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From rags to riches: How Dolly Parton’s story embodied the American Dream. “If you really want to know who I am, my life is in my songs”
In a 2014 interview ahead of her Blue Smoke album and world tour, Dolly Parton reflected on the obstacles behind her rise from poverty to international stardom. The article presents her life and songwriting as closely linked, highlighting how she protected her independence and turned personal hardship into songs that defined her career. A central…
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American Songwriter 3rd Annual Road Ready Talent Contest Finalists Announced
American Songwriter has announced the finalists for its third annual Road Ready Talent Contest, selected from the competition’s semi-finalists. The announcement recognises the shortlisted songwriters and artists, with the next stage set to determine the three acts who will perform live in Nashville in October. The finalists comprise 20 entries and are listed alphabetically by…
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Atoire secures $9.5m seed funding for lower-priced luxury fashion
Atoire, a fashion startup, has raised $9.5 million in seed funding to sell luxury-quality clothing and handbags directly to consumers at substantially lower prices. It says its products use the same materials, craftsmanship and factories as established luxury brands, aiming to benefit from consumer frustration over steep luxury price rises and growing interest in affordable…
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Hoomanely’s building a smart feeding bowl and an AI platform to help owners spot when their pup is sick
Palo Alto startup Hoomanely has launched EverBowl, a sensor-equipped dog feeding station paired with an AI platform intended to flag early signs of illness. By tracking changes in eating, drinking, chewing, swallowing, facial temperature and oral movement, it aims to give owners and veterinarians longer-term health information before symptoms become obvious; however, it is not…
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“I Feel Like I Just Got Here”: Carter Faith on Her Meteoric Rise, New Music, and Film Debut (Exclusive)
Carter Faith discussed her rapid rise in country music following her debut album, Cherry Valley, including touring, opening for Post Malone and receiving ACM nominations. She said the response to lesser-known album tracks encouraged her to continue exploring its themes, while aiming for a more stripped-back and personally honest sound. That approach has led to…
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How Did Nelly Furtado Rebound for Her Greatest Pop Star Year Ever in 2006 — And Why’d She Vanish From Top 40 Right After? Greatest Pop Stars Podcast
Billboard’s Greatest Pop Stars podcast examines Nelly Furtado’s dramatic commercial comeback in 2006, when her collaboration with producer Timbaland made her one of the year’s defining pop artists. The episode considers why the partnership worked so well after both had experienced quieter periods, and why Furtado’s Top 40 success fell away soon afterwards despite an…
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The 1970 song Brian Wilson called “the most beautiful” ever
Brian Wilson reportedly described ‘Forever’, a 1970 Beach Boys song written by his brother Dennis Wilson, as “the most harmonically beautiful thing I’ve ever heard” and “a rock and roll prayer”. The article argues that the song demonstrates how other members of the band took on greater creative roles as Brian’s involvement diminished after the…
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Juicy J Shares What Dolly Parton Told Three 6 Mafia After They Beat Her for an Oscar in 2006
Juicy J has recalled that Dolly Parton sent Three 6 Mafia a congratulatory letter after the Memphis rap group beat her for the Best Original Song Oscar in 2006. His comments, made alongside Project Pat on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, have resurfaced amid tributes following Parton’s reported death, highlighting her gracious response to losing. Three 6…