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'Just the Way I Am'

October 19, 1972

In 1972 RCA Camden releases "Just the Way I Am," a compilation album with Dolly's songs from 1967-1970

The song, "Just the Way I Am" first appeared on Dolly’s 1970 album, "The Fairest of Them All." In late 1972, RCA Camden compiled songs from her 1967-1970 recordings. The label wanted to introduce newer fans to these earlier hits.

According to Dolly, Porter Wagoner was influential in getting her signed to RCA. She found it hard to leave her good friend Fred Foster at Monument Records. The story goes that Porter wanted Dolly on RCA and made them an offer they simply could not refuse. Dolly said,

"Porter told them he would pay them every cent they ever lost on me out of his own pocket. He never had to pay a dime."

The album, "Just the Way I Am" features several of Dolly's well-known recordings, including many she wrote or co-wrote. "My Blue Ridge Mountain Boy," "In the Good Old Days (When Times Were Bad)," and "Daddy Come and Get Me" all appear on the compilation. The collection also includes the Scott Davis song, “In the Ghetto.”

"In the Good Old Days (When Times Were Bad)" was the title cut on her 1968 record. The song reached No. 25 on the US Country charts. "My Blue Ridge Mountain Boy" was the title track on a 1969 release. It climbed to No. 45 on the US Country charts. "Daddy Come and Get Me" was a Top 40 country hit in 1970. “In the Ghetto” from the album "My Blue Ridge Mountain Boy," peaked at No. 50 on the US Country charts.