Smoky Mountain DNA

Family, Faith and Fables
A project by Dolly Parton & Family


Smoky Mountain DNA

Released in June 1959, "Go Dan Tucker" was Bill Owens' second released single for Goldband Records under the name, "Little Billy Earl." Recorded at Goldband Studios in Lake Charles, LA, Bill was once again backed by his brothers John Henry & Louis Owens. The single featured the hot rockabilly number paired with a slower ballad, "Please Don't Hurt Me." Although this was Bill's last recording for Goldband, it was the start of a long career as a recording artist and producer.

1 week ago | [YT] | 2

Smoky Mountain DNA

Nothing says Smoky Mountain tradition quite like live music on a porch stage. đŸŽ¶â›°ïž

A few weeks ago, ​⁠Richie Owens, Bob Ocker & Joe Sharp played the Bloomin’ BBQ Festival in Sevierville, TN, including songs from the new album Appalachia: Ballads, Bloodlines & The Long Journey Home. Out now wherever you listen to music!

2 weeks ago | [YT] | 3

Smoky Mountain DNA

Leroy Brown’s debut single, “living through a car window,” captures life as it’s happening, thoughts, relationships, and moments that aren’t fully figured out yet. A snapshot of growing up, change, and everything in between. Available now wherever you get your music!

3 weeks ago | [YT] | 0

Smoky Mountain DNA

​Leroy Brown has been making music since he was four years old, starting on piano and growing into writing songs of his own.

You first heard him on the Smoky Mountain DNA album, where he co-wrote and recorded “Being Me” with his great-aunt Dolly Parton. Now, he’s stepping out on his own.

His debut single, “living through a car window,” is out this Friday, May 29!

4 weeks ago (edited) | [YT] | 6

Smoky Mountain DNA

Recorded mostly in 1979 ahead of her first and only tour as a performing folk artist, “Smoky Mountain Mama” features Avie Lee Parton singing mountain ballads and traditional songs with a full band. First released in 1990 on a now-rare cassette, this remastered collection released through Owepar Records preserves a defining moment from one of traditional American music’s most influential mothers at her peak.

Available now wherever you get your music!

1 month ago | [YT] | 10

Smoky Mountain DNA

Randy Parton's debut single, “Tennessee Born”, turns 51 this month. First recorded at Fireside Studio, owned by his sister Dolly Parton, Uncle Louis Owens & Porter Wagoner, those 1974 sessions launched his RCA Records contract and introduced his roots-driven sound to the world.

Now hear it fully remastered on The RCA Years, restored from the original masters. Give it a listen!

1 month ago | [YT] | 5

Smoky Mountain DNA

â€Ș@DollyParton‬ may be the best-known member of the Owens-Parton family, but Owenses and Partons have been making music in the Smoky Mountains of East Tennessee for generations. They sang on porches, passed down instruments, and shared stories through song. At the heart of this musical legacy was Rev. Jacob Owens, whose faith, storytelling, and guidance shaped the family into a true musical dynasty, inspiring generations to follow.

1 month ago | [YT] | 11

Smoky Mountain DNA

Released in April 1959, ”Puppy Love” was 13-year-old Dolly Parton’s first record. It was cut at tiny Goldband Records studio in Lake Charles, Louisiana, where Dolly’s uncles— John Henry, Bill and Louis Owens —made their first recordings just a few months earlier.

Dolly made the 800-mile trip to Lake Charles on a Greyhound bus with her grandmother, Rena Owens, as a chaperone to deliver a hot platter of adolescent rockabilly that would lead to her first appearance on the Grand Ole Opry.

2 months ago | [YT] | 13

Smoky Mountain DNA

John Henry Owens was a songwriter, performer, and larger-than-life personality who entertained audiences for decades with his mix of country and R&B. In addition to securing his niece Dolly Parton’s first recording contract, he was a pioneering performer at the Pigeon Forge amusement park that became Dollywood.

This collection of his 1977 recordings is a time capsule of the live performances that kept park audiences coming back for more. Now available wherever you get your music!

2 months ago | [YT] | 5

Smoky Mountain DNA

There's a story behind every song and a song for every story in Richie Owens’new book/album, “Appalachia: Ballads, Bloodlines, and the Long Journey Home”. Richie writes of family fables, mountain legends, and tales of both joy and tragedy, while Richie Owens and Bob Ocker bring the stories to life through new songs written and performed in a classic Mountain style. Listen now wherever you get your music!

2 months ago (edited) | [YT] | 4