THE GIRLS OF THE GOLDEN WEST
The Girls of the Golden West—sisters Dorothy ("Dolly") and Mildred Good—were among the most successful female country duos of the 1930s. Regular performers on Chicago's WLS National Barn Dance, they helped popularize western music far beyond its regional roots. Dorothy sang lead and accompanied the duo on guitar, while their close harmonies, yodeling, and polished performances made them one of Bluebird's best-selling country acts.
I'M LONESOME FOR YOU CAROLINE
Recorded October 31, 1934 — Chicago, Illinois
Matrix: BS-80951-1- Bluebird B-5737
"I'm Lonesome For You, Caroline" is a sentimental popular song that the duo adapted to their western harmony style. Dorothy Good's straightforward guitar accompaniment provides a steady rhythmic foundation while allowing the sisters' close vocal blend to remain the focus. The recording is an excellent example of how the Girls of the Golden West successfully bridged Tin Pan Alley repertoire and early country music.
THERE'S A SILVER MOON ON THE GOLDEN GATE
Recorded February 28, 1938 — Chicago, Illinois
Matrix: C-2130-1 - Bluebird B-7954
"There's A Silver Moon On The Golden Gate" is a nostalgic western waltz that perfectly suits the close harmony style of the Girls of the Golden West. Dorothy Good's guitar accompaniment provides a steady rhythmic foundation through alternating bass and smooth chord transitions, allowing the sisters' beautifully blended voices to remain the focal point. The result is a graceful, understated performance that reflects the polished style for which the duo became known.
HI O, HI O (THE NIGHT HERDING SONG)
Recorded July 28, 1933 — Chicago, Illinois
Matrix: BS-75965-1 - Bluebird B-5189
“Hi O, Hi O (The Night Herding Song)” comes from the genuine cowboy-song tradition rather than the later romanticized Western repertoire. The text was collected by John A. Lomax and attributed to cowboy Harry Stephens, who said he composed it while night-herding cattle in Yellowstone Park. The Girls of the Golden West recorded it at their first RCA Victor session, turning the old herding song into a close-harmony duet with Dorothy Good accompanying on guitar.
MY LITTLE OLD NEVADA HOME
Recorded December 5, 1933 — Chicago, Illinois
Matrix: BS-77194-1 - Bluebird B-6004
“My Little Old Nevada Home” was written by Billy Odeans and recorded by the Girls of the Golden West during their second Chicago session. Built around the familiar western theme of longing for home, it became part of the sisters’ growing repertoire of cowboy and western songs during their early years on radio.
