Dolly Parton, the queen of country and now a rockstar in her own right, has unleashed her powerful rendition of the 90s anthem “What’s Up?”, originally by 4 Non Blondes. This captivating cover, featuring Linda Perry herself, is the latest gem from Parton’s highly anticipated rock album, Rockstar, and it’s already generating significant buzz. Following the success of her Beatles reunion track “Let It Be,” Parton’s take on “What’s Up?” proves her versatility and willingness to embrace new musical territories while honoring iconic songs.
“What’s Up?”, the defining hit for 4 Non Blondes, stormed the music scene in March 1993 as the second single from their debut album, Bigger, Better, Faster, More! While achieving Gold certification and reaching No. 14 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the US, the song’s impact resonated even stronger across Europe, the UK, and Australia. Its enduring appeal lies in its raw emotion and relatable lyrics, penned by Linda Perry, the band’s charismatic lead singer.
Dolly Parton’s admiration for Linda Perry and the song is evident. “First of all, I love Linda Perry,” Dolly stated, highlighting her respect for the songwriter. “Second of all, I love this song written by Linda.” This mutual admiration is echoed by Linda Perry, who expressed her excitement and honor at Parton’s decision to cover her work. “How is one supposed to react when the greatest and most prolific songwriter in the world wants to cover a song YOU wrote?” Perry remarked, praising Parton’s unique interpretation: “[Dolly’s] version of ‘What’s Up?’ is so good. Her spin on it made me feel like it was her song. No surprise there.”
The music video for Dolly Parton’s “What’s Up?” cover, released on September 23rd, adds another layer of depth to the song’s message. Directed by Steve Summers and filmed at Eakin Elementary School in Nashville, the video features children, emphasizing the song’s poignant themes in a contemporary context. Dolly explained her vision, “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?” This statement underscores the song’s continued relevance and Parton’s intention to use her platform to spark reflection.
Linda Perry’s experience on set further illustrates the collaborative and positive atmosphere surrounding this project. “Being on set making the video was a comfortable easy experience,” Linda shared, adding, “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!”
Dolly Parton’s Rockstar album, scheduled for release on November 17th, marks a significant milestone as her 49th studio album and her first foray into the rock genre. “What’s Up?” joins a star-studded tracklist featuring collaborations with music legends across rock history. Pre-released tracks like “World on Fire,” “Bygones,” “We Are the Champions/We Will Rock You,” and “Let It Be” have already offered a taste of the album’s diverse and powerful sound. Rockstar promises to be a landmark album, showcasing Dolly Parton’s enduring artistry and her fearless exploration of new musical landscapes.
Dolly Parton’s rendition of “What’s Up?” is more than just a cover song; it’s a powerful reimagining that honors the original while infusing it with Parton’s distinctive voice and perspective. This collaboration with Linda Perry and the thought-provoking music video solidify “What’s Up?” as a standout track on Rockstar and a testament to Dolly Parton’s enduring impact on music. Fans of both Dolly Parton and 4 Non Blondes, and anyone seeking a fresh take on a classic hit, will find Parton’s “What’s Up?” cover an essential listen.
