During the 1980 production of her debut Hollywood film, 9 To 5, Dolly Parton found inspiration for the movie’s iconic theme song between takes. Because musical instruments were prohibited on set, the singer improvised the rhythm by clicking her acrylic nails together.
Parton realized the percussive sound perfectly mimicked the clacking of a typewriter, fitting for her character—a secretary enduring harassment and belittlement from her boss. Eager to share her discovery, she performed the developing track for co-stars Lily Tomlin and Jane Fonda, the latter of whom also served as the film’s producer.
Recalling the moment, Fonda noted that she and Tomlin immediately felt the impact of the performance. “Lily and I looked at each other and we had goosebumps,” Fonda said. “And we knew, this is not just a movie song, this is an anthem.” The report also notes that the sound, she realised, was just like the typewriter used by her character, a married secretary who is constantly belittled and sexually harassed by her boss.
Comments