, such as rhythmic grooves and orchestral touches, to distance her image from pure country traditions.[23] Collaborations with pop-oriented session musicians and engineers further signaled this shift, blending her songwriting strengths with broader appeal.[24] Marketing tied into live events, with the album integrated into Parton's 1977 tour schedule starting soon after its February release. Performances at venues like New York's Bottom Line in May 1977 featured full sets from New Harvest...First Gathering, drawing diverse crowds including celebrities and helping to preview the material in intimate settings.[24] A dedicated radio special, A Personal Music Dialogue with Dolly Parton, also aired to promote the project, allowing her to share insights on the songs directly with listeners.[25]Reception
Critical reception
Upon its release in 1977, New Harvest...First Gathering garnered generally positive reviews from contemporary music publications, with praise centered on its innovative blend of country and pop elements. Billboard highlighted the album's progressive country-pop fusion, calling it "Parton's most progressive and individualistic LP ever" and noting the welcome shifts in instrumentation, arrangements, and strong song selection. Cashbox echoed this enthusiasm, commending Parton's strong vocals across the tracks and describing the production as bright while emphasizing her break from traditional country roots. However, coverage in The New York Times offered a mixed perspective following a live showcase, suggesting that while Parton's pop-rock arrangements were convincing onstage, they came across as overproduced on the record itself.[26] Retrospective assessments have similarly viewed the album as a pivotal, if imperfect, turning point in Parton's career. AllMusic awarded it 3 out of 5 stars, lauding the bold experimentation in sound and style as Parton's first self-produced effort aimed at pop audiences, though acknowledging its uneven execution.[27] Robert Christgau gave it a B- grade, appreciating the energetic push toward pop while critiquing it as uneven, with material quality varying across genres and some elements feeling like a commercial sellout.[28] The Encyclopedia of Popular Music rated it 4 out of 5 stars, recognizing its significance in showcasing Parton's evolving artistry. Common themes in reviews include acclaim for Parton's self-production, which allowed greater creative control, and the empowering anthems like "Light of a Clear Blue Morning," symbolizing her independence. Critics also noted critiques regarding the dilution of her country roots through pop influences, marking a deliberate genre shift. Aggregate scores are unavailable from Metacritic due to the album predating the site, but modern fan ratings average 3.4 out of 5 on platforms like Rate Your Music, based on 176 user submissions.[29]Commercial performance
New Harvest...First Gathering marked a commercial breakthrough for Dolly Parton in the country music genre, topping the Billboard Top Country Albums chart for one week in May 1977 and becoming her first number-one album on that ranking.[30] The album also achieved number one status on the Cash Box Country chart, underscoring its strong performance within the country market.[30] However, its crossover potential was limited, as it peaked at number 71 on the Billboard 200.[2] The lead single, "Light of a Clear Blue Morning," contributed to the album's visibility by reaching number 11 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart.[31] Overall sales exceeded one million units, earning a Platinum certification from the RIAA.[3] This success reflected Parton's rising fame following her previous release, All I Can Do, which had peaked at number 3 on the Top Country Albums chart, and was further supported by targeted promotional efforts including television appearances.[30]Track listing and credits
Songs
The album New Harvest...First Gathering features eight tracks written by Dolly Parton and two cover songs, sequenced across two sides on its 1977 vinyl release.Side A
- "Light of a Clear Blue Morning" (Dolly Parton) – 4:53
- "Applejack" (Dolly Parton) – 3:25
This track features guest backing vocals from country music pioneers including Roy Acuff, Kitty Wells, and Louis "Grandpa" Jones, alongside Parton's family members.[15][1] - "My Girl (My Love)" (Smokey Robinson, Ronald White) – 3:44
- "Holdin' On to You" (Dolly Parton) – 2:46
- "You Are" (Dolly Parton) – 5:14
Side B
- "How Does It Feel" (Dolly Parton) – 3:13
- "Where Beauty Lives in Memory's Shadow" (Dolly Parton) – 3:04
- "(Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher and Higher" (Gary Jackson, Raynard Miner, Carl Smith) – 2:50 [32]
- "Possum Holler" (Dolly Parton) – 5:02
- "As Long as I Love" (Dolly Parton) – 3:17