Dolly Parton has crafted some of the most enduring songs in American music history, yet she once joked that one of her late-’70s chart-toppers was so catchy “a monkey could have made it a hit.”
In a 1978 interview with Playboy magazine, Parton reflected on her career evolution and the pivotal moment she decided to take control of her own path. After parting ways with longtime collaborator Porter Wagoner in 1974, she stepped out of her comfort zone to pursue a solo career that would ultimately redefine her image and sound.
Determined to prove she could succeed on her own terms, she began experimenting with new musical styles, crossing over from traditional country to a more pop-infused sound that broadened her audience and solidified her as a mainstream star. However, the result wasn't exactly what she was looking for.
She told Playboy that the slick sound of her big crossover hit, "Here You Come Again," wasn't "exactly what I had in mind." Parton explained, "Well, you see, that was the first thing that I did after I made the change, and it was not exactly what I had in mind. But it proved to be the smartest thing."
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"I knew 'Here You Come Again' would be a hit song, but I don’t know if I should be identified with it, because it’s so smooth and pop-sounding. That’s such a good song, a monkey could have made it a hit. Well, you’re looking at a million-dollar monkey," she quipped.
Dolly Parton's crossover hit wasn't originally written for her
“Here You Come Again” was released on September 19, 1977, as the lead single and title track from Dolly Parton’s album of the same name. The song was written by celebrated husband and wife songwriting team Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil, known for hits like “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin,” "We've Got to Get Out of This Place," and "Uptown."
Interestingly, the song didn’t originate with Parton. It was first recorded by British pop singer B.J. Thomas, best known for his classic hit “Raindrops Keep Fallin’ on My Head.”
Despite not fitting with her style, Parton loved the song. Therefore she added a few twists to the final recording to make it sound more countrified.
She added a steel guitar part, which helped to merge her country roots with the song's catchy pop melody. Parton told Playboy, "I was kind of afraid that people would think, 'Boy, this is too drastic.' I just didn’t want country people to think that I totally left them."
Parton concluded, "That was such a polished pop sound! But it was the biggest country record I ever had, as well."
Dolly Parton's "Here You Come Again" hit the top of the Billboard Country Singles chart in 1977 and reached No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100. The song went on to win Parton a 1979 Grammy Award for Best Female Country Vocal Performance.
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