This song was written by Rodney Dillard of The Dillards. Many non-bluegrassers are familiar with this tune because of its regular presence on The Andy Griffith Show where The Dillards performed it as as “The Darlings” (see video below).

Dooley was released as a single in 1963 by Elektra records, then also released on the Dillards “Back Porch Bluegrass” album, their first album. Rodney said many of their tunes (including Dooley) were “people the family knew.”