Dorothy Jo Owens - I Can Only Be Me CD

Of all of the Rev. Jake Owens’ children, Dorothy Jo Owens was the one who followed in her father’s footsteps the closest. Fascinated with both sacred and secular music from an early age, she became a singer, songwriter, and minister, working as a traveling evangelist for many years. As a woman making her way in the world as a musician, she became a primary inspiration for her niece, Dolly Parton. Dorothy Jo would not only write many songs for her niece to record, like the gospel classic “Yes I See God,” but also co-write songs with her including “Daddy Was An Old Time Preacher Man,” their tribute to Dolly’s grandfather.

In 1983, Dorothy Jo was still traveling the gospel road as an evangelist, but her association with her famous niece led her to her first solo recordings as a country artist. Although a portion of the album was recorded at Pollyfox Studio in Nashville, several of the tracks were cut at one of Nashville’s most unusual studios, The Refuge, a full-service studio built in former 45-foot refrigerator trailer parked just off Music Row, co-owned and operated by Dorothy Jo’s brother, Louis Owens, and his 22-year-old son, Richie Owens.

Containing eight original compositions by Dorothy Jo, couched in a classic hard sound, this hard-to-find album was released the small independent label Express Records and primarily sold at her public appearances. This new edition unearths an overlooked classic sure to thrill the heart of any traditional country music fan.

TRACKLIST

1. I'm in Love with A Truck Driving Man
2. I Can Only Be Me
3. He's Leaving Me a Little At a Time
4. I'm Getting Over the Heartaches
5. He's Everything I Wanted You to Be
6. Put Me Down Easy
7. Streets of Buffalo
8. Take Me to the Places
9. The Nicest Guy in the World
10. How Much Loneliness Can One Woman Stand