In a special episode of Dolly, the beloved 1987-88 variety show starring the legendary Dolly Parton, fans were treated to an unforgettable duet as she joined Tom Jones for a powerful rendition of his hit song, Green Green Grass of Home.
Originally penned by Claude “Curly” Putman Jr. in 1964—who also wrote Dolly’s Dumb Blonde—the song first gained attention when Johnny Darrell recorded it in 1965. However, it was Porter Wagoner who truly popularized it that same year, bringing it to No. 4 on the country charts. Inspired by a crime scene from the film The Asphalt Jungle, the song’s evocative storytelling struck a chord with listeners.
Following Wagoner’s success, country greats Bobby Bare and Jerry Lee Lewis each recorded their own versions. It was Lewis’ heartfelt take that caught the ear of Tom Jones, leading him to release his own rendition in 1966. His version, blending pop and country influences, became a massive worldwide hit, selling over 1.2 million copies in the UK alone. In fact, it was the first Decca single by a UK artist to surpass a million sales, cementing Green Green Grass of Home as Jones’ biggest hit.
Jones later shared in 1000 UK #1 Hits how he first discovered the song. After hearing Jerry Lee Lewis’ rendition on the album Country Songs for City Folks, he was captivated. Though he hadn’t recorded country music before, Jones felt an immediate connection to the song and proposed the idea to his manager, Peter Sullivan, who was initially surprised. The legendary Les Reed arranged the track and even played piano on the recording.
Unlike Lewis’ strictly country approach, Jones infused his version with a more polished pop sensibility, making it a crossover success. Over the years, the song has been covered by music icons including Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Joan Baez, and Kenny Rogers, solidifying its place as a timeless classic.
With Parton and Jones both known for their powerhouse vocals and stage charisma, their duet of Green Green Grass of Home was nothing short of spectacular. Their voices blended seamlessly, bringing fresh life to the beloved song while staying true to its emotional core. It was a moment of pure musical magic—one that fans still cherish today.
