Hello. Farewell.

To have a Friday Magic Madness song featuring Dolly Parton is apt, considering that she just passed away a few days ago.

But let's give her another kind of tribute.

The type that goes back to 1969, and features the unforgettable voices of Louis Armstrong and Barbra Streisand.

"Hello Dolly," was originally sung by Louis Armstrong in 1964, for the musical of the same name. It was one of his biggest hit songs, and even won awards in 1965. Then, in 1969, the musical had a film adaptation, and this is where his duet with Barbra came about.

If you listen to the lyrics, it could very well been talking about Dolly Parton. 

"I feel the room swayin' while the band's playin'
One of your old favourite songs from way back when
So golly, gee, fellas have a little faith in me, fellas
Dolly'll, never go away, promise you never go away
Dolly'll, never go away again"

She might have gone ahead, but considering the legacy she left, "Dolly, you'll never go away again."

Parton is such sweet sorrow

Yesterday, the sad news broke that country legend and overall singing icon - Dolly Parton - has gone up the the great music hall in heaven.

Growing up, we'd hear a lot of her songs, from the iconic "9-to-5," "Jolene," and her ultra popular duet with Kenny Rogers, "Island in the Stream."

Undoubtedly, she was the queen of country music, and she inspired a whole new generation of country singers, most notable being Miley Cyrus.

From what has been said and written about her, she has a huge heart and was always generous with her time and talent. She nurtured and mentored young singers, and was happy with the success of country performers that came after her.

She's truly a legend, and that's why millions of people with always love her.

You will be missed, Dolly Parton.

FMM: Stuck in the Island

Today's Friday Magic Madness song needs no introduction:

Yes, it was inspired by yesterday's post.

"Islands in the Stream" is such a feel-good song, masterfully sung by the King and Queen of Country - Kenny and Dolly.

This song is definitely stuck in my head.

Make some noise

This was back in 2018.

Movie houses were showing this preview of a choir film entitled "Joyful Noise."

As a former choir boy, this film piqued my interest. Aside from the theme, it featured 3 of my favourite singer/actresses: Dolly Parton, Queen Latifah and Keke Palmer.

Strangely though, this film was never shown on the big screen. The reason behind that has always been a mystery, and I'm still looking for that film on Netflix or streaming services to this day.

Until I find the full film, let me just watch excerpts from the film, including this very heartfelt rendition of "Man in the Mirror." This was performed by Keke Palmer and the choir. And they did it beautifully!

As the character Randy just said: make some noise for this performance!

FMM: Back to Workin'

My family and friends will attest to this - I'm a workaholic.

Ever since I got my first job as a junior copywriter at 19 years old, I've worked non-stop. And enjoyed every minute of it.

That's why it was such a weird feeling when I found myself in a situation where I was confined to a bed at home with no activity except for recuperation. (A very important activity, I must say.)

Thankfully, that chapter is over and I've been given the greenlight to go back to regular programming this week. So, in celebration of my first week of regular work, let's bring in Dolly Parton!



Yes, I'm Workin' 9 to 5. And lovin' it!