Dolly Parton has released the latest cover from her upcoming rock album, a rendition of the ’90s staple “What’s Up?” by 4 Non Blondes. As with many of the reimagined hits on Rockstar, Parton recruited one of the original artists: vocalist Linda Perry. Stream the track below.
Rather than trying to mimic Perry’s original vocals, Parton leans into her strengths on “What’s Up?” and sings “from the top of my lungs” as only she can. Three decades later, the song’s theme of intense societal pressures remains universal. Directed by Steve Summers, the video for the song — which is exclusively airing on MTV and CMT ahead of its YouTube premiere on Saturday, September 22nd — was filmed at Eakin Elementary School in downtown Nashville.
“First of all, I love Linda Perry. Second of all, I love this song written by Linda,” the always gracious Parton said in a statement. “Third of all, I love being a part of this video to try to make people think about what’s going on in this world today. Shout out to the little children that helped with the video! If our children don’t make it, then what will? Again, I ask ‘What’s Up?’ Enjoy.”
Perry returned the compliment by responding, “How is one supposed to react when the greatest and most prolific songwriter in the world wants to cover a song YOU wrote? Her version of ‘What’s Up?’ is so good. Her spin on it made me feel like it was her song. No surprise there. Being on set making the video was a comfortable easy experience. The vibe on set was chill and Dolly and I got to catch up and laugh a lot. I could go on and on, obviously I’m a fan.”
Parton’s cover of “What’s Up?” follows her recent version of The Beatles’ “Let It Be” with surviving members Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr, which would later mark the first time in history that two Beatles were listed as separate artists on the same charting song. Peter Frampton and Mick Fleetwood also contributed to the track.
Ahead of the release of Rockstar on November 17th, Parton has also unveiled the lead single, “World on Fire,” “Bygones” featuring Judas Priest’s Rob Halford, a cover of Heart’s “Magic Man” with Ann Wilson herself, and her take on Queen’s classic “We Are the Champions.” The album’s star-studded tracklist also features Stevie Nicks, Elton John, Debbie Harry, Steve Perry, Sting, Joan Jett, Lizzo, Brandi Carlile, Miley Cyrus, and many, many more. Pre-orders are ongoing.
Lest you think Parton has any plans for slowing down, she recently stated that she would rather “drop dead in the middle of a song on stage” than retire.
