Sing Her Songs: Celebrating Dolly Parton Through Choral Music
Celebrating the music, songwriting, and legacy of one of America's most beloved musical icons
Dolly Parton, legendary singer, songwriter, performer, philanthropist, and queen of country music, has died at age 80.
For the Choral Consortium of San Diego, one of the best ways to honor Dolly's extraordinary legacy is to do what singers have always done with her music: sing it!
Dolly's catalog crosses country, gospel, bluegrass, pop, and musical theater. Her songs tell stories of love, heartbreak, family, resilience, hope, and the everyday experiences that connect us all.
Dolly Parton and the Joy of Choir
Let’s not forget Dolly's 2012 film Joyful Noise! Starring alongside Queen Latifah, Dolly played Vi Rose Hill, the fiercely determined director of a small-town church choir preparing for a national competition. The film brought gospel music, choral singing, and the energy of choir competitions to a mainstream movie audience.
With its big ensemble numbers, gospel-inspired arrangements, humor, and heart, Joyful Noise introduced a new generation to the excitement of making music together. It celebrated something every choral singer knows: there is nothing quite like the sound of many voices coming together. The film also showcased Dolly's ability to bridge musical worlds, bringing her country and gospel roots into a story centered around community, friendship, and the transformative power of singing.
Dolly Parton for the Choral Singer
Light of a Clear Blue Morning
One of Dolly's most uplifting songs, “Light of a Clear Blue Morning” is a beautiful anthem of hope and perseverance. Craig Hella Johnson's celebrated choral arrangement transforms the song into an expansive, expressive work for choir.
Nine to Five
Dolly's iconic workplace anthem is just as much fun to sing as it is to hear. Ed Lojeski's energetic arrangement brings “Nine to Five” to concert and show choirs, with versions available for multiple voicings.
The Best of Dolly Parton
For a full Dolly celebration, explore choral medleys featuring some of her most beloved songs, including “Jolene,” “Nine to Five,” and “I Will Always Love You.”
Travelin' Thru
Written for the film Transamerica, “Travelin' Thru” blends Dolly's bluegrass roots with an inspirational message. The song earned an Academy Award nomination and has been adapted for several choral voicings.
Keep Singing, Dolly
Dolly Parton gave us thousands of songs and a musical legacy that spans generations. Her music has been recorded by countless artists, but there is something particularly special about hearing her songs transformed into harmony by a choir. From country radio to gospel stages, from 9 to 5 to Joyful Noise, Dolly understood the power of a great song and the power of people coming together to sing.
Thank you, Dolly, for giving us so much to sing.
Explore more choral music and find a choir in San Diego: sdsings.org