Vinyl Record Lovers Newsletter

Vinyl Record Memories isn't just another classic vinyl record website. It's classic vinyl straight from the heart, where original oldies, classic country, soul, and rock n' roll crash together in the kind of beautiful wreckage that brings back memories of a person, a time, or a place, and makes you feel alive again, growing up in this very special time in history.

Issue #158, August, 2026.

In This Issue:

  • Dolly Parton - We Will Always Love You.
  • "Johnny Angel" Singer, Shelly Fabares, Has Died. 
  • Coming Next Month - Dolly Parton Original Framed Album Cover Art.

Let's Get Started

Old School Music

We Will Always Love And Miss You, Dolly.

Dolly Love You

"I Will Always Love You" was a significant success. It reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart twice, once in 1974 when it was originally released and again in 1982 when it was re-recorded for the soundtrack of "The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas", making Dolly the first artist ever to earn a No. 1 record twice with the same song.

The song gained even more popularity when it was covered by Whitney Houston for the 1992 film "The Bodyguard". Houston's version spent 14 weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, becoming one of the best-selling singles of all time. It remains one of the best-known cover versions of the song, demonstrating its enduring appeal.

After being re-released in 1982, the song was used in the movie "The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas" and again was a number-one song on the Hot Country Songs chart. That's how Dolly became the first artist ever to earn a number one record twice with the same song.

And, of course, when Whitney Houston turned the song into a mega hit in 1992, Dolly again had a number one song as a songwriter for the third time. When Whitney Houston died in 2012 Dolly shared her personal thoughts. 

"I will always have a very special piece of her in the song we shared together and had the good fortune to share with the world. Rest in peace, Whitney. Again, we will always love you."

Dolly Parton passed away on August 25, 2026, at the age of 80 after a brief battle with cancer. Her legacy as a beloved singer, songwriter, and philanthropist will continue to inspire many.  

Please enjoy this wonderful video of Dolly sharing the reason she originally wrote the song.

Vinyl Record Memories Favorite Dolly Parton Song.

Although this song is a repeat from the July, 2026 issue, a replay and a little background is needed as to why this is my favorite Dolly Parton song. 

This Dolly Parton song  "You're The Only One" brings back those special vinyl record memories of the summer of '79 when I spent many nights alone with Dolly and she sang these words to me.

You're the only one you're the only one...
Take me back to where we started from...
And let's make it now like we made it then...
This old heart ain't gonna break your heart again...

Did her husband Carl or my wife know about that wonderful song we shared late at night. " Not on your life."

You see, I would play Dolly's vinyl record over and over on my turntable with my headphones on. She wasn't really there but I believed she was singing this song just for me.

"Sometimes you've gotta go away to find what you left behind." The lyrics give us an opportunity to look back on old memories and have our past feelings validated by someone's lyrical masterpiece.  

Dolly's Duet with Kenny Rogers Voted #1 All Time.

The 1983 Country duet, “Islands in the Stream,” sailed away with the distinction of being country’s greatest duet during a CMT concert taping in Nashville in June, 2005.  The duet sung with Kenny Rogers, grew from a suggestion by Bee Gees star Barry Gibb, who wrote the song.

Until that point, Rogers hadn't been thrilled with the song. But then Dolly joined him in the recording studio. “From the moment she marched into that room, that song never sounded the same,” Rogers said, according to the AP. “It took on a whole new spirit.” The way they trade off from singing melody and harmony....Pure magic.

Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers performed together at the Frank Erwin Center in Austin, Texas, during the 1980s, notably in a concert on November 3, 1985, where they sang their famous duet "Islands in the Stream." This venue was significant for both artists, showcasing their collaboration and popularity during that era. My wife and I were at that Austin, Texas concert.

Johnny Angel Singer, Shelley Fabares, Has Died.

Shelley Fabares was a beloved actress whose work became part of the fabric of American television and film. From her memorable role as Mary Stone on The Donna Reed Show, where she also launched a successful recording career with her number one hit, "Johnny Angel," to her appearances opposite Elvis Presley in three films, her role on Coach, and her many other television and film performances, she brought talent, intelligence, and warmth to every performance. Shelley Fabares died on Saturday, Aug. 22, at the age of 82.

What's Next?

Original Dolly Parton Framed Album Cover Art from my collection.

Best Cover Songs - Where the best version isn't always the first version.

Blue Bayou - Who Does The Best Version?

I hope you find time to visit more great stories about growing up in the 50s, 60s and 70s. You can start here.... 


Golden Oldies - Follow These Links For A Fun Trip Down Memory Lane.

Fifties Doo-Wop page -  More Links To Your Classic Street Corner Symphonies.

Check Out Our Favorite Remakes Of Original Songs. 

How About those Cars of Dreams We Grew Up With.

Return To Home Page.



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