Published in May by Oxford University Press, Jolene was preceded by Unlikely Angel: The Songs of Dolly Parton (2020), which provided a comprehensive look at the process, influences, and themes that shaped Parton’s songwriting. According to the publisher’s website, Hamessley’s second book provides “a deep dive into ‘Jolene,’ one of Dolly Parton’s most well-known songs.”
Hamessley demonstrates how “Jolene” became a cultural phenomenon that many other musicians and groups have performed. They are as varied as Olivia Newton-John; South-African-based band The Congo Cowboys; garage-rock band The White Stripes; and Black funk, soul, and R&B singer Gloria Ann Taylor. Hamessley also writes about “answer songs,” including "You Can Have Him Jolene" by Chapel Hart; “Never Wanted to Be That Girl” by Carly Pearce and Ashley McBryde; and “Jolene’s Reply” by alternative rock band White Rabbit Object.
Hamessley, John and Anne Fischer Professor in the Fine Arts in Music, appeared in the BBC2 documentary “Dolly Parton: Here I Am” as well as on subsequent BBC radio interviews. She has also appeared on Fox’s “Who is Dolly Parton?”, NPR’s 1A “The 1A Record Club Listens To Dolly Parton's 'Rockstar'” and in articles about Parton in the Los Angeles Times and The Washington Post.
Bookshelf
Explore books written by Hamilton College alumni and faculty.
