Dolly Parton is taking on a classic rock song from the 1970s.
On Thursday it was announced the 77-year-old country crooner will be singing Freebird from the band Lynyrd Skynyrd – 46 years after plane crash killed lead singer.
The details
It will be featured on the new Lynyrd Skynyrd album from surviving band member Artimus Pyle. The title is Anthems – Honoring The Music Of Lynyrd Skynyrd.
Pyle’s forthcoming Get Joe Records studio album honors the music that propelled him into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
The album, which boasts 13 tracks, will be released and distributed by BFD/Orchard on February 2, 2024.
Billy Ray Cyrus and Sammy Hagar will also be featured on the album.
A track to be released digitally on October 20th, the day that coincides with the 46th anniversary of the tragic plane crash that killed several members of the band.
Horrific plane crash
Pyle was injured but survived the band’s 1977 horrific plane crash that abruptly ended the lives of six people, including band members Steve and Cassie Gaines, and most notably, frontman and musical visionary Ronnie Van Zant.
‘This project has been a year in the making, but when the fans hear it they will understand why it took so long,’ says Len Snow, Get Joe Records president.
‘Artimus is legendary within the Southern Rock space.
‘The music that Lynyrd Skynyrd made will always live as a part of rock history.
‘This album honors that music and gives Artimus a way to honor his former bandmates.’
Music enthusiasts can pre-order the physical CD at ArtimusPyle.com.
Long considered the ‘wild man’ of Lynyrd Skynyrd, Pyle’s powerful and distinctive double bass drumming helped define the legendary Skynyrd sound.
