Jolene had a lot to feel envious of, and now she’s received yet another huge honor. On May 24, Rolling Stone released their new list of the 200 best country songs of all time. While it’s a star-studded collection full of artistic triumphs, it’s “Jolene” by Dolly Parton that topped the list, making it the greatest country song ever.
Ten years ago, Rolling Stone launched a new branch called Rolling Stone Country. It ushered in this new site with a list of the top 100 Greatest Country Songs. “Now, to celebrate the 10th anniversary of RS Country, we’re expanding the list to 200 songs,” shared Rolling Stone in its publication listing its top picks. It acts as a celebration of the new and the foundations that are still celebrated today.
‘Rolling Stone’ formally names “Jolene” by Dolly Parton as the greatest country song of all time
Right there at the place of honor, declared the greatest country song of all time, was Parton’s “Jolene,” which was first released in 1973 and over five decades later, is still a classic. The song is no stranger to esteemed accolades. 20 years ago, it made Rolling Stone magazine’s list of “the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time,” ranking at 217. Still, the track continues to climb in esteem, aging like fine wine.
RELATED: Dolly Parton Updates Her Hit Song ‘Jolene’ For Rock ‘N’ Roll Era
In fact, in its latest chart, Rolling Stone calls “Jolene” the “pinnacle” of Parton’s skills as a songwriter and storyteller, further declaring it “the ultimate country heartbreak song.”
“What makes a great country song?” the outlet ponders at the start of its list. Storytelling is a big factor in its ranking and listing: “It draws a line. It has a twang you can feel down to the soles of your feet.”
A legacy that keeps on giving, half a century later
“Jolene” was twice nominated for Best Female Country Vocal Performance at the Grammy Awards, once for the original and again the following year for its live recording. Its enduring popularity was well maintained by fans, including celebrated music artists. Everyone from Olivia Newton-John to Pentatonix, from Parton’s goddaughter Mariah Carey to Beyoncé most recently have covered “Jolene.”
The Rolling Stone list is made up of many other hits. Some of the many standout entries include Elvis Presley’s “Blue Moon of Kentucky,” “Lost Highway” performed by Hank Williams, and Garth Brooks’s “Friends in Low Places.”
In true Parton fashion, “Jolene” isn’t even Dolly’s only appearance on that esteemed list. She also practically starts off the list at No. 46 with “Coat of Many Colors,” another track rooted in life’s many ups and downs.
Do you agree with this list, or should some entries be higher or lower?
