If there’s one thing in music that practically everyone knows something about, it’s living legend Dolly Parton. And if there’s one thing in music that few people know anything about, it’s how film soundtracks are made. Both of these are a given; like the sun rising and setting, there is music in movies, and there is the transcendent career of Dolly.

(L to R): Mark Leggett, Dolly Parton and Velton Ray Bunch in studio for the making of the soundtrack to Dolly Parton’s Heartstrings

 In this episode we dive into the world of film soundtracks and the story of Dolly Parton with an interview of two of Dolly’s long time collaborators, Mark Leggett and Velton Ray Bunch. We’ll also feature some of their work from Dolly’s latest project, the series Dolly Parton’s Heartstrings, along with a new guitar piece from Mark, plus you’ll hear from western North Carolina artist Amanda Anne Platt along the way. Amanda has been on this series before, starting with our video documentary on her band here, and again on our episode on women in music here.

Songs heard in this episode:

Dolly Parton: “Muleskinner Blues” (excerpt)

Dolly Parton: “These Old Bones” (excerpt) from Halos & Horns

Mark Leggett and Velton Ray Bunch: “These Old Bones” (excerpt) from Dolly Parton’s Heartstrings

Amanda Anne Platt & The Honeycutters: “Diamond In The Rough” (excerpt) from Amanda Anne Platt & The Honeycutters

Mark Leggett and Velton Ray Bunch: “Sugar Hill” (excerpt) from Dolly Parton’s Heartstrings

Dolly Parton: “Jolene” (excerpt)

Mark Leggett: “Folktown” from Guitars & Blackbirds