Country music legend Dolly Parton is diving into the world of rock ‘n’ roll with her upcoming album, Rockstar, set to release on November 17th via her own Butterfly Records in collaboration with Big Machine Label Group. The album promises to be an incredible immersive experience featuring 30 classic songs, all with rock legend collaborators.
Last year, Parton was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and announced her intentions to record a rock album. “If I’m gonna be in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, I’m gonna have to earn it,” she joked at the time. Proving that she’s more than capable, the iconic singer-songwriter has enlisted some of the biggest names in music to join her in recording an eclectic mix of classic rock covers and original rock tracks, making her vision of a rock album a reality.
The tracklist for Rockstar is an epic combination of classic covers and original Parton-penned songs. It also features an impressive list of collaborators, from Sting on The Police’s “Every Breath You Take,” Steven Tyler on “I Want You Back,” Steve Perry on “Open Arms,” and Steve Nicks on “What Has Rock And Roll Ever Done For You.”
Alongside these collaborations are a slate of original songs, including the title track “Rockstar” with Richie Sambora, “World on Fire,” “I Dreamed About Elvis” featuring Ronnie McDowell, and “What Has Rock And Roll Ever Done For You” with Stevie Nicks.
Parton has even managed to secure an awe-inspiring Beatles reunion for “Let It Be,” the final song on the album. Surviving members Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr, alongside Peter Frampton and Mick Fleetwood, join Parton in a touching rendition of the Beatles classic. The album closes with an emotionally charged cover of “Free Bird” featuring Lynyrd Skynyrd members Gary Rossington and Artimus Pyle, along with posthumous vocals from Ronnie Van Zandt.
Rockstar’s 30-song tracklisting is impressively vast and features a diverse range of music industry superstar names including Lizzo, P!NK, Brandi Carlile, Debbie Harry and Miley Cyrus. Lizzo even plays jazz flute on a cover of “Stairway To Heaven!”
Rockstar promises to be a musical journey spanning several decades of rock, and Parton has done an incredible job of bringing together icons from different genres and eras. The album is available for pre-order now and will be available in a 4xLP or 2xCD set, as well as digitally. The first single, “World on Fire,” will be released on May 11th.
In addition to the new album, the living legend and queen of country music will co-host the 56th Academy of Country Music Awards with Garth Brooks. Tune in on Thursday, April 16th.
Dolly Parton has never been afraid to experiment with her music, and she continues to push boundaries and break molds. Rockstar promises to be one of the most exciting releases of the year and, with its impressive roster of rock legends collaborating, it’s sure to meet expectations and surpass them.
