In an unforgettable moment from Dolly, a 1987-88 American variety show hosted by the legendary Dolly Parton, she joined forces with Tom Jones for a duet of his hit song “Green, Green Grass of Home.” The performance captured the essence of both artists’ talents, blending Dolly’s unique vocal style with Tom Jones’ powerful delivery.
“Green, Green Grass of Home” was originally written by Claude ‘Curly’ Putman Jr. in 1964, who also penned Dolly’s debut song “Dumb Blonde.” The song first appeared on Johnny Darrell’s 1965 album, but it was Porter Wagoner who gave it a boost in popularity, reaching No. 4 on the country charts. It wasn’t long before the song gained widespread attention, with Bobby Bare and Jerry Lee Lewis recording their own versions. However, it was Jerry Lee Lewis’ rendition that caught the attention of Tom Jones, who released his version in 1966, making it a worldwide hit. Jones’ take on the song became one of his biggest hits, selling over 1.2 million copies in the UK and cementing his place in music history.
Tom Jones, in an interview with 1000 UK #1 Hits in The Mail On Sunday, explained how Jerry Lee Lewis’ version of the song had stood out to him, prompting him to bring it up to his manager, Peter Sullivan. Although Jones had never ventured into country music at that time, the song struck a chord with him, leading him to record it with a more pop-leaning arrangement, as opposed to the original country style.
Many other artists have covered “Green, Green Grass of Home” over the years, including the likes of Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Joan Baez, and Kenny Rogers. However, the duet between Tom Jones and Dolly Parton remains a standout moment, showcasing two of music’s most beloved figures. You can watch their memorable performance in the video below.