Dolly Parton’s “Coat of Many Colors” Stirs the Heart of Country Music

At its very best, it’s not just country music. It’s heart music.

As part of our coverage of Ken Burns’ “Country Music” documentary, scheduled to premiere this Sunday on KCPT – Kansas City PBS, we asked local singer-songwriter Scott “Rex” Hobart and music writer David Cantwell to discuss Dolly Parton’s country classic “Coat of Many Colors.”

Country has often been called “three chords and the truth.’’ Even more simply, it’s heart music. The emotion it can evoke in true fans is almost palpable.

You can feel it as Hobart discusses Parton.

“I grew up seeing her on the Porter Wagoner show and stuff,” Hobart says. “There’s a familiarity with her. I don’t know… I think sometimes she reminds me of my mom, somehow.”

Cantwell ranked “Coat of Many Colors” No. 8 in the book “Heartaches by the Number – Country Music’s 500 Greatest Singles.”

“I think it really underscores someone like Dolly Parton’s ambition,” Cantwell says. “She grew up dirt poor, but had dreams of getting out of there.”

See more in the video. Also, in the hours leading up to the premiere of “Country Music,” 90.9 The Bridge will be highlighting country music:

Revival, Sunday 10 a.m – Noon: Host Michael Atchison will feature two hours of classic country sounds.

Sunday Sessions with Cole, Sunday 3-6 p.m.: We’ll play some of the best sessions from country artists live in The Bridge studios.

The Making of Ken Burns Country Music, Sunday 6-7 p.m.: We’ll air a radio documentary exploring the making of Ken Burns’ “Country Music” documentary.

In conjunction with Ken Burns’ documentary series, Country Music, Kansas City PBS is highlighting local stories about the impact of country music in our region. Learn more at kcpt.org/country-music and tune in for the premiere September 15 on KCPT.  Presented by Bank of America.