Dolly’s second performance on the hit musical variety show 'Hee Haw' came in 1972. She performed her 1971 hit song 'Coat of Many Colors' and joined Porter Wagoner on the duet 'The Right Combination.'
From 1970-75, Dolly made guest appearances on the hugely popular musical variety show 'Hee Haw.' The show’s winning format cast side-splitting skits alongside musical performances by newcomers and country greats. During her first appearance, which aired in 1970, Dolly performed 'My Blue Ridge Mountain Boy.'
In September 1967, soon after the highly successful release of her debut album, "Hello, I'm Dolly," Porter Wagoner invited Dolly to perform on his hit syndicated television show "The Porter Wagoner Show." Porter was a popular American country music singer known for his flashy Nudie and Manuel suits and blond pompadour. Known as Mr. Grand Ole Opry, Wagoner charted 81 singles from 1954–1983. He was elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2002. When describing Porter, Dolly said,
"We could all relate to his sense of humor and his ‘good ol’ boy’ ways. I could relate to his shiny bright costumes, his flashy smile, and his blond helmet."
Their on-screen chemistry was immediate and fans quickly embraced them and their music. The show’s popularity grew and became the No. 1 syndicated show in American. Each 30-minute episode generally featured performances by Porter, Dolly and a special guest. Beloved comedian, Speck Rhodes also contributed to the show’s relaxed format and Dolly and Porter often performed duets.
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View a rare video clip of Dolly Parton singing "Mule Skinner Blues" on "The Porter Wagoner Show" via Vimeo.
Dolly’s natural talent and drive didn't escape the attention of her Uncle Bill Owens. He saw her potential and had the same vision Dolly had; she was going to be a big star. Encouraging Dolly every step of the way and knocking on door after door, in 1956, Uncle Bill finally brought her to the attention of self-made multi-millionaire Cas Walker.
Walker created a variety show known as the "Farm and Home Hour" to promote his chain of successful grocery stores. The show initially aired as a radio program on WROL-AM and later on WIVK-AM. The show featured artists such as Roy Acuff, Jimmy Martin, Bill Monroe, Carl Smith, Carl Butler, Jim Nabors, and Chet Atkins. Uncle Bill managed to get Dolly backstage during one of the radio shows at WIVK radio station in Knoxville, Tennessee.
In true Dolly style, she would find a way to be heard. She showed her initiative and drive by telling walking up to Cas Walker and telling him that she wanted to work for him. Because of her bold determination, Walker couldn’t resist. Dolly had landed her first radio and television gig at the age of 10 before her family even owned a television.
Listen below to the rare audio clip of Dolly performing on "The Cas Walker Farm and Home Hour."
Dolly performed like a seasoned veteran in front of the crowd in the little radio station auditorium for the first time, and they shouted and cheered for an encore. Residents in Knoxville, Tenn. and the surrounding cities heard her on their radios and televisions at home. For Dolly, this was her very first taste of stardom and it was sweet.
