After more than 50 years in the music industry, Dolly Parton is finally a true rock star. The beloved country legend is finally releasing her long-promised rock album, titled Rockstar, and she’s doing it with the help of some of the biggest names in music history.
Dolly just dropped the newest single from the album, a cover of The Beatles’ classic “Let it Be.” While many have covered that beloved tune over the years, this cover is extra special… because it features both living Beatles, Sirs Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr!
Few artists have the star power to reunite arguably the greatest band of all time, but Dolly made it happen. While Paul and Ringo have collaborated on occasion over the years, it’s still a big get to have them both on board.
As if two Beatles weren’t enough, the track also features Peter Frampton on guitar and Mick Fleetwood on drums, making this a true all-star recording.
The spiritual, gospel-influenced track is a perfect fit for the 77-year-old country superstar, and Dolly sings her heart out on the track — take a listen:
The song has been well-received by critics and by fans of both Dolly Parton and The Beatles.
“I got goosebumps with the first few words… by halfway through I was in tears!” one YouTube comment reads. “Thank you, Dolly, Paul, Ringo, and everyone involved in this incredible recording!”
“Great rendition of an iconic song by the icons themselves! A spirited energetic rendition. Thanks to all!!”
“No words… just tears…. amazing… so much gratitude to these amazing icons for bringing this inspirational piece back to a new generation,” another wrote, adding that “Let it Be” “is what this world needs more than ever.”
“Let it Be,” first released in 1970, has endured as one of the most beloved and inspiring songs of the Beatles’ prolific catalogue. Though credited to Lennon-McCartney, it was written by Paul after having a dream about his mother, Mary Patricia McCartney, who died when he was 14.
Recorded during the band’s legendary but tumultuous “Get Back” sessions, it was the Beatles’ last single before their break-up in 1970 and provided the name of the band’s final album, giving the song a bittersweet association with the Beatles’ farewell.
Dolly Parton’s Rockstar is due to be released on November 17. Parton first teased the idea of a rock album last year, when she initially declined her nomination to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, saying she had not “earned the right” to be inducted yet because she had not recorded a rock & roll album.
““I do hope that the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame will understand and be willing to consider me again – if I’m ever worthy,” she wrote. “This has… inspired me to put out a hopefully great rock ‘n’ roll album at some point in the future, which I have always wanted to do!” she added, saying her husband was a “total rock ‘n’ roll freak.’”
Parton stayed on the ballot and was ultimately inducted into the Rock Hall, which she accepted — and making good on her word, she got to work on a new rock album, which she officially announced last November.
Rockstar will feature several new songs written by Dolly, but it primarily consists of covers of classic rock songs, often with the original artists helping out.
The track listing includes “Every Breath You Take” featuring Sting, “Baby, I love Your Way” with Peter Frampton, “Heart of Glass” with Debbie Harry, “Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me” with Elton John and “Free Bird” with Lynyrd Skynyrd.
In addition to “Let It Be,” Dolly has released two singles from the album: an original song called “World on Fire” and a cover of Queen’s “We Are the Champions”/”We Will Rock You,” which also promotes the 2024 Paris Olympics.
She’s also released two more tracks from the album, a new song called “Bygones” and a cover of Heart’s “Magic Man” featuring Ann Wilson.
What a great cover of The Beatles’ classic “Let It Be” — it’s so cool to see Dolly teaming up with Paul and Ringo!
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