Dolly Parton, the Rockstar
Dolly Parton’s new 30-song project features big-name rockers
Following her induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of fame, Dolly Parton decided that it’s time she released a rock album. In typical Dolly style, when she takes on a project, she goes all out with no half measures.
Dolly has announced that the project will be titled – appropriately – Rockstar and the global release date will be November 17, 2023. And this is going to be a big deal: not just a single album, Rockstar will be available as a 4 LP set, a 2 CD set, digital download and on all streaming services via Butterfly Records with distribution by Big Machine Label Group. Pre-save / pre-add Rockstar here.
Dolly has invited an all-star roster of musicians to join her for many of the 30-song collection which includes nine original tracks and twenty-one iconic rock anthems. Among the iconic rock tracks:
“Every Breath You Take” (feat. Sting); “Open Arms” (feat. Steve Perry); “Baby I Love Your Way (feat. Peter Frampton); “Wrecking Ball” (feat. Miley Cyrus); “Night Moves” (feat. Chris Stapleton); “Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me” (feat. Elton John); “My Blue Tears” (feat. Simon Le Bon); “Let It Be” (feat. Paul McCartney & Ringo Starr with special guests Artimus Pyle and the Artimys Pyle Band… and many more.
“I’m so excited to finally present my first Rock and Roll album Rockstar!” said Dolly. “I am very honored and privileged to have worked with some of the greatest iconic singers and musicians of all time and to be able to sing all the iconic songs throughout the album was a joy beyond measure. I hope everybody enjoys the album as much as I’ve enjoyed putting it together!”
Dolly was officially inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in November 2022. When she was nominated for consideration earlier in the year, she initially declined the nomination, saying at the time, “Even though I am extremely flattered and grateful to be nominated for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, I don’t feel that I have earned that right.” Eventually, Dolly decided to accept the nomination that led to her induction. Dolly has stated that the recognition by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inspired her to release a rock album.
The lead track from Rockstar is the timely original song titled “World On Fire.” It was released May 11 to coincide with the world premiere performance of the song at the ACM Awards that Dolly was co-hosting with Garth Brooks.
“This is a song I felt very inspired to write,” said Dolly. “I think it speaks about everything and to everyone this day and time. I hope it is something that will touch you and maybe touch enough people to want to make a change for the better.”
Achieving 27 RIAA-certified gold, platinum and multi-platinum awards, Dolly has had 26 songs reach #1 on the Billboard country charts, a record for a female artist. Parton is the first artist to have topped the Billboard Adult Contemporary, Christian AC Songs, Hot Country Songs, Christian Airplay, Country Airplay and Dance/Mix Show Airplay radio charts. She has 48 career Top 10 country albums, a record for any artist, and 110 career-charted singles over the past 50+ years.
To date, Parton has donated over 205 million books to children around the world with her Imagination Library. Her children's book, Coat of Many Colors, was dedicated to the Library of Congress to honor the Imagination Library's 100 millionth book donation.
More about Dolly and the Rockstar album, including a full track listing at her website . Pre-save Rockstar here. #DollyParton
About Preshias Harris
JournalistPreshias Harris is a music journalist who has interviewed everyone from Alabama to ZZ Top for articles and stories published in numerous music magazines. She is the author of longest-running monthly country music column in America and authored The College of Songology™ 101: The Singer/Songwriter’s ‘Need To Know’ Reference Handbook. As a music career development consultant with special emphasis on emerging and aspiring artists and songwriters, she focuses on ‘chasing the dream’ while understanding the realities of the music industry. She maintains a writers’ room on Music Row – named The Sangtuary – for her clients and their co-writers. She is a member of ASCAP (as a publisher), BMI, The Country Music Association (CMA), The Recording Academy, The National Association of Talent Directors (NATD) and a life member of Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI).
You can find out more about Preshias at https://www.collegeofsongology.com and find her blog at www.nashvillemusicline.com
