Dolly Parton has released the latest track off her upcoming album, “Rockstar,” a stirring rendition of 4 Non-Blondes’ hit, ‘What’s Up?’, which features the song’s writer and lead singer, Linda Perry. The album is set to be released on November 17th, via Butterfly Records.
A song about the at-times, overwhelming pressures of the world around us and the need for release. Dolly’s angelic and hopeful voice ushers in a sense of promise for a better tomorrow.
Dolly commented: “First of all, I love Linda Perry. Second of all, I love this song written by Linda. Third of all, I love being a part of this video to try to make people think about what’s going on in this world today. Shout out to the little children that helped with the video! If our children don’t make it, then what will? Again, I ask ‘What’s Up?’ Enjoy.”
And Linda Perry of 4 Non-Blondes added: “How is one supposed to react when the greatest and most prolific songwriter in the world wants to cover a song YOU wrote? Her version of ‘What’s Up?’ is so good. Her spin on it made me feel like it was her song. No surprise there. Being on set making the video was a comfortable easy experience. The vibe on set was chill and Dolly and I got to catch up and laugh a lot. I could go on and on, obviously I’m a fan!”
Filmed at Eakin Elementary School in downtown Nashville on one of 2023’s hottest days of the year and directed by Steve Summers (produced by NOZ Entertainment), the touching video aired exclusively on MTV and CMT/CMT Music/CMT on Pluto TV, but since September 23rd, it has been released wide via YouTube and all other streaming platforms.
As one of the year’s most-anticipated album releases, “Rockstar” features Parton taking on some of the most adored songs in rock n’ roll history. Fans can pre-order an array of Rockstar vinyl and CD box sets HERE.
Dolly said: “I’m so excited to finally present my first rock and roll album ‘Rockstar’! 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!”
“Rockstar” track listing:
- Rockstar (special guest Richie Sambora)
- World On Fire
- Every Breath You Take (feat. Sting)
- Open Arms (feat. Steve Perry)
- Magic Man (feat. Ann Wilson with special guest Howard Leese)
- Long As I Can See The Light (feat. John Fogerty)
- Either Or (feat. Kid Rock)
- I Want You Back (feat. Steven Tyler with special guest Warren Haynes)
- What Has Rock And Roll Ever Done For You (feat. Stevie Nicks with special guest Waddy Wachtel)
- Purple Rain
- Baby, I Love Your Way (feat. Peter Frampton)
- I Hate Myself For Loving You (feat. Joan Jett & The Blackhearts)
- Night Moves (feat. Chris Stapleton)
- Wrecking Ball (feat. Miley Cyrus)
- (I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction (feat. P!nk & Brandi Carlile)
- Keep On Loving You (feat. Kevin Cronin)
- Heart Of Glass (feat. Debbie Harry)
- Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me (feat. Elton John)
- Tried To Rock And Roll Me (feat. Melissa Etheridge)
- Stairway To Heaven (feat. Lizzo & Sasha Flute)
- We Are The Champions
- Bygones (feat. Rob Halford with special guests Nikki Sixx & John 5)
- My Blue Tears (feat. Simon Le Bon)
- What’s Up? (feat. Linda Perry)
- You’re No Good (feat. Emmylou Harris & Sheryl Crow)
- Heartbreaker (feat. Pat Benatar & Neil Giraldo)
- Bittersweet (feat. Michael McDonald)
- I Dreamed About Elvis (feat. Ronnie McDowell with special guest The Jordanaires)
- Let It Be (feat. Paul McCartney & Ringo Starr with special guests Peter Frampton & Mick Fleetwood)
- Free Bird (feat. Ronnie Van Zant with special guests Gary Rossington, Artimus Pyle and The Artimus Pyle Band)