While it’s true there can never be anyone quite like the incomparable Dolly Parton, if you consider yourself a Dolly fan, you’ll likely be a fan of these three Americana artists, too. These iconic women in music might have fewer years in the industry under their belts, but that doesn’t change their commitment to their craft and sonic attributes that are reminiscent of Parton.
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Dolly Parton’s musical legacy can’t be tied to any singular element. From her soprano warble to her down-to-earth lyrics, Parton combines all these talents to create a signature sound. These Americana artists boast some similarities (a distinct vibrato, a dry wit) while still adding their own flavor.
Kacey Musgraves
The opening track of Dolly Parton’s debut is called “Dumb Blonde.” Kacey Musgraves’ freshman album is called Same Trailer, Different Park. In both instances, these artists grab a negative narrative and co-opt it as their own before anyone has a chance to do it themselves. Both artists have a lyrical voice that can be deeply vulnerable and profound one minute and humble and hilarious the next. Parton and Musgraves have the unique ability to deliver serious messages in a lighthearted way. Plus, both singers have a distinct soprano timbre that floats above their Americana arrangements.
Margo Price
Amidst the sparkle and glitter of the popular music industry, some artists can lose sight of the story behind the song. Dolly Parton and Americana artist Margo Price are two key examples of musicians who don’t. Even when the music is grooving enough to have you dancing more than listening, neither singer dampens their narrative. If you’re willing to listen, it’s there. If you want to let loose and dance, you can do that, too. Of course, it’s unsurprising that these women would be such skillful storytellers in addition to talented musicians, given both of their published author credits.
Sierra Ferrell
Another prolific songwriter from the Appalachian Mountains, Sierra Ferrell boasts a similarly unique vocal timbre to Dolly Parton. Both sopranos have a warble to their voice, giving it a classic, timeless feel. One could argue that Ferrell is an Americana artist whose greatest influences are the same ones that influenced Parton as a young child growing up in east Tennessee. Ferrell and Parton utilize their connection to mountain music in their compositions, adding flavor while honoring the past. In a non-musical sense, Ferrell and Parton share a kindred love of over-the-top, flashy stage outfits and makeup.
Willow Avalon
Rising Americana artist Willow Avalon has grown an online following on TikTok and Instagram with her Dolly Parton-esque vocal technique. Whether a conscious decision or not, Parton’s sonic influence is undeniable and almost uncanny in likeness. However, Avalon takes the “Jolene” singer’s recognizable warble and tightens it even further, producing a trill-like vibrato that’s often over before you realize it started. As she continues to grow in her career, it will be exciting to see how this artist builds off these influences further, creating her own unique sound.
Photo by David Redfern/Redferns
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