“Unlikely Angel provides a long overdue, serious examination of Dolly Parton’s music. ... This authoritative book will, no doubt, be a must-read for scholars and fans of Dolly Parton; its serious yet accessible tone ensures this. We might hope that pop/folk music critics, peddlers of tired old tropes, will also avail themselves of the essential knowledge to be found here.” Annie Janeiro Randall, Women & Music: A Journal of Gender and Culture 27 (2023): 106-08.

“a nuanced musicological and historical account of Parton’s songwriting techniques. ...Unlikely Angel is impressive for the ways it includes sonic details without alienating readers with varying degrees of musical knowledge. ...[The book] is geared for a generalized readership, and it can also be used in a range of undergraduate and graduate courses, including those in American studies, gender studies, and popular music..” Stephanie Vander Wel, Journal of the Society for American Music 17 (2023): 413-15.

Hamessley's book “offers a welcome addition to the scholarly discussion of Parton’s oeuvre. Focusing on Parton’s songwriting, Hamessley provides a helpful musicological analysis of Parton that details specific elements of Parton’s music, ranging from analysis of melody, harmony, form, and modes to themes in her lyrics. She contributes a lively account of Parton’s compositional practice and biographical contexts…. Chapters 3 and 4 concern Parton’s use of Appalachian music, and form the heart of the book, which will be of special interest from the point of view of folklore studies…. Researchers in the field will find productive material here, particularly the discussion of the music itself and the details about the Parton interviews and how they illustrate Parton’s compositional processes.” Leigh H. Edwards, Journal of American Folklore 136 (2023): 113-114.

This book is a “comprehensive assessment of her career...which focuses directly on the music itself, exploring the wide ranging influences, styles and themes in her songwriting. An absolute must for any serious fan of Dolly’s music. ... Dolly herself assisted in the research of this book, answering questions about her songwriting and being an enthusiastic supporter of the work.” Michelle Lindsey, “Dolly Parton Book Guide,” Highway Queens: A Music Blog (December 2022).

“I highly recommend Hamessley’s engaging and thought-provoking book for Appalachian music scholars and fans of Dolly Parton’s music alike, both for the wonderful stories from Dolly's life and the in-depth examination of her original songs, themes, and lyrics.” Natalya Zoe Weinstein, Appalachian Journal v. 49, nos. 1-2 (Fall 2021/Winter 2022): 110-111.

“Parton's world-class skills as a songwriter has never been the subject of such a precise and unique analysis as this. ... The book's focus on songwriting allows Parton’s larger-than-life personality and public image to fade into the background and let the introspective, artistic side of her incredible skill set to come out to great effect. ... Hats off to Hamessley for shining a light on the less familiar but perhaps most important aspects of the timeless artistry of Dolly Parton.” Dave Pomeroy, The Nashville Musician (July-Sept., 2021): 21.

“Overall, Unlikely Angel is a unique look at a globally iconic figure. What sets this book apart is that it is not recycled biographical information, but rather, an in-depth discussion of songwriting and thematic analysis. ... This book is accessible to all people, whether they are longtime fans or are just now experiencing the storytelling found within Appalachian music.” Lora E. Smith, Journal of Appalachian Studies, Vol. 27, no. 1, (Spring, 2021): 118.

“The book makes a solid contribution to country music scholarship.” D. Beisswenger, Choice (published by the Association of College & Research Libraries), (August 2021).

“At a time when Dolly’s cultural and even political influence maintains clear social relevance, Unlikely Angel’s deep dive into her songwriting as her most prolific and nuanced mode of expression is both welcome and necessary. ... Readers will enjoy this venture into the depths of Dolly’s creating process and emerge grateful to both Dolly and Hamessley for paving an entry into the mind and history of one of America's greatest songwriters.” Holly Riley, Contemporary Women's Writing 15 (3): 422–23.

“If you ever underestimated Dolly Parton, you will no longer once you read this enjoyable book.” Ed McNulty, Visual Parables (March 11, 2021).

No Depression included Unlikely Angel: The Songs of Dolly Parton in their Best of the Rest Books of 2020 Roundup.

“Unlikely Angel presents an inspiring picture of Parton’s creative process. ... Extensive discussion of Parton’s love for mountain ballad forms and bluegrass structures culminate in a brilliant analysis of Parton’s 1999 pivotal album The Grass Is Blue. ... A page-turning deep dive into Parton’s artistry.” Emily Choate, Nashville Scene (January 1, 2021).

“Hamessley is especially attuned to the subtle ways in which Ms. Parton interweaves old and new musical strands—for instance, by ornamenting her verses with archaic flourishes and stock phrases from centuries-old ballads. ... Hamessley supplements her close readings (and close listenings) with incisive comments from Ms. Parton, who sent responses via cassette to the author’s inquiries, mostly about her native Appalachia’s folk roots.” Eddie Dean, The Wall Street Journal (December 31, 2020).

“Meticulously researched.... The fine, affectionate attention Hamessley pays to Parton’s music offers all sorts of revelations: the old-world strangeness of Parton’s lyrical diction (“My life is like unto a bargain store...”), the Appalachian roots of the stirringly beautiful chest voice she employs on her 2002 song “These Old Bones,” or how much more eerie her critically maligned tearjerker “Me and Little Andy” becomes when you consider it within the gothic tradition of the ghost story.” Lindsay Zoladz, Bookforum (Dec/Jan/Feb 2021).

“a fascinating, richly-detailed history, not only of a beloved entertainer, but of the music of the Tennessee mountains and the timeless culture of Appalachian America. ... Highly recommended for fans of Dolly Parton, lovers of music, and for those who believe in the American Dream.” Booked Solid With Virginia C (December 20, 2020).

“Hamessley provides a dazzling close reading of Parton’s songs and identity as a songwriter in Unlikely Angel: The Songs of Dolly Parton (Illinois). Drawing on interviews with Parton as well as on deep archival research, Hamessley illustrates how Parton’s songs echo facets of her life.” Henry Carrigan, “THE READING ROOM: Three New Books About the Life and Songs of Dolly Parton,” No Depression: The Journal of Roots Music (November 26, 2020).

“...detailed and savvy analysis of Parton’s songwriting.” Gene Seymour, “Just let Dolly Parton rule the world already,” CNN Opinion (November 23, 2020).

“For any fans of Dolly Parton and her music, this ode to her creative ingenuity and discography of timeless songs is an absolute must-read!” Biblioshelf Musings (September 2020).

“A persuasive argument for taking Dolly Parton seriously as an artist. For folk and country music scholars, musicians, and fans.” Genevieve Williams, Library Journal v. 145, issue 9 (September 2020): 68-68.

“Serious Dolly Parton fans and country music aficionados will be delighted by this in-depth gander into an icon's creative process.” Michelle Ross, Booklist (October 15, 2020).

“By examining [Dolly] thoroughly through her musical creations, author and music professor Lydia R. Hamessley gives a dynamic view of this remarkable star.” Barbara Bamberger Scott, Book Reporter (October 16, 2020).

Richard Thompson, “Unlikely Angel — The Songs of Dolly Parton coming in October,” Bluegrass Today (August 5, 2020).

Biblioshelf #Friday 56 (September 2020).