Dolly Parton is an incredible artist who has achieved so much throughout her long career. Not only has she written and recorded countless classic songs, but she has also made a difference in the world by giving away over 100 million books to children in need and funding research for the COVID vaccine. On top of all that, she even has her own successful amusement park!
Now, as she gears up for her next album, Parton is setting her sights on a seemingly impossible task: reuniting the members of Led Zeppelin. She hopes to bring together Robert Plant and Jimmy Page to collaborate on a rendition of their iconic song “Stairway to Heaven” for her new rock album. And if there’s anyone who can make it happen, it’s Dolly Parton.
Dolly Parton, known for her distinctive country-pop style, is currently exploring new musical horizons with a rock and roll album. This surprising genre shift was first announced when she was nominated for induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Some people questioned whether Parton, with all her talents, truly belonged in the hall that celebrates rock music. She agreed with their doubts and declined the nomination, wanting to make space for someone she deemed more worthy.
However, she did hint at her future plans of venturing into rock and roll music, saying, “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!” Parton wrote. Despite her humility, she remained on the ballot and was voted in by fans. She will be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame next year. And she is determined to prove herself as a genuine “rock and roll” musician by making her dream of a rock album come true.
In an interview with Pollstar, Parton shared her desire to create a rock album. She explained, “My husband is a big hard rock ‘n’ roll fan, and for years I thought, ‘One of these days I’d like to do an album mainly just for him, just to kind of do it.’ When I got nominated, I thought, ‘Why not just go ahead and do it while the iron’s hot? Maybe have some of the greats, the legends of rock ‘n’ roll sing along with me.’”
Parton has an ambitious plan for this album – to reunite Jimmy Page and Robert Plant from Led Zeppelin and have them collaborate with her on a new version of “Stairway to Heaven.”
Led Zeppelin is an iconic rock band known for their influential and acclaimed music. Robert Plant, the lead vocalist, and Jimmy Page, the guitarist, were the driving forces behind the band’s success. Led Zeppelin is one of the best-selling bands in rock and roll history.
For years, fans have been yearning for a Led Zeppelin reunion. However, the band officially disbanded in 1980 following the death of their drummer, John Bonham. While the surviving members have performed together once at a benefit concert in 2007, the possibility of a full reunion has remained uncertain. Plant has been hesitant about the idea, stating in a 2021 interview with Mojo News, “The conversation doesn’t really go on now because that spaceship has [departed].”
But if there’s anyone who can change their minds and bring the members of Led Zeppelin back together, it’s Dolly Parton. She expressed her hope of having Plant and Page join her in the studio for her new album, specifically for their collaboration on “Stairway to Heaven.” It remains to be seen how serious Parton’s plan is and whether she will involve the other living members of Led Zeppelin in the project.
Parton has already recorded a cover of “Stairway to Heaven” in her album Halo and Horns, giving the classic song a country twist with bluegrass guitar. However, for her rock album, she intends to return the song to its heavy rock and roll roots, staying true to the original version. She shared, “When I do the rock album, I’m going to actually re-record it – and do it more true to the regular record.”
Apart from the potential collaboration with Page and Plant, Parton plans to feature other guest stars on her album. She looks forward to bringing in legendary figures from the rock and roll world, although she hasn’t revealed any details yet.
We can only imagine how amazing a collaboration between Dolly Parton and Led Zeppelin would be – it’s a dream come true for many music lovers. Let’s hope Dolly can make it happen and bring the band together in the recording studio! Share this story if you’re excited about Dolly Parton’s new rock album!
