BMI Names Songwriting Award In Honor Of Dolly Parton

Author Nancy Brooks // Country Writer, Beasley Media Group

August 5th, 2022 10:41 AM

BMI Nashville has announced that the Foundation’s annual Nashville Songwriting Scholarship will be revised and renamed The Dolly Parton Songwriters Award in honor of the legendary artist.

The new program will establish The Dolly Parton Music Fund, which will underwrite the annual awards to emerging songwriters and initiatives to provide or supplement music programs in public schools, ensuring a new generation of music creators, and well-rounded education for all.

Founding endowments include a lead gift from Sony Music Publishing’s Rusty Gaston and a contribution from Luke Combs, who donated proceeds from the BMI Parking Lot Party, celebrating his nine #1 hit songs.

Dolly said in a press release, “I know how personal and important songwriting is to those that have the talent, and to all the others that enjoy those that have it. I’m proud to be part of a program that will help support songwriting in any way possible. Thanks to Sony Music Publishing, Luke Combs, and all the others that feel the same way and want to help support it.”

She added, “I have been with BMI since I published my first song as a child, so of course, I’m very proud and honored to have a BMI Songwriters Award made in my honor.”

The Dolly Parton Songwriters Award is an annual, nationwide competition open to aspiring songwriters. The award was established in 2015 as the Nashville Songwriting Scholarship by BMI to celebrate the company’s 75th Anniversary year.

Dolly Parton’s Best 75 Songs

75 – “Straight Talk” – 1992
Share
From the movie of the same name. Dolly played a radio talk show host.
74 – “These Old Bones” – 2002
Share
Dolly says that the "old lady voice" she uses in this song sounds just like her own mother.
73 – “Here I Am” – 2018
Share
From the Netflix movie, 'Dumplin'.'
72 – “Holdin’ On To You” w/ Elle King – 2018
Share
A great remake of a song Dolly first recorded in the 1970s. Elle King is awesome teaming with Parton on this one.
71 – “Not Enough” w/ Queen Latifah – 2012
Share
From the soundtrack to 'Joyful Noise.'
70 – “Don’t Think Twice” – 2014
Share
A cover of Bob Dylan's "Don't Think Twice, It's All Right" from his 1963 album, 'The Freewheeling' Bob Dylan.
69 – “Lay Your Hands On Me” – 2014
Share
Yep, it's a cover of the Bon Jovi classic.
68 – “Better Day” – 2011
Share
An uplifting song Parton wrote for her 'Better Day"'album.
67 – “When Life Is Good Again” – 2020
Share
We all needed to hear this song in 2020, a year that Dolly brought a bit of light to.
66 – “Backwood Barbie” – 2008
Share
A song she wrote about who she is. Dolly used dolls made with her image to promote this song. She has a handful of diehard fans who make Dolly dolls exclusively.
65 – “If I Were A Carpenter” w/ Joe Nichols -2005
Share
A cover of the song by folk singer Tim Hardin, which has also been covered by Johnny Cash. She gets an assist here from country singer Joe Nichols.
64 – “It Wasn’t God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels” w/ Tammy Wynette, Loretta Lynn – 1993
Share
This album was so good and what a teaming of country icons.
63 – “Red, White and Bluegrass” – 2003
Share
An original song from her album she recorded as a response to 9/11.
62 – “Better Get To Livin'” – 2008
Share
A song that reflects Dolly's optimism on life.
61 – “Lovesick Blues” w/ Patsy Cline, Loretta, Tammy – 1993
Share
A remake of a Hank Williams song that featured Dolly, Loretta Lynn, Tammy Wynette, and the late Patsy Cline's voice.
60 – “Halos and Horns” – 1998
Share
The title track of her 1998 bluegrass album.
59 – “Down From Dover” – 1970
Share
She cites this as a favorite tune she has written.
58 – “Seven Bridges Road” – 2000
Share
A great cover of the Eagles song.
57 – “Travelin’ Prayer” – 1999
Share
A Billy Joel cover.
56 – “Honky Tonk Songs” – 1998
Share
Here, she got back to her roots country sound with this classic Kitty Wells remake that Wells sings on.
55 – “I Still Miss Someone” – 1999
Share
Dolly's remake of a classic Johnny Cash song.
54 – “Time and Tears” – 1998
Share
Dolly wrote this song with which has a catchy beat.
53 – “The Camel’s Heart – 1998
Share
Another gem she wrote with a clever play on a old saying.
52 – “The Grass Is Blue” – 1999
Share
This is the title cut from her Grammy winning bluegrass project.
51 – “The Salt In My Tears” – 1998
Share
This album, called 'Hungry Again,' came out soon after the death of Tammy Wynette. Dolly had written some unfinished songs with Wynette.
50 – “Me and Little Andy” – 1977
Share
This song was never a single but is a favorite of many Dolly fans for its unique subject matter. Dolly used a childlike voice to sing a part.
49 – “To Daddy” – 1994
Share
Dolly wrote this song in the '60s and gave it to Emmylou Harris to record as a single.
48 – “After The Goldrush” w/ the Trio – 1999
Share
This Neil Young cover won a Grammy in 2000.
47 – “Starting Over Again” – 1980
Share
This is a Dolly classic that Reba remade in the 1990's.
46 – “Single Women” – 1982
Share
This album "Heartbreak Express" was the followup album to Dolly's huge "9 to 5" album. This was a number one song.
45 – “Heartsongs” – 1994
Share
The title track from Dolly's live album recorded in her native East Tennessee.
44 – “Yellow Roses” – 1989
Share
A classic Dolly love song.
43 – “You Can’t Make Old Friends” w/ Kenny Rogers – 2014
Share
This collaboration won Kenny and Dolly a Grammy in 2015.
42 – “Pure and Simple” – 2016
Share
This is the title track of the album that she toured on for the first time in twenty-five years.
41 – “Traveling Man” – 1971
Share
One of Dolly's early hits that she shared her mother didn't really care for because of the subject matter.
40 – “Don’t Call It Love” – 1985
Share
It's one of her catchiest songs, you won't get it out of your head for days.
39 – “All I Can Do” – 1976
Share
It's a quick ride of a song with perfect lyrics.
38 – “Light Of A Clear Blue Morning” – 1977
Share
A song Dolly put on a few of her albums. This version, from 1977, is the first of them. It's one of those songs that you listen to when you need to feel better about something. It's full of hope.
36 – “High And Mighty” – 1993
Share
This is another song that Dolly put on a few of her albums. When she really believes in a song she just releases it again for a new generation of listeners.
35 – “Wildflowers” – w/ Trio – 1987
Share
The 'Trio' album won a Grammy in 1988 for Dolly, Emmylou Harris and Linda Ronstadt.
34 – “Appalachian Memories” – 1983
Share
A song she later re-recorded as "Smoky Mountain Memories" about her people in East Tennessee.
33 – “Calm On The Water” – 1983
Share
An album cut from Dolly's "Burlap and Satin" album that is a spiritual ride and an all-time favorite.
32 – “The Seeker” – 1975
Share
An early hit for Dolly that leaned toward inspiration.
31 – “Heartbreak Express.” – 1982
Share
The title cut from her Heartbreak Express album. Coming out after 9 to 5, the album sold over a million copies.
30 – “The Bargain Store” – 1975
Share
A song that Dolly said is about finding love.
29 – “The PMS Blues” – 1994
Share
A comical look at what women deal with on a monthly basis. Yeah, it's what you think it is and it's hillarious.
28 – “Baby I’m Burning” – 1978
Share
This is a catchy song that Dolly had remixed to a dance mix and released on pink vinyl that same year. It's my husband's favorite Dolly song and he's a heavy metal guy. Go figure.
27 – “Applejack” – 1977
Share
Never a single but always played in every Dolly concert since she first recorded it. She plays a mean banjo too.
26 – “Love is Like A Butterfly” – 1974
Share
Classic Dolly and her love of butterflies has always been her trademark.
25 – “Hush Bye Hard Times” – 1980
Share
What a great song on her huge "9 to 5" album. Every song on that album could have been a single.
24 – “Twelfth of Never” w/ Keith Urban – 2005
Share
Just as Keith Urban started to become a country superstar he record this classic with Dolly. He sang it with Dolly at his New Faces Show at CRS in Nashville in 2005. The song ends with Keith saying, "You give me chills Dolly."
23 – “What A Heartache” – 1991
Share
A song Dolly has put on a couple of her albums. A serious heartbreak of a song.
22 – “Stairway To Heaven” – 2002
Share
Yep, Dolly covered this classic and it's great. She is covering it once again for her 2023 "Rock" album.
21 – “Eagle When She Flies” – 1991
Share
A powerful song for a powerful woman. This song even inspired a series of greeting cards.
20 – “Tennessee Homesick Blues” – 1984
Share
A great song for the Rhinestone movie with Sylvester Stallone. She held a huge party for the movie at her home in Tennessee for the movie's opening.
19 – “Down” – 1979
Share
A great and catchy album cut Dolly wrote from her "Great Balls Of Fire" album.
18 – “Why’d You Come In Here Lookin’ Like That” – 1989
Share
Love this and the video is awesome as well. Number one song.
17 – “Lonely Comin’ Down” – 1974
Share
Another stellar album cut from the same album that gave us "Jolene" and " I Will Always Love You."
16 – “Old Flames ( Can’t Hold A Candle To You)” – 1980
Share
Classic Dolly, but a song written by pop singer Kesha's mom, Pebe Sebert.
15 – “My Blue Ridge Mountain Boy” – 1969
Share
The boy on the album cover is Dolly's not often seen husband Carl Dean.
14 – “One Emotion After Another” – 1984
Share
Yeah, the movie (Rhinestone) got panned and Sly Stallone singing was rough, but Dolly on the soundtrack and this song is amazing.
13 – “Islands In The Steam” – 1982
Share
One of the biggest selling songs of all time. Written by The Bee Gees. I can't hear this one enough.
12 – “It’s Such A Heartache” – 1985
Share
The perfect heartbreak song.
11 – “Two Doors Down” – 1977
Share
This is a the song that Jane Fonda heard on the radio that inspired her to cast Dolly in 9 to 5.
10 – “Think About Love” – 1985
Share
Perfect for the "Real Love" album and one of my very favorites.
9 – “Nickels and Dimes” – 1978
Share
An album cut that tells the story of her first taking her guitar out to sing on the streets. She wrote the song with her brother Randy Parton.
8 – “Jesus and Gravity” – 2008
Share
A single she released in 2008. I always say this song is just as powerful as Carrie Underwood's "Jesus Take The Wheel."
7 – “He’s Alive” 1989
Share
Dolly won a Dove award for this powerful Easter song.
6 – “Joshua” – 1971
Share
Dolly's first number one solo song. It's a great story song.
5 – “9 to 5” – 1980
Share
What more can be said of this classic country and pop song? Can you think of Dolly without thinking about this song?
4 – “Here You Come Again” – 1977
Share
A Grammy winner for Dolly. Believe it or not, she didn't write this one, but what a hit it was for her.
3 – “Coat Of Many Colors” 1971
Share
Dolly says this is her favorite song that she's written. It's of course a true story of what her mother had sewn her to wear to school as a kid.
2 – “I Will Always Love You” – 1974
Share
Dolly says this is her favorite song to sing. It's what she is known for, not to mention the Whitney Houston hit.
1 – “Jolene” – 1974
Share
This song is a marvel and it's been my ring tone since 1995. You know, Dolly says she can't totally remember but speculates that she wrote this song and "I Will Always Love You" on the same day. What a day!

Nancy Brooks has been working in the country music industry for almost 30 years. She has interviewed pretty much any country star you can think of. In the late 1990s, she started working with Dolly Parton. And yes, Nancy reports that Parton is as sweet as you would think. She loves her life in country music and has been backstage at every CMA Awards show since the late 1990s. Many of her stories are from her one-on-one interviews. She was there at the beginning of the incredible careers of many music superstars today, including Taylor Swift, Shania Twain, and Blake Shelton, and has interviewed them multiple times throughout the years.

Get The Coyote Country Chronicle Newsletter Sent To Your Inbox

Enjoy the latest Country music, entertainment, Las Vegas happenings you need know, plus exclusive contests, games, and more.

By clicking "Subscribe" I agree to the website's terms of Service and Privacy Policy. I understand I can unsubscribe at any time.

Author Nancy Brooks // Country Writer, Beasley Media Group

Category:

Tags:

Dolly Parton,Luke Combs

News

Trending

Shows

Recent Happenings

Listen + Watch

Listen On Alexa

Podcasts

Galleries

Connect

Join The Coyote VIP Club

Download Our App

Advertise With The Coyote

Coyote Music News

Coyote Music News

Coyote Music News

BMI Names Songwriting Award In Honor Of Dolly Parton

Dolly Parton’s Best 75 Songs

75 – “Straight Talk” – 1992

74 – “These Old Bones” – 2002

73 – “Here I Am” – 2018

72 – “Holdin’ On To You” w/ Elle King – 2018

71 – “Not Enough” w/ Queen Latifah – 2012

70 – “Don’t Think Twice” – 2014

69 – “Lay Your Hands On Me” – 2014

68 – “Better Day” – 2011

67 – “When Life Is Good Again” – 2020

66 – “Backwood Barbie” – 2008

65 – “If I Were A Carpenter” w/ Joe Nichols -2005

64 – “It Wasn’t God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels” w/ Tammy Wynette, Loretta Lynn – 1993

63 – “Red, White and Bluegrass” – 2003

62 – “Better Get To Livin'” – 2008

61 – “Lovesick Blues” w/ Patsy Cline, Loretta, Tammy – 1993

60 – “Halos and Horns” – 1998

59 – “Down From Dover” – 1970

58 – “Seven Bridges Road” – 2000

57 – “Travelin’ Prayer” – 1999

56 – “Honky Tonk Songs” – 1998

55 – “I Still Miss Someone” – 1999

54 – “Time and Tears” – 1998

53 – “The Camel’s Heart – 1998

52 – “The Grass Is Blue” – 1999

51 – “The Salt In My Tears” – 1998

50 – “Me and Little Andy” – 1977

49 – “To Daddy” – 1994

48 – “After The Goldrush” w/ the Trio – 1999

47 – “Starting Over Again” – 1980

46 – “Single Women” – 1982

45 – “Heartsongs” – 1994

44 – “Yellow Roses” – 1989

43 – “You Can’t Make Old Friends” w/ Kenny Rogers – 2014

42 – “Pure and Simple” – 2016

41 – “Traveling Man” – 1971

40 – “Don’t Call It Love” – 1985

39 – “All I Can Do” – 1976

38 – “Light Of A Clear Blue Morning” – 1977

36 – “High And Mighty” – 1993

35 – “Wildflowers” – w/ Trio – 1987

34 – “Appalachian Memories” – 1983

33 – “Calm On The Water” – 1983

32 – “The Seeker” – 1975

31 – “Heartbreak Express.” – 1982

30 – “The Bargain Store” – 1975

29 – “The PMS Blues” – 1994

28 – “Baby I’m Burning” – 1978

27 – “Applejack” – 1977

26 – “Love is Like A Butterfly” – 1974

25 – “Hush Bye Hard Times” – 1980

24 – “Twelfth of Never” w/ Keith Urban – 2005

23 – “What A Heartache” – 1991

22 – “Stairway To Heaven” – 2002

21 – “Eagle When She Flies” – 1991

20 – “Tennessee Homesick Blues” – 1984

19 – “Down” – 1979

18 – “Why’d You Come In Here Lookin’ Like That” – 1989

17 – “Lonely Comin’ Down” – 1974

16 – “Old Flames ( Can’t Hold A Candle To You)” – 1980

15 – “My Blue Ridge Mountain Boy” – 1969

14 – “One Emotion After Another” – 1984

13 – “Islands In The Steam” – 1982

12 – “It’s Such A Heartache” – 1985