Without a doubt there is one major performer that certainly stands out within our pop culture world. The name of this very famous American icon is, Dolly Parton. Dolly has surpassed any rags to riches story that ever lived. She has touched the lives of so many individuals over many decades through her many talents. Dolly started her career at a very young age and continued fulfilling her life endeavors through country music, pop music, and even acting. This American icon didn’t stop with just her talents, she also gave back to our society through charity, fundraising, and establishing her own theme park. Dolly Parton was brought up in a very poor family, however through much dedication she became the famous icon everyone idolized today.
Dolly Parton’s life began in Sevier County, Tennessee. She was the fourth of twelve children born to a poor tobacco farmer (Dolly). Even though her family was very poor, that didn’t stop this bubbly little girl from pursuing her dreams. In fact, Dolly was able to turn the struggles that her family encountered into inspirations to her songwriting. One of the very popular songs “Coat of Many Colors” was written by Dolly regarding a true story of her mother sewing a multi-colored coat for her that was made from rags. Not only did Dolly grow up singing and songwriting at home in the family’s rustic one room cabin, she sang in church and by the time she was ten she was performing on local television and radio shows in Knoxville, Tennessee (Dolly). Dolly’s parents saw the gift that their daughter was given and purchased for her a guitar when she was only ten years old. She taught herself how to play and not only sang in the public eye but played the guitar as well. If this wasn’t already an open...
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...as won throughout her singing and acting career are countless. Even Dolly’s physical appearance and voice have made such a statement in the entertainment world. There have even been many other entertainers that have tried to follow her footsteps of fashion and image but no one can pull it off like Dolly can. I’m certain that this famous pop culture icon is not done yet entertaining and giving more to our society. I don’t imagine there will be another entertainer that will be more famous in the pop culture world as Dolly Parton.
Works Cited
“Dollywood.” 2014. Dolly Parton Productions. 16 Apr. 2014
“Dolly Parton.” 2012. Dolly Production Site. 16 Apr. 2014
“Dolly Parton.” 2014. Guardian News and Media. 16. Apr. 2014
“Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.” 2014. Imagination Library. 16 Apr. 2014
"Dolly Rebecca Parton." 2014. The Biography.com website. 16 Apr. 2014
Diana Ross was born in 1944. Emerging from the housing projects in Detroit to become an international superstar, she gained prominence first as a member of the supremes, then as a solo artist. The mention of her name evokes the indelible image of the broadly smiling diva, the long hair, sequined gowns, etc.
You know she's a Jackson. And you know she's a singer. Of course, you know the girl can dance. You know she's a leading lady in Hollywood. And maybe you still think of her as a cute little girl with a famous last name and big , bright eyes. Do you think she's what she was yesterday? Better think again. As many of her other fans and followers already know, the only label that fits her is… Janet.
You can see her influence in most of today’s art. I grew up on Janet’s music and I simply love each era of her work. To me, Janet is more than a singer, she is a true artist.
Bessie Smith was born April 15, 1894 in Chattanooga, Tennessee. She later in life became known as the “Empress of the Blues”. At the age of eighteen she being traveling with a group by the name of Moss Stokes Company. While with the group she met Ma Rainey who also became a friend and mentor to her. After traveling with the group, in 1923 she was discovered by Columbia Records. After signing with Columbia, she released her first song Downhearted Blues. The song Downhearted Blues went on to sale over 800,000 copies and became one her most popular songs. During the 1920s and 1930s she had become one of the most famous blues singers in America. During that time period Bessie recorded over 160 tracks. Because of the time period many black singers
“You'll never do a whole lot unless you're brave enough to try”-Dolly Parton. Most people only know her because of her music, which is very inspirational, however she has done so much more. She is always looking for ways to give back because she knows what it like to not have much. She loves to help kids in need. Dolly Parton is one of the most inspirational people in the world, and her influence has affected so many people that her legacy will live on long after she's gone.
She is not only an actress or singer, but she is a role model. She inspires tons of people and loves giving back to the community. She loves showing culture, going around talking to many people, and performing in many places. Queen Latifah inspires me. One day, I would like to be a big movie star and a big artist like her. Queen Latifah put her mind to the dreams that she wanted to accomplish and she accomplished them. Maybe, if I did the same thing, I could accomplish my dreams also. She has been through many of trials but she has came back from those trials stronger than
Aretha Franklin is a well known pop, R&B, and gospel singer. She has been nicknamed “The Queen of Soul” and is an internationally known artist and a symbol of pride in the African American community. Her popularity soared in 1967 when she released an album containing songs “I Never Loved a Man”, “Respect”, and “Baby I Love You.” Throughout her career she has achieved fifteen Grammy Awards, Lifetime Achievement Award, National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences Legend Awards, and many Grammy Hall of Fame Awards. In 1987 she became the first woman inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Time magazine chose her as one of the most influential artists and entertainers of the 20th century. She sang at Dr. Martin Luther King’s funeral and at former President Bill Clinton’s inaugural party. Although she has all these accomplishments and awards there are other reasons that have driven Franklin to fame and landed her on the front cover of Time magazine on June 28, 1968. The reasons I believe allowed Aretha Franklin to become so successful are the following: Her family’s involvement with religion, the inspiring people that surrounded her, and the pain she suffered.
Oprah Gail Winfrey is one of the most famous women alive, and not only for her riches, but in the way that she has contributed back to society. Oprah has made billions and has given away more than half of those billions to different charities throughout the world. Never having children of her own, Oprah dedicates her life to making the lives of others better.
After her divorce she began singing with Noble Sissie’s Society Orchestra. Through out their tour she had to endure harsh racism having to sleep in tenement boarding houses, the bus and even once in circus grounds. Soon after that, she toured with Charlie Barnet’s Outfit and became the first African American to tour with an all white band. She was their feature singer and considers this to be the beginning of her success.
Diana Ernestine Earle Ross is very influential when it comes to the music industry. To this day, people have doubts about us young people going into the field of music. They feel like making a career out of rapping, singing, or acting is one in a million. Especially, being born and raised in Detroit. Diana has given us hope. She is an idol that many of us look up to. Ross is a woman of great achievement and one day someone with just as much potential as her, will follow in her footsteps.
Josephine Baker Josephine Baker was an African American woman who had to overcome discrimination and abuse in achieving her dream of becoming a singer and dancer. She did this during the 1920s, when African Americans faced great discrimination. She had a hard childhood. Her personal life was not easy to handle. Furthermore, she overcame poverty and racism to achieve her career dream.
Overall, Ethel Merman has become a historical figure in Broadway history. She has been maintained as the best and most successful musical comedy performer for her vocals and transitional acting. These attributes gave her the key to working with the most notable producers, script writers and musical producers in the history of Broadway. Her many shows gave her the opportunity to understand herself as a Broadway actress and her voice stands alone to all of the people who followed. Her voice will live on in theater and she will continue to remain a pinnacle of Broadway history.
Lucille Ball, a beloved Hollywood actress, overcame difficulties in childhood and adulthood, becoming a successful actress and studio head. She portrayed the relatable character “Lucy” in “I Love Lucy,” making her an American Icon.
Bessie was born April 15, 1894 in Chattanooga, Tennessee to a part time Baptist preacher, William Smith, and his wife Laura. The family was large and poor. Soon after she was born her father died. Laura lived until Bessie was only nine years old. The remaining children had to learn to take care of themselves. Her sister Viola then raised her. But it was her oldest brother, Clarence, who had the most impact on her. Clarence always encouraged Bessie to learn to sing and dance. After Clarence had joined the Moses Stokes Minstrel Show, Bessie got auditions. Bessie's career began when she was 'discovered' by none other than Ma Rainey when Ma's revue, the Rabbit Foot Minstrels, was passing through Chattanooga around 1912 and she had the occasion to hear young Bessie sing. Ma took Bessie on the road with the show and communicated, consciously or not, the subtleties and intricacies of an ancient and still emerging art form. (Snow).
In conclusion, she is a very good role model. She is a good role model because she shows people it is good to give to charity and she is a hard worker. She also shows that you don’t need to have inappropriate songs or inappropriate performances to be popular. This is why she is my favorite superstar and I wanted to write a research paper on her.