The only musicians that have made Dolly Parton starstruck
Throughout her remarkable 50-year recording career, Dolly Parton has consistently operated at the pinnacle of the music industry. Given her impressive status in the business, Parton has encountered nearly every notable figure. However, despite meeting many of her heroes multiple times, there are three names that never fail to leave her feeling starstruck.
The singer-songwriter has had the opportunity to collaborate with a series of iconic figures. On her last album, Rockstar, Parton used the full breadth of her contact book, recruiting artists such as Elton John, Simon Le Bon, Rob Halford, Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, Stevie Nicks, Miley Cyrus, Kid Rock, John Fogerty and many more.
While the album was comprised of cover songs rather than original material, it allowed Parton to immerse herself in the world of her favourite artists and see how they worked in the studio. Despite her greatest intentions, Mick Jagger was one musician she failed to attract to appear on Rockstar, but Parton still holds him in the highest regard.
“I wanted Mick Jagger so bad, because my husband loves him, and I wanted him to sing on ‘(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction,’ but he wanted something new and different, which I don’t blame him for. We kept looking for the right song,” Parton explained. “He was doing an album in LA, and I was doing stuff in Nashville, and I kept missing him, but he wanted to do it”.
In the end, Parton sought assistance from Pink and Brandi Carlile for her cover of The Rolling Stones classic. However, she hasn’t given hope for potential collaboration in the future and is one of the select artists who consistently make her feel starstruck.
During an interview with People, Parton revealed: “I’ve been starstruck a lot lately. I’m working on a rock album now, and I’ve been talking to Elton John, Mick Jagger, and Debbie Harry. Every time I speak to one of them, it’s just such a thrill.”
Although Jagger didn’t end up appearing on Rockstar, Elton provided a helping hand on her version of ‘Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me’, and Debbie Harry assisted on ‘Heart of Glass’.
Following the success of her collaboration with John, the English singer-songwriter reached out to recruit Parton to appear on his forthcoming record, which is still yet to be released, as their partnership continues to flourish.
Meanwhile, Harry is equally in awe of Parton and feels utterly honoured to have been asked to participate in the project. Following its release, the Blondie singer told Consequence: “Dolly Parton has always been an idol of mine. To be a part of anything she does is an absolute honor! Dolly is a smart, beautiful woman with talent enough for a dozen people.”
Listen to their collaboration below.
