Dolly Parton's rock album may not be exactly what you think

Dolly Parton is going to release a rock album later this year. But if you are looking for mostly original music, you have been misled. That doesn't necessarily mean the album is a bad thing, though. Heck, it might just be the most fun thing to listen to in 2023.

For the record, I am fairly indifferent about Dolly Parton's music. I respect her as an artist because she was writing songs when many other artists wouldn't (they let the music biz do the writing for them) and many other artists simply aren't as talented as Dolly when it comes to writing, signing, and recording. Like her or not, she should be respected.

But when Dolly Parton was nominated to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2022, she at first said, "Thanks, but no thanks." But in true Dolly style (the lady has class oozing from her ears), she only said "no" because she had never recorded a rock album. She changed her mind about accepting the induction some weeks later, but only with the thought in mind she would record a rock album.

Dolly Parton's rock album to be released in November

Hence, Dolly will release a rock album called, "I'm Dolly dammit!" (OK, I made that name up), on November 17th. We are still many months away, but we already know who some of the guests on the album will be and there are a bunch.

The guests include Judas Priest singer Rob Halford, but also, according to Billboard, Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr, Lizzo, Sting, Chris Stapleton, Debbie Harry, Elton John, John Fogerty, Joan Jett, Steven Tyler, Peter Frampton, and Kid Rock. That's a lot, but there is a reason why, too. Most of the songs on Dolly's rock album will be covers.

Reportedly, there will be 30 songs on Dolly's album, but only nine of those will be originals. The other songs will be cover versions with a lot of people who did the originals being on Dolly's album. Sting will join Dolly for "Every Breath You Take," and Joan Jett will be with Dolly for a version of "I Hate Myself For Loving You."

Maybe most interestingly will be a cover of Led Zeppelin's "Stairway To Heaven" which will have Dolly alongside Lizzo and Sasha Flute. It is interesting that Dolly didn't have Robert Plant to help, but maybe Dolly really just hates Alison Krauss who has done albums with Plant lately (again, just a joke). No matter, if want a 30-song rock album of Dolly originals, that won't be happening. But you'll still get a 4-LP, 2-CD album with a lot of entertaining songs.