Dolly Parton, the revered country music icon, ventured into the realm of rock with her latest album, ‘Rockstar,’ released on November 17.
This album is a unique blend of Parton’s signature style with classic rock anthems. It features her rendition of Led Zeppelin’s ‘Stairway To Heaven,’ a track that initially sparked some apprehension, particularly from her husband, who is an ardent fan of the original. He jokingly referred to her version as ‘Stairwell To Hell,’ reflecting his concerns about the challenges of reinterpreting such a beloved classic.
Parton’s approach to ‘Stairway To Heaven’ on ‘Rockstar’ differs from her previous bluegrass gospel rendition of the song in her album ‘Halos & Horns.’ This time, she chose to stay more faithful to Led Zeppelin’s original composition, aiming to showcase her versatility in handling rock music in its authentic form. This decision was also a personal nod to her husband, Carl, demonstrating her capability to honor the classic while infusing it with her unique touch.
The album was a collaborative effort with several rock legends. While Parton successfully worked with Ronnie Van Zandt and Gary Rossington, her ambition to include Led Zeppelin’s Jimmy Page and Robert Plant, akin to her collaboration with The Beatles’ Ringo Starr and Paul McCartney, remained unfulfilled.
‘Rockstar’ isn’t just about covers; it also features Parton’s original compositions, like ‘World On Fire.’ This track, introduced as the lead single, made its debut at the 58th Academy of Country Music Awards. The album, thus, stands as a testament to Parton’s diverse musical prowess, seamlessly bridging the gap between country and rock, and reaffirming her status as a versatile and enduring figure in the music industry.
