“9 to 5” has become an anthem for office workers especially women in the United States in the 1980s.
Dolly Parton is one of the most influential female artists of all time. She has been empowering women all over the world through her music and films. Her song, “9 to 5” in particular, was a soundtrack in her movie in the 1980s with the same title. Both the movie and song campaign for gender equality at work, and also fight for the rights of women around the globe. With the song and its message, two other female country singers also want to bring back and voice out the message in today’s time.
Jennifer Nettles of the duo Sugarland and Carrie Underwood, both most sought-after female country stars today, honor Parton and all women with the song. Nettles and Underwood took on the 1980 classic hit live at the Grand Ole Opry in 2014.
WATCH: Jennifer Nettles and Carrie Underwood perform Dolly Parton’s 1980 hit “9 to 5” live at the Grand Ole Opry.
About the Song
A certified gold record, “9 to 5” is a country song penned and recorded by American country music entertainer and singer-songwriter Dolly Parton. It is also the title for the 1980 comedy film where it was used as a soundtrack. To note, Dolly Parton also appeared in the movie as one of the lead stars together with Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin. In addition, the song was the centerpiece of Parton’s 23rd solo studio album, 9 to 5 and Odd Jobs. American record producer Gregg Perry produced and released it on November 29, 1980, under the RCA Records.
“9 to 5” was an award-winning song for Parton. She earned a nomination from the Academy Awards and four from the Grammy Awards. Eventually, she won two out of her four nominations in the Grammy namely, Best Country Song and Best Country Vocal Performance-Female Category. To add, “9 to 5” was a chart-topper in 1980 until 1981. It was actually the best song on three Billboard charts: Hot 100, Adult Contemporary, and Hot Country Songs.
Furthermore, it also entered music charts in nine other countries. Most noteworthy, it placed no. 1 on both the Canadian RPM Country Tracks and Top Singles while it peaked at no. 2 on Canada’s CBC. In the UK, “9 to 5” was certified gold for selling over 400,00 copies.