Dolly Parton's greatest hit was owning her music – industry expert

A Music Industries expert from Birmingham City University (BCU) says Dolly Parton’s efforts to hold onto her copyrights as a musician was a vital step in her career.

The country singer died on Tuesday at the age of 80, resulting in thousands of tributes from across the world.

But it was her business smarts that kept her at the top of the game in an industry dominated by men, according to Dr Matt Grimes, senior lecturer in Music Industries and Radio at BCU.

Dr Grimes (pictured) said: “Many remember Dolly as a country singer songwriter, but above all of that she was also a very astute businesswoman, philanthropist and role model to many female musicians and performers.

“Dolly rose up through an industry that was, and still is, dominated by men whose major intention is to make as much money from exploiting their artists.

“She made a rare move in setting up her own publishing company in 1966, just one of the ways Dolly was an innovator in securing her rights as a female songwriter.

“She clearly had good business acumen as the retention of nearly all of her publishing rights contributed to an estate of some estimated value of $650 million.

“The retention of copyright is absolutely key in the music industry, and it could be argued that Dolly set a standard and an inspiration for many subsequent female artists.

“We all remember the very public battle Taylor Swift endured over the rights to her own songs, and knowing both her and Dolly were close, I have a feeling Taylor may have looked to Dolly for business guidance.”