The Parton Family Sings in the Garden Digital Album

In 1968, Dolly Parton’s star was on the ascendancy, and the music publishing company she had founded with her uncle Bill Owens, Owepar Publishing, was rapidly expanding under the management of another uncle, Louis Owens. Both Bill and Louis had experience operating their own record labels, and with the resources now available to Owepar, they saw an opportunity to shine the spotlight on other talented members of the Owens and Parton families.

Dolly’s mother, Avie Lee Parton, had been singing and making music all her life, and she passed that musical legacy on to her 12 children. With sacred music such a central part in their lives and home, the decision was made to record a full gospel album with Avie Lee and three of her daughters, Willadeene, Stella, and Cassie.

Produced by Louis Owens and recorded at Nashville’s renowned Starday Studios, the dozen tracks on the album feature a mix of traditional hymns, country gospel standards, and three originals — two written by Avie Lee’s sister, Dorothy Jo Owens, and one by Avie Lee herself. In addition to classic mountain close harmony singing, the mother and three daughters traded off the lead on songs, giving a chance for each member to shine.

Released in 1968 in a limited pressing on the Owepar-affiliated Inspiration Records, the album has become a rare collectors item with copies selling for more than $100 when one can be found. This new edition restores this historically significant and still moving recording to its proper place.

• Historical liners notes detailing the Owens-Parton family musical legacy

• Background on the recording of the album and the songs featured

• The first commercial recordings by future country star Stella Parton

TRACKLIST

1. In The Garden – The Parton Family, Smoky Mountain DNA Series (02:04) 
2. Sweet By And By – The Parton Family, Smoky Mountain DNA Series (02:11) 
3. How Great Is Jesus – The Parton Family, Smoky Mountain DNA Series (01:57) 
4. Great Speckled Bird – The Parton Family, Smoky Mountain DNA Series (03:12)
5. He Will Make the Flowers Bloom – The Parton Family, Smoky Mountain DNA Series (02:06)
6. Great Judgement Morning – The Parton Family, Smoky Mountain DNA Series (02:29)
7. Someone to Care – The Parton Family, Smoky Mountain DNA Series (02:47) 
8. How Great Thou Art – The Parton Family, Smoky Mountain DNA Series (03:02)
9. Don't Cry and Weep – The Parton Family, Smoky Mountain DNA Series (02:49) 
10. Little Lost Lamb – The Parton Family, Smoky Mountain DNA Series (02:18)
11. Twelve Roses – The Parton Family, Smoky Mountain DNA Series (02:04)
12. Just As I Am – The Parton Family, Smoky Mountain DNA Series (01:44)