Dolly Parton's America: "Dolly's Wildflowers: Live Music from the Series" (November 26, 2019)
Episode Overview
This bonus episode of "Dolly Parton's America," hosted by Jad Abumrad, delivers a musical journey inspired by the series’ exploration of Dolly Parton's influence. In response to audience requests for more music, Jad presents live and recorded performances from artists featured in or influenced by the series. The episode celebrates Dolly’s role as a unifying cultural figure and highlights how her music connects people across continents and traditions. It features reinterpretations of Dolly’s songs, bluegrass numbers, gospel in Kikuyu, and innovative "coverings" of home-themed music by contemporary composers—all illustrating the universal longing for belonging and home.
Key Discussion Points & Musical Performances
1. Introduction and Purpose (00:27)
- Jad Abumrad explains this is a bonus episode focused on music gathered during production, including covers and reinterpretations of Dolly’s songs and other meaningful musical performances.
2. Justin Hiltner: "Silver Dagger" (02:20)
- Background: Justin Hiltner, originally featured in Episode 6, performs "Silver Dagger," a traditional British ballad covered by Dolly.
- Emotional Impact: Jad notes the song “stuck so deep in my head” after first hearing Justin’s performance.
- Notable Quote:
"That song kills me."
—Jad Abumrad (05:17) - Performance: Powerful bluegrass interpretation (02:20–05:17).
- Timestamps:
- Introduction and context (01:30–02:20)
- Performance (02:20–05:17)
3. Esther Konkara: Kikuyu Gospel & "Wildflowers" (05:28)
- Background: Esther, known as the “Kenyan Dolly Parton,” appears via Skype from Kenya, blending Kikuyu gospel with country/bluegrass.
- Dolly’s Influence: Esther shares her connection to Dolly’s song "Wildflowers" as a metaphor for personal resilience.
- Notable Quote:
"I love Dolly's song that says that when a flower grow wild, it can always survive. So I grew wild and I've survived."
—Esther Konkara (06:58) - Performance:
- Kikuyu gospel song (05:41–07:10)
- A cappella singing of "Wildflowers" (07:37–08:50)
- Timestamps:
- Esther’s introduction (05:28–05:40)
- Translation and meaning (06:58–07:20)
- "Wildflowers" excerpt (07:37–08:50)
- Jad’s response:
"No, it's great. That's beautiful." (08:52)
4. String Trio: Instrumental Cover of "Marry Me" (09:25)
- Musicians: Steph Jenkins, Steph Coleman, and Courtney Hartman perform bluegrass-inspired scoring.
- Spontaneity: Courtney Hartman does a “spur of the moment” instrumental version of Dolly’s "Marry Me."
- Notable Reaction:
"Total earworm, Sam."
—Audience Member (10:59) - Timestamps:
- String trio intro and performance (09:25–10:59)
- Jad’s reflection:
"I have listened to that one minute like 70 times." (11:41)
5. National Sawdust "Covering Home" Event (13:15–31:03)
Event Context (13:15–13:45)
- Live Event: Held at National Sawdust, Brooklyn—musicians were invited to reinterpret traditional or personally meaningful “songs of home.”
- Jad’s Reflection: Links the concept of home to both his Lebanese roots and Dolly’s Appalachian heritage.
A. Shelley Washington: "Moingus" (14:44–17:23)
- Composer: Shelley Washington performs on baritone saxophone (nicknamed "Titan").
- Inspiration: Based on Mingus Big Band music given to her as a child.
- Notable Quote:
"I immediately just tried to memorize every single line."
—Shelley Washington (15:04) - Performance: Excerpt from her piece "Moingus," blending jazz lines and improvisation.
B. Bora Yoon: "The Houses We Carry Within" (17:51–21:07)
- Composer: Bora Yoon shares a multimedia piece inspired by Do Ho Suh’s “Almost Home” exhibition.
- Theme: The immigrant experience, the feeling of not truly belonging, and the idea that "home exists in your memory."
- Notable Quote:
"When he goes home to Korea, they're like, well, you're not from here either."
—Bora Yoon (18:53) - Performance: Uses unconventional instruments (Stroh violin, found objects, electronics), evoking memory, place, and transition.
C. Caroline Shaw & Andrew Yee: "On Jordan's Stormy Banks I Stand" & "I'll Fly Away" (21:54–29:55)
- Composer/Performer: Pulitzer Prize-winner Caroline Shaw with cellist Andrew Yee, joined by other musicians.
- Song Themes:
- "On Jordan's Stormy Banks I Stand"—Exodus narrative, longing for the “promised land.”
- "I'll Fly Away"—Classic gospel tune with undertones of liberation and hope.
- Notable Quote:
"I keep trying to find what it means to go home in that song."
—Caroline Shaw (21:58) - Performance Highlights:
- Rich, layered harmonies with cello, vocal, and audience participation.
- Celebration of traditional American music through a modern lens.
- Timestamps:
- “On Jordan’s Stormy Banks…” begins (23:05)
- “I’ll Fly Away” starts (25:20)
- Big finale (29:55)
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- Jad Abumrad on the power of music:
"That song kills me." (05:17)
- Esther Konkara on resilience:
"I grew wild and I've survived." (06:58)
- Bora Yoon on the immigrant experience:
"When he goes home to Korea, they're like, well, you're not from here either." (18:53)
- Caroline Shaw on complicated homecoming:
"I keep trying to find what it means to go home in that song." (21:58)
Highlighted Timestamps
- 02:20 — Justin Hiltner: "Silver Dagger"
- 05:41 — Esther Konkara: Kikuyu gospel & "Wildflowers"
- 09:25 — String Trio: "Marry Me" (Instrumental)
- 14:44 — Shelley Washington: "Moingus" (Live)
- 17:51 — Bora Yoon: "The Houses We Carry Within"
- 21:54 — Caroline Shaw & Andrew Yee: "On Jordan's Stormy Banks I Stand"/"I'll Fly Away"
Tone and Style
The episode is heartfelt and celebratory, emphasizing Dolly Parton's universal cultural resonance and the diverse meanings of home. The musical performances are interwoven with personal stories, reflecting themes of migration, adaptation, and shared humanity.
Summary Takeaway
"Dolly’s Wildflowers" is an audio tapestry highlighting how Dolly Parton’s music—and the idea of “home”—connects people across genres, continents, and generations. Through inspired live performances and candid conversations, the episode cements music as a unique bridge in a divided world, echoing Dolly’s ethos of survival, inclusivity, and hope.