What Is "The Grass Is Blue"?

"The Grass Is Blue" is the thirty-seventh solo studio album by the iconic American singer-songwriter Dolly Parton. Released on October 26, 1999, through Sugar Hill and Blue Eye Records, this album represented a significant artistic departure and a triumphant return to her musical roots. It was a bold move for Parton, who, at the time, was navigating a challenging period in her mainstream country career. The album quickly garnered widespread critical acclaim and commercial success within the bluegrass genre. It famously won a Grammy Award for Best Bluegrass Album at the 43rd Annual Grammy Awards, solidifying its place as a landmark recording. Additionally, the track "Travelin' Prayer" received a nomination for Best Female Country Vocal Performance, further highlighting the album's impact. "The Grass Is Blue" is a meticulously crafted collection that blends Parton's original compositions with traditional folk and bluegrass standards, alongside a surprising cover. It features an ensemble of some of the most respected musicians in bluegrass, whose expert playing provides an authentic and vibrant backdrop for Parton's distinctive vocals. This project not only revitalized Parton's career but also played a crucial role in bringing bluegrass music to a broader audience in the early 2000s. Parton's decision to record a bluegrass album was driven by a desire to explore music she had loved and grown up with, free from the pressures of mainstream country radio. This artistic freedom allowed her to create a work that felt deeply personal and authentic, resonating strongly with both critics and fans. The album's success demonstrated her versatility and enduring appeal as an artist capable of excelling across different musical styles.

Key Facts

Artist: Dolly Parton
Album Title: The Grass Is Blue
Release Date: October 26, 1999
Record Labels: Sugar Hill Records, Blue Eye Records
Genre: Bluegrass
Producer: Steve Buckingham
Grammy Award: Best Bluegrass Album (43rd Annual Grammy Awards, 2001)
Grammy Nomination: "Travelin' Prayer" for Best Female Country Vocal Performance
Other Awards: Album of the Year at the 2000 International Bluegrass Music Awards
Chart Performance: Peaked at No. 24 on US Billboard Top Country Albums, No. 198 on US Billboard 200, No. 8 on UK OCC Country Albums.
Sales: Sold 195,000 copies in the United States by December 2003.
Key Collaborators: Featured renowned bluegrass musicians including Jerry Douglas, Sam Bush, Stuart Duncan, Alison Krauss, and Rhonda Vincent.
Content: Mix of Parton originals, traditional folk/bluegrass standards, and a Billy Joel cover.

Full Explanation

The Authentic Bluegrass Sound

"The Grass Is Blue" is a masterclass in authentic bluegrass music, showcasing Dolly Parton's ability to seamlessly integrate her unique vocal style into a traditional genre. The album's sound is characterized by the rapid tempos, intricate instrumental interplay, and high-lonesome harmonies typical of bluegrass. Parton's voice, known for its distinctive vibrato and emotional depth, finds a natural home amidst the acoustic instrumentation, proving that her vocal prowess transcends genre boundaries. The production by Steve Buckingham ensured that the album maintained a raw, organic feel, honoring the traditions of bluegrass while allowing Parton's artistry to shine. The instrumentation on the album is a cornerstone of its authentic sound. It features a stellar lineup of bluegrass virtuosos, often referred to as "the world's best bluegrass pickers." Instruments like the banjo, fiddle, mandolin, acoustic guitar, and upright bass are played with precision and passion, creating a rich sonic tapestry. The interplay between these instruments, particularly in the solos and fills, is a hallmark of the album, demonstrating the high level of musicianship involved. This commitment to traditional bluegrass arrangements and instrumentation is what gives the album its genuine and timeless quality.

Song Selection and Themes

The tracklist of "The Grass Is Blue" is a thoughtful blend of familiar and original material, carefully curated to reflect Parton's deep connection to mountain music. It includes several Parton originals, some of which were revisited or updated for this project. For instance, "Steady as the Rain" was originally written by Parton for her younger sister, Stella Parton, who had a top 40 country hit with it in 1979. "Will He Be Waiting for Me" is an updated version of a song Parton first recorded for her 1972 album, "Touch Your Woman," demonstrating her willingness to re-explore her own catalog through a bluegrass lens. The album also features a selection of traditional folk and bluegrass standards that Parton had been singing "all her life." One notable inclusion is "Silver Dagger," a late 19th-century ballad that had been popularized by Joan Baez in the early 1960s. Parton's rendition brings a fresh, yet respectful, interpretation to this classic. Additionally, the album includes a surprising cover of the Blackfoot rock song "Train, Train," reimagined with a bluegrass arrangement, showcasing the genre's versatility and Parton's adventurous spirit. The themes explored throughout the album are deeply rooted in the human experience: love, loss, faith, resilience, and the simple, profound beauty of mountain life, all delivered with Parton's signature storytelling ability.

History

Background and Conception

The genesis of "The Grass Is Blue" can be traced back to a pivotal moment in Dolly Parton's career in early 1999. After Decca Records closed its Nashville office, Parton found herself without a record label for the second time in a year, just months after releasing her album "Hungry Again." Throughout the 1990s, despite maintaining strong album sales for a period, she had been losing ground with mainstream country radio, which often favored newer artists and sounds. This period of uncertainty, however, opened the door for a new artistic direction. The idea for a bluegrass album was sparked during a dinner conversation in July 1999 between Parton and producer Steve Buckingham. Buckingham mentioned that bluegrass fans, when surveyed, overwhelmingly cited Parton as the artist they most wished would make a bluegrass album. Parton recalled her initial shock, followed by a realization: "since I manage myself now and have my own label and can do what I want, why not do it?" This newfound artistic freedom, coupled with her lifelong connection to the mountain music of her upbringing, made the project a natural fit. Parton had always loved bluegrass, having grown up immersed in its sounds, and had often incorporated elements of it into her performances and albums over the years.

Recording Process and Release

With the concept firmly in place, the recording of "The Grass Is Blue" proceeded with remarkable speed and efficiency. By the end of August 1999, just weeks after the initial idea was conceived, the album was recorded in Nashville. Steve Buckingham took on the role of producer, assembling an unparalleled group of bluegrass musicians. This ensemble included luminaries such as Jerry Douglas on dobro, Sam Bush on mandolin, Stuart Duncan on fiddle, Alison Krauss on harmony vocals, and Rhonda Vincent on harmony vocals. Parton noted the swiftness of the process, stating, "It went really fast because these are the world's best bluegrass pickers and singers, who've been doing these songs forever!" Their collective expertise and deep familiarity with the genre allowed for a seamless and inspired recording experience. The album was officially announced by Sugar Hill Records on August 24, 1999, generating considerable excitement. Parton expressed her enthusiasm in the press release, emphasizing the natural connection between her music and bluegrass. Upon its release on October 26, 1999, "The Grass Is Blue" was met with immediate critical acclaim. To promote the album, Parton made several high-profile television appearances. On the day of its release, she appeared on "Live with Regis & Kelly." She also performed "Train, Train" on "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno" in November. Further promotional efforts in February 2000 saw her perform the album's second single, "Silver Dagger," on "The Late Show with David Letterman" and again on "Live with Regis & Kelly." While the singles "A Few Old Memories" and "Silver Dagger" did not chart on country or folk radio, the album itself achieved significant commercial success within its niche.

Why It Matters

"The Grass Is Blue" holds a significant place in music history for several compelling reasons, extending beyond its critical accolades and Grammy win. It represents a pivotal moment for Dolly Parton, the bluegrass genre, and the broader landscape of American roots music. Firstly, the album served as a powerful career rejuvenation for Dolly Parton. At a time when she was struggling to find her footing in mainstream country music, "The Grass Is Blue" allowed her to reconnect with her artistic core and demonstrate her unparalleled versatility. It proved that her talent transcended commercial trends, showcasing her ability to deliver an authentic and compelling performance in a genre deeply rooted in her heritage. This artistic integrity not only earned her new fans but also solidified her reputation as a fearless and innovative artist. Secondly, "The Grass Is Blue" played a crucial role in the early 2000s bluegrass revival. Released just a few years before the immensely popular O Brother, Where Art Thou? soundtrack, Parton's album, alongside the work of artists like Alison Krauss, helped to introduce bluegrass to a wider, more mainstream audience. Her star power drew attention to the genre, encouraging listeners who might not have otherwise explored traditional American folk music to discover its rich sounds and storytelling. This exposure contributed significantly to a renewed interest in bluegrass, paving the way for its resurgence in popularity. Moreover, the album stands as a testament to artistic freedom and the power of following one's muse. Parton's decision to record "The Grass Is Blue" was a conscious choice to step away from commercial pressures and create music she genuinely loved. This act of artistic autonomy resulted in a work that was both critically acclaimed and deeply satisfying for the artist. It serves as an inspiration for musicians to trust their instincts and explore diverse creative paths, even if they diverge from expected commercial trajectories. Finally, "The Grass Is Blue" matters because it beautifully bridges the gap between traditional and contemporary music. Parton, a global superstar, brought her unique voice and songwriting sensibility to a traditional genre, making it accessible and appealing to a broad demographic. The album's blend of classic bluegrass standards with Parton's originals and even a rock cover, all performed with authentic bluegrass instrumentation, demonstrated the genre's enduring relevance and adaptability. It reinforced the idea that traditional music can continue to evolve and captivate new generations of listeners.