Dolly Parton’s Rockstar Collaborators: Debbie Harry, Simon Le Bon, Pat Benatar Sing Her Praises

Mary Siroky
·5 min read
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The post Dolly Parton’s Rockstar Collaborators: Debbie Harry, Simon Le Bon, Pat Benatar Sing Her Praises appeared first on Consequence.

Our November cover star Dolly Parton is never one to do things halfway. In conversation with Hayley Williams of Paramore ahead of the November 17th release of her first-ever rock album, appropriately titled Rockstar, Parton explains, “I had never said blatantly, ‘I’ve got to do it and be true to it – really do a true rock and roll album.’ That was the thing that was important to me: not to half-ass do a record that’s a country girl singing some rock.”

So, in addition to her own intrinsic lyrical gifts and decades of musical expertise, Dolly decided to enlist a few trustworthy collaborators to round out the sound of the record. It features appearances from everyone from her goddaughter Miley Cyrus to Sting to the actual surviving members of The Beatles. “Just getting to sing with all these classic people on these classic songs – if nothing else, whether it’s a hit or not, it’s a big hit with me to do it,” says Parton.

Unsurprisingly, it’s a hit with her guests as well. Blondie’s Debbie Harry, Duran Duran’s Simon Le Bon, Steve Perry, Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo, Warren Haynes, REO Speedwagon’s Kevin Cronin, Warren Haynes, and Ringo Starr all shared their thoughts on getting to work with the legendary Queen of Country exclusively with Consequence.

Read what these rock titans had to say below, and see some of their quotes included in the full cover story, Dolly Parton: Rockstar Forever. You can also hear from Williams about her conversation with Parton in a personal letter, and read our letter from the editors for insight into what it was like witnessing the interview.

Steve Perry

“When I first heard Dolly singing ‘Open Arms’ her voice floored me. Singing a duet with Dolly was a huge thrill for me. I will never forget the first time we spoke on the phone about our duet, she said, ‘We really harmonized great together don’t ya think?’ I love Dolly!”

Debbie Harry

“Dolly Parton has always been an idol of mine. To be a part of anything she does is an absolute honor! Dolly is a smart, beautiful woman with talent enough for a dozen people.”

Simon Le Bon

“It may be that the best thing for me about Duran Duran’s induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame last year was making the acquaintance of Dolly Parton. It was a huge honour and an even huger pleasure to stand on stage next to Dolly and take half a verse of the most iconic song, ‘Jolene.’ I was so honoured and happy to have been asked to sing duet with Dolly on her upcoming rock album — I sang on ‘My Blue Tears’ and tried as hard as I could to put a crucial bit of me into it.”

Ringo Starr

“I first got the call through Mick Fleetwood that Dolly was trying to reach me. I’ve known Dolly since the ’70s — we would bump into her over the years. She has always been so great, and I’ve admired how much good she does in the world. She sent me the files and it was my pleasure to play on it for her. Peace and Love to you Dolly!” (Note: A version of this quote was provided to other publications as well.)

Kevin Cronin

“I have been revisiting ‘Keep on Loving You’ in concert with REO Speedwagon every night since the record was released in 1981. But, when I got the call from Dolly requesting that we perform the song as a duet for her Rockstar album, I was pleasantly surprised, honored, and excited to work with her again. She had recorded my song ‘Time for Me to Fly’ for her White Limozeen album back in 1980, pre-Hi Infidelity. Dolly turned my mid-tempo break-up song into a wild country hoedown. And I freaking loved it!

I respected Dolly’s initial reaction of turning down the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. I also found it endearing that she would circle back and accept the honor, with the caveat that she make her first rock album. I have always found Dolly to be the real deal; a down to earth person, and a true musician and songwriter. Her voice is so distinct, and, lucky for me, hers and mine have a nice natural blend.”

Pat Benatar

“Dolly is the definition of a genuine article — ‘a person considered to be an authentic and excellent example of their kind.’ A truly gifted songwriter and tireless altruist, with a heart bigger than her hair!”

Neil Giraldo

“Dolly is not just an exceptional songwriter and artist, but also a musical shape-shifter, effortlessly transcending through any genre and era. Her musical talent and sweet charm are so captivating that even her songs seem to apologize for being stuck in your head!”

Warren Haynes

“I was stoked to get the call about being part of this. I think it’s great — the whole story behind her doing a rock album and then her doing a rock album that only Dolly could do. The diverse array of artists and collaborators gives us an indication of who she is and of how much she’s loved and respected in the world of music. Not sure anyone else could have pulled this off. I’ve always been a fan but I’ve also always felt a connection geographically, being from Asheville, North Carolina, which is really close to where she grew up.”

Dolly Parton’s Rockstar Collaborators: Debbie Harry, Simon Le Bon, Pat Benatar Sing Her Praises
Mary Siroky

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