How Dolly Parton corralled a Who’s Who of rock royalty to record her landmark Rockstar album: “There’s more aggression in rock’n’roll – you’ve got to treat it with respect”
Dolly Parton described how her 2023 album Rockstar grew from her induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, which she initially felt she had not earned as a country artist. Determined to justify the honour, she made a full-scale rock record featuring major guest musicians and said she approached the genre with respect for its distinctive energy and aggression.
The 30-track album contains roughly two-thirds cover versions, including Stairway To Heaven, Free Bird and Let It Be, alongside nine original songs. Contributors included Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, Stevie Nicks, Elton John, Rob Halford and Lynyrd Skynyrd; Parton said her husband Carl’s love of rock influenced her song choices, while a nearly 11-minute Free Bird featured Ronnie Van Zant’s voice and members of the band.
- Parton made Rockstar to honour her Rock Hall induction.
- The 30-track album features numerous rock musicians.
- She sought to respect rock’s sound and attitude.