While we all collectively mourn the passing of singer, songwriter, actor, philanthropist and generally wonderful human being, Dolly Parton, I thought I would reflect on a long lost institution from the seventies.

The pop star variety show.

Miss Parton had her own TV show in the seventies. While full of the usual glitter and glam of the genre were tender moments where three voices and one guitar could transcend all to give a sound of intimate perfection and purity. Here is Dolly with fellow country singers Linda Ronstadt and Emmylou Harris from a 1976 episode of her show.

Most of these shows originated in the US of A, all glitter balls, sequins, outlandish costumes and dancing girls. Musical numbers interspersed with over the top choreography and cringeworthy comedy sketches. The ones that made it to Britain’s shores that I remember were Andy Williams, Sonny and Cher and Donny and Marie.

I’m sure Fagen and Becker had ice skating bunny girls and canned applause in mind when they penned this gem. (NB sick bags are available in the pockets in front of you!)

The UK had it’s own slightly more restrained versions led by Val Doonican who did more for Aran sweaters than Louis Vetton did for handbags. A Bing Crosby clone with a soft Irish lilt was a staple for Saturday night viewing in our house.

Dennistoun’s finest Marie McDonald McLaughlin Lawrie or Lulu to you was also a regular on our screens. Lulu’s Back In Town, Happening For Lulu, It’s Lulu or Lulu from the late sixties however you want to brand it.

A stoned The Jimi Hendrix Experience appeared on one of her early shows. Stopped ‘Hey Joe’ mid tune to play Cream’s ‘Sunshine Of Your Life’ to avoid Lulu singing with them, much to the annoyance of the production crew.

Another stallwart was Des O’Connor whose show ran from 1963 to 1973 before branching out to hosting game shows.

Burly Chasis, sorry Shirley Bassey, was another biggie of the time as was to a lesser extent Cilla, Cliff Richards, Sandie Shaw and the tragic Lena Zavaroni.

One of my personal favourites was The Price Of Fame with keyboard players Alan Price and Georgie Fame which ran from 1969 to 1970. A little less ostentatious than most shows but the music was good and varied.

So the age of the variety show is over. All that largesse of kitsch and tack neatly packed away never to see the light of day.

Now what’s on offer ?

Watching the humiliation of an ever hopeful performer’s journey shattered by acerbic TV judges on the myriad of talent shows all for the ratings ?

Dolly Parton’s TV show ran from September 1976 to March 1977 and was cancelled due to ‘artistic differences’. Dolly didn’t agree about the direction the production company was taking.

I remember one of her famous quotes…….

It costs a lot of money to look this cheap !

(Post by John Allan from Bridgetown, Western Australia – August 2026)