Avie Lee Parton never sought the spotlight, even though she possessed a striking and expressive singing voice, filled with traditional Appalachian phrasing. Her love for traditional mountain ballads and songs was a gift she shared with her children and grandchildren — creating a musical legacy that has continued to this day.
By the time Freida Parton was a teenager and ready to make her own music, her big sister Dolly’s career was well underway, not to mention the musical careers of many other family members. While Freida drew from the same inspirational well as her aunts, uncles, siblings, and cousins, the resulting musical brew was of her own making. “The mountains are in me, in my blood and my whole being,” Freida says. “But I’ve always written and performed both rock and country songs.”
Randy Parton began his career in the shadow of his older sister Dolly, but he soon stepped into the spotlight, building an impressive musical resume of his own. Over four decades, he carried his family’s musical legacy forward as a backing musician, songwriter, solo artist, and all-around entertainer.
Obsessed with music from an early age, Bill Owens built a career as a singer, songwriter, guitarist, record producer, and music business entrepreneur. He was one of the first to recognize his niece Dolly Parton’s talent, and he became an inspiration to other members of the Owens-Parton family.
Possessing an unshakable faith in the Lord, an ennobling faith in humanity, a tremendous musical talent, a fierce independent streak, and a mighty mountain voice, Dorothy Jo Owens was a singer, songwriter, musician, mother, minister, and an inspiration to everyone she met. It’s no wonder that her niece, Dolly Parton, still refers to her as one of her greatest “heroes.”
Floyd Estel Parton was more than just a songwriter — he was a musician, poet, storyteller, outdoorsman, nature enthusiast, and even a skilled cook. But his greatest passion was music, with a deep connection to the Smoky Mountains and his family's rich musical heritage.
Music has been Heidi Parton’s constant companion almost from the moment of her birth. That’s to be expected, considering she’s the daughter of singer-songwriter and musician Randy Parton and the niece of Dolly Parton. With Heidi’s lineage, it’s no surprise that she made her stage debut at a very early age.
The Rev. Jake Owens was a preacher, school teacher, music instructor, singer, songwriter, and fiddle player. A man of foresight, Jake understood that music wasn’t just a calling — it was also a way to create lasting prosperity for his family. He instilled in his children the belief that their voices and stories could reach far beyond the Smoky Mountains and touch hearts across the country.
Music isn’t just in Richie Owens’ blood, it’s in every muscle and sinew of his body, not to mention his soul. Credit it to his bloodline, but it’s also the result of a life dedicated to absorbing musical influences, fusing them with his own talent and voice, and making music the hard and simple way, with heart, soul and determination.