Dolly Diamond
Queen of Cabaret, Dolly Diamond, has performed the songs of many artists over the years but none have resonated quite so much as the legend that is Dolly Parton. The most honoured female country performer of all time, every Dolly Parton song tells its own unique story. With a career spanning over 50 years, Parton Me is a tribute to this iconic woman by the Queen of Cabaret, Dolly Diamond.
Supported by a fabulous live band and the Adelaide Gospel Chorus, this Adelaide Cabaret Festival premiere of Parton Me sees Dolly Diamond perform her favourite Dolly Parton songs and share a few of her favourite Dolly stories… as only she can do. Dolly Diamond answers a few questions for Hi Fi Way.
It wouldn’t be a Cabaret Festival without Dolly Diamond! What are you looking forward to most about performing Parton Me at the festival?
Well it’s my first ADELAIDE Cabaret Festival, so I’m already excited…but for me it feels like Cabaret Christmas getting the opportunity to perform the music of Dolly Parton, with Gospo Collective and Charmaine Jones at the biggest Cabaret Festival in the world. I’m one very happy lady.
What do you think it is about the music of Dolly Parton that resonates with audiences?
Dolly has always stayed true to herself and the music she writes reflects that. It’s honest and heartfelt and they’re qualities we admire in people and music. She also still sounds great when she performs live and after so many years in the business you’ve got to respect that.
What is it about Dolly Parton’s music that appeals to you?
I’ve been listening to Dolly Parton since I was a little girl growing up in England (formerly part of Europe). There’s an emotional quality to her voice that really brings out the emotions in me and that’s often why we listen to music. She can also get me up out of a chair when she’s belting out an uptempo number, it’s hard to keep a good hoe-down.
Do you have any pre-show rituals or routines?
I’m rubbish if I don’t get a good solid nap in before I do a show. My mother was going for afternoon siesta’s when I was a child and I took up the habit. Then I have a good vocal warm up, followed by a good healthy glass of Shiraz #medicinalpurposes.
What’s next for Dolly Diamond?
My favourite question when I’m just about to do a show…..I’m taking Dolly Dimond’s Blnkety Bl*nks to the Underbelly Festival at Southbank (London) and also up to the Edinburgh Festival, so I’m really looking forward to that. I also hope to take Parton Me & the Gospo Collective on the road.
Interview By Rob Lyon
Catch Dolly Diamond at the Adelaide Cabaret Festival on June 7, 8 and 9 at The Blue Room. Tickets from the Adelaide Cabaret Festival.