Dolly Parton, the iconic country music legend, is venturing into the realm of rock with her upcoming album, Rockstar. This ambitious project features an impressive lineup of guest artists, including renowned rock legends and contemporary stars. However, not every musician Dolly approached was able to join the album, despite their willingness. In particular, Mick Jagger of The Rolling Stones expressed interest but couldn’t make it work for the desired track.
The Rockstar Roster: A Stellar Lineup of Collaborators
With 30 songs comprising Rockstar, Dolly Parton has assembled an incredible roster of musicians. From Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr to P!nk, Elton John, Steven Tyler, Miley Cyrus, and more, the album boasts an eclectic mix of rock legends and modern stars. Each artist brings their unique flair to the covers and original tracks that showcase Parton’s foray into rock music.
Mick Jagger’s Unfulfilled Collaboration
While Dolly Parton’s collaboration wishlist was nearly complete, there were a few artists who couldn’t participate due to various circumstances. One such artist was Mick Jagger of The Rolling Stones. Parton had hoped Jagger would join her for a rendition of “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction.”
In an interview with Lorraine, Parton revealed:
“I wanted Mick Jagger so bad, and I ran him everywhere. He was in LA, he wanted to do it. We never could work it out.”
Despite their attempts to find an alternative, the timing didn’t align, and the collaboration couldn’t materialize. Nevertheless, Parton proceeded to record “Satisfaction” with P!nk and Brandy Carlile, adding a touch of “girl power” to the track.
Other Missed Collaborations and Future Possibilities
Dolly Parton’s vision for her rock album extended beyond Mick Jagger. She also expressed interest in working with artists like Ed Sheeran and Cher. Regarding Ed Sheeran, Parton explained:
“I was gonna have Ed Sheeran. He was in the middle of his album. Nobody said no. Everybody I asked.”
Unfortunately, due to Sheeran’s ongoing album commitments, the collaboration couldn’t come to fruition for Rockstar. Similarly, finding the right song in time posed a challenge for collaborating with Cher. Despite these missed opportunities, Parton remains hopeful that future opportunities may arise to collaborate with these artists.
Additionally, Parton mentioned her desire to involve Lionel Richie, a long-time friend and respected musician, in the project. She shared:
“He was gonna sing on one of the songs…we just never could get our schedules together.”