Country singer Dolly Parton is stepping into the rock music scene with her latest album, ‘Rockstar’, which will be out on November 17th. One of the standout tracks on the album is her cover of the Journey classic ‘Open Arms’ with Steve Perry.
In a recent interview with Billboard, Dolly Parton opened up about the personal history that adds emotional depth to the song. She mentions that her husband Carl Dean suggested years ago that she collaborate with the late Kenny Rogers on Journey’s ‘Open Arms’. In her own words, she put it this way:
“I’ve loved that song from day one, and that’s one of Carl’s favorite songs. He used to tell me, ‘You need to do ‘Open Arms’ with Kenny [Rogers].’ I missed my chance with Kenny, of course. I had done the song before I’d even called Steve Perry to see if he would sing it with me. He did a beautiful job.”
The New Album ‘Rockstar’ Features A Wide Range Of Collaborations
In 2022, Dolly Parton was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, but she respectfully declined the nomination in a statement made on her X account by declaring:
“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. I really do not want votes to be split because of me, so I must respectfully bow out.”
In the same statement, she also mentioned her intention to record an album of rock covers to justify her inclusion. The release of that album is just around the corner. ‘Rockstar’ includes covers of classic rock songs and features collaborations from artists such as Sting, Lynyrd Skynyrd and Paul McCartney.
Several songs showcase the original artists, including ‘Every Breath You Take’ with Sting, ‘Baby, I Love Your Way’ with Peter Frampton, ‘Heart of Glass’ with Debbie Harry, and ‘Heartbreaker’ with Pat Benatar. Additionally, there are unique creative collaborations such as ‘(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction’ with Pink and Brandi Carlile, ‘Night Moves’ with Chris Stapleton, and ‘Stairway to Heaven’ featuring Lizzo on flute.
Steve Perry Is ‘Thrilled’ With The Buzz ‘Rockstar’ Has Created
Steve Perry, who was the lead singer of the band Journey between 1977-1987 and 1995-1998, shared on Facebook in May how excited he was for Parton’s upcoming album and their duet by saying:
“I’m so thrilled that everyone is as excited as I am about Dolly’s new record. I have been a Dolly Parton fan for years and years, and to sing one of my songs with her was truly a thrill. When I first got the track I could not believe how strong and amazing her voice was. I did my very best to keep up with that girl, but boy she’s got fire!”
The upcoming album promises an exciting musical journey for fans of both Dolly Parton and Steve Perry.