Just Because I'm a Woman

by Dolly Parton

Overview

Just Because I'm a Woman was Dolly Parton's first album for RCA Victor after a few modest hits for Monument and (more importantly) becoming a regular on Porter Wagoner's television show and his frequent duet partner both on-stage and in the studio. One might have figured that, between Chet Atkins' trademark "countrypolitan" production style and Wagoner's influence, Parton's musical personality would be lost in the shuffle, but thankfully quite the opposite was true -- Just Because I'm a Woman turned out to be one of Parton's best early albums, and a superb showcase for her gifts as both a singer and songwriter. Bob Ferguson, Atkins' second-in-command at RCA, took a subdued and natural approach to the production, with a refined but organic honky tonk sound dominating many of the arrangements, though he knew when to take a more ambitious approach on the dark tale of adultery and abandonment "The Bridge." And while Dolly only gets songwriting credit on four of the album's 12 songs, they're four of the real standouts, including "You're Gonna Be Sorry," "The Bridge," and the title tune, with the rest of the selections fitting Parton's trademark blend of fragility and strength just right, and her versatile soprano voice displaying the confidence, power, and emotional range that would make her a country superstar within a few years. While Parton was not always well served by the Nashville music factories (ironically enough, this became an even bigger problem for her after she crossed over to mainstream stardom), Just Because I'm a Woman was one of those rare examples of the bigwigs getting it right the first time out, and the album still sounds like a winner more than 35 years after its initial release. [BMG Heritage's 2003 CD reissue tacks on two fine bonus tracks, outtakes from the April 1970 concert that was taped for the live album A Real Live Dolly, including a lovely solo acoustic performance of "Coat of Many Colors."] ~ Mark Deming

Product Details

Release Date:	10/07/2003
Label:	Bmg Heritage
UPC:	0828765612326
Rank:	67823

Tracks

1. You're Gonna Be Sorry
2. I Wish I Felt This Way at Home
3. False Eyelashes
4. I'll Oil Wells Love You
5. The Only Way Out (Is to Walk Over Me)
6. Little Bit Slow to Catch On
7. The Bridge
8. Love and Learn
9. I'm Running Out of Love
10. Just Because I'm a Woman
11. Baby Sister
12. Try Being Lonely
13. Just Because I'm a Woman
14. Coat of Many Colors

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Dolly Parton   Primary Artist,Vocals
Bobby Dyson   Bass
D.J. Fontana   Drums
Jerry Carrigan   Drums
Hargus "Pig" Robbins   Piano
Johnny Gimble   Fiddle
Joe Babcock   Vocals (Background)
June Page   Vocals (Background)
Anita Carter   Vocals (Background)
George W. McCormick   Guitar,Guitar (Rhythm)
James Buchanan   Fiddle
David Briggs   Piano
Troy Jack Drake   Guitar
David Kirby   Guitar (Electric)
Roy M. "Junior" Husky   Bass
Edward Howard   Guitar (Rhythm)
Joseph Babcock   Vocals (Background)
Terry Blackwell   Guitar
George McCormick   Guitar,Guitar (Rhythm)
Dale Sellers   Guitar (Electric)
Chip Young   Guitar (Rhythm)
Charles Trent   Banjo,Electric Banjo
Charles Trenet   Banjo,Electric Banjo
Wayne Moss   Guitar (Electric)
Mack Magaha   Fiddle
Junior Huskey   Bass
Lloyd Green   Guitar (Steel)
Pete Drake   Guitar (Steel)
Dolores Edgin   Vocals (Background)

Technical Credits

Bob Ferguson   Producer
Curly Putman   Composer
Rich Kienzle   Liner Notes
George W. McCormick   Composer
Demetriss Tubert   Composer
Les Leverett   Photography
Robert Tubert   Composer
Shirl Milete   Composer
Bill Owens   Composer
Dolly Parton   Composer
Darcy Proper   Mastering
Charles Trenet   Composer
John Hudson   Project Director
Porter Wagoner   Liner Notes
Neal Merritt   Composer
Al Pachucki   Engineer
Harlan Howard   Composer