"Joshua" was a 1970 song, written and recorded by 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...

, significant for being her first single to reach #1 on the US country charts . Telling the story of an adventurous young girl who dares to visit the property of a rural recluse

Recluse

A recluse is a person who lives in voluntary seclusion from the public and society, often close to nature. The word is from the Latin recludere, which means "shut up" or "sequester." There are many potential reasons for becoming a recluse: a personal philosophy that rejects consumer society; a...

, who has a reputation for being mean and hostile. The song drew on many Appalachian references from Parton's youth, which she would revisit throughout her career. The single was released in late 1970, and reached #1 on the Billboard country charts in February 1971. Parton received her first Grammy nomination in the Best Country Female Vocal category for the song, losing to Lynn Anderson

Lynn Anderson

Lynn Rene Anderson is an American country music singer and equestrian known for a string of hits throughout the 1970s and early 1980s, most notably her Grammy Award-winning, worldwide mega-hit, " Rose Garden." Helped by her regular exposure on national television, Anderson was one of the most...

.

Chart performance

Chart (1970–1971)	Peak position
U.S. Billboard Hot Country Singles	1
U.S. Billboard Bubbling Under Hot 100	8
Canadian RPM Country Tracks	2

External links

• Joshua lyrics at Dolly Parton On-Line