Donald's Encyclopedia of Popular MusicA B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y ZPARTON, Stella(b 4 May '49, Sevier County TN) Country singer, songwriter. Younger sister of Dolly Parton, made radio debut with her '55, but achieved her own success. Sang in local clubs '66, moved to Washington DC, Texas, then Nashville '72, recorded for small labels Royal American and Music City; toured with gospel group Stella Carroll and the Gospel Carrolls; came back to country music with her own song 'Ode To Olivia' '75 in defence of Olivia Newton-John, who had won CMA awards amid protests that she wasn't country. Recorded for Country, Soul And Blues label, had country hits 'I Want To Hold You In My Heart' '75, 'I Want To Hold You In My Dreams Tonight' '76; switched to Elektra, stayed top 20 with 'Danger Of A Stranger' and 'Standard Lie Number One' '77, 'Four Little Words' and 'Stormy Weather' '78, 'Steady As The Rain' '79; then worked on TV, in theatre. LPs incl. Country Sweet '77, Love Ya '78, Best Of '79 on Elektra, So Far So Good '82 on Town House. |