The Winning Hand
Encyclopedia
The Winning Hand is a double album
, released in December 1982, featuring Dolly Parton
, Willie Nelson
, Brenda Lee
and Kris Kristofferson
. The album consisted largely of unreleased tracks from their years with Monument Records
(all four of them had recorded for the label during the mid-1960s). Of the four artistis, Kristofferson and Lee contributed new vocals, and a number of the original solo recordings were edited together to create "duets". Despite what might have seemed an opportunistic project, designed to capitalize on the later fame of the performers—Parton's and Nelson's careers were at their commercial peaks in 1982—the album was largely well received by critics upon its release and did well on the country charts.
A single, "Everything's Beautiful" (not to be confused with the Ray Stevens
song of the same name), featuring Parton and Nelson, was released and made the country top ten.
Kristofferson's two solo outtings, "Here Comes that Rainbow Again" and "The Bandits of Beverly Hills" both had previously been released as singles.
In early 1983, a two-hour variety syndicated television special was aired in celebration of the album with all four stars singing together for the first (and only) time. Johnny Cash
hosted the program.
Double album
A double album is an audio album which spans two units of the primary medium in which it is sold, typically records and compact discs....
, released in December 1982, featuring Dolly Parton
Dolly Parton
Dolly Rebecca Parton is an American singer-songwriter, author, multi-instrumentalist, actress and philanthropist, best known for her work in country music. Dolly Parton has appeared in movies like 9 to 5, The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, Steel Magnolias and Straight Talk...
, Willie Nelson
Willie Nelson
Willie Hugh Nelson is an American country music singer-songwriter, as well as an author, poet, actor, and activist. The critical success of the album Shotgun Willie , combined with the critical and commercial success of Red Headed Stranger and Stardust , made Nelson one of the most recognized...
, Brenda Lee
Brenda Lee
Brenda Mae Tarpley , known as Brenda Lee, is an American performer who sang rockabilly, pop and country music, and had 37 US chart hits during the 1960s, a number surpassed only by Elvis Presley, The Beatles, Ray Charles and Connie Francis...
and Kris Kristofferson
Kris Kristofferson
Kristoffer "Kris" Kristofferson is an American musician, actor, and writer. He is known for hits such as "Me and Bobby McGee", "For the Good Times", "Sunday Mornin' Comin' Down", and "Help Me Make It Through the Night"...
. The album consisted largely of unreleased tracks from their years with Monument Records
Monument Records
Monument Records was an American record label, Washington, D.C. named for the Washington Monument, founded in 1958, by Fred Foster and Buddy Deane . Buddy Deane soon left the company, and in the early 60's bought KOTN in Pine Bluff, Arkansas where he retired to until his death...
(all four of them had recorded for the label during the mid-1960s). Of the four artistis, Kristofferson and Lee contributed new vocals, and a number of the original solo recordings were edited together to create "duets". Despite what might have seemed an opportunistic project, designed to capitalize on the later fame of the performers—Parton's and Nelson's careers were at their commercial peaks in 1982—the album was largely well received by critics upon its release and did well on the country charts.
A single, "Everything's Beautiful" (not to be confused with the Ray Stevens
Ray Stevens
Ray Stevens is an American country music, pop singer-songwriter who has become known for his novelty songs.-Early career:...
song of the same name), featuring Parton and Nelson, was released and made the country top ten.
Kristofferson's two solo outtings, "Here Comes that Rainbow Again" and "The Bandits of Beverly Hills" both had previously been released as singles.
In early 1983, a two-hour variety syndicated television special was aired in celebration of the album with all four stars singing together for the first (and only) time. Johnny Cash
Johnny Cash
John R. "Johnny" Cash was an American singer-songwriter, actor, and author, who has been called one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century...
hosted the program.
Track listing
- Nelson & Lee – "You're Gonna Love Yourself in the Morning" (Donnie FrittsDonnie FrittsDonnie Fritts is an American session musician and songwriter. A recording artist in his own right, he has been Kris Kristofferson's keyboard player for over twenty years...
) – 2:58 - Kristofferson & Parton – "Ping Pong" (Boudleaux Bryant) – 2:20
- Nelson – "You'll Always Have Someone" (Hank CochranHank CochranGarland Perry "Hank" Cochran was an American country music singer and songwriter. Starting during the 1960s, Cochran was a prolific songwriter in the genre, including major hits by Patsy Cline, Ray Price, Eddy Arnold and others...
, Willie Nelson) – 3:01 - Kristofferson – "Here Comes That Rainbow Again" (Kris Kristofferson) – 2:55
- Kristofferson & Lee – "The Bigger the Fool, the Harder the Fall" (Kristofferson, Stephen BrutonStephen Bruton-Background:Born in Wilmington, Delaware as Turner Stephen Bruton, he moved with his family to Texas at the age of two. He fell into the Fort Worth music scene after graduating from Texas Christian University when he joined Kris Kristofferson's band as the latter's career was about to take off;...
, Mike UtleyMike UtleyMichael Utley is a former American football player. He is known for being paralyzed during an NFL game.-NFL career:...
) – 3:44 - Kristofferson & Lee – "Help Me Make It Through the Night" (Kristofferson) – 3:50
- Parton & Nelson – "Happy, Happy Birthday Baby" (Gilbert Lopez, Margo Sylvia) – 2:21
- Nelson & Lee – "You Left Me A Long, Long Time Ago" (Willie Nelson) – 2:49
- Nelson & Kristofferson – "To Make A Long Story Short, She's Gone" (Fred FosterFred FosterFred Foster is an American songwriter, record producer, and founder of Monument Records.-Biography:...
, Willie Nelson) – 3:07 - Lee – "Someone Loves You Honey" (Don Devaney) – 2:52
- Parton & Nelson – "Everything's Beautiful" (Dolly Parton) – 3:17
- Lee – "Bring On the Sunshine" (Danny EppsDanny EppsDanny Epps was a Columbia Records, Crazy Cajun Records and StarPlay Records artist.His last album, Rumors Of The Truth, was recorded in 2006 for the indie label StarPlay Records...
) – 2:52 - Parton & Kristofferson – "Put It Off Until Tomorrow" (Dolly Parton, Bill Owens) – 2:28
- Nelson – "I Never Cared For You" (Willie Nelson) – 2:24
- Kristofferson & Nelson – "Casey's Last Ride" (Kris Kristofferson) – 4:10
- Nelson – "King Of A Lonely Castle" (Kenny Devine) – 3:20
- Parton – "The Little Things" (Dolly Parton) – 2:36
- Kristofferson – "The Bandits Of Beverly Hills" (Kris Kristofferson) – 2:27
- Parton & Lee – "What Do You Think About Love?" (Bill Owens, Dolly Parton) – 2:41
- Lee & Kristofferson – "Born To Love Me" (Bob Morrison) – 4:18
Chart performance
| Chart (1982) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| U.S. Billboard Top Country Albums | 4 |
| U.S. Billboard 200 | 109 |