Smoky Mountains (album)
Smoky Mountains is a collaborative studio album by American country and bluegrass musicians Dolly Parton and Ricky Skaggs, released in 2024. The album is a collection of newly recorded songs inspired by and celebrating the natural beauty and cultural heritage of the Great Smoky Mountains, a mountain range located in the southeastern United States.
The album features both original compositions written by Parton and Skaggs, as well as traditional Appalachian folk songs and bluegrass standards. The songs often explore themes of family, faith, nature, and the hardships and joys of life in the mountain region. The instrumentation primarily focuses on acoustic instruments such as banjo, fiddle, mandolin, guitar, and dobro, creating a sound rooted in traditional mountain music.
Smoky Mountains is noted for its vocal harmonies between Parton and Skaggs, showcasing their individual talents and blending their voices to create a distinctive sound. The album's release was accompanied by media appearances and promotional events, highlighting the artists' shared love for the Smoky Mountains and their commitment to preserving its musical traditions. The album received generally positive reviews, with critics praising its authenticity, musicianship, and heartfelt storytelling.