Jack White Honors Dolly Parton with Emotional “Jolene” Cover
In a poignant tribute to the late Dolly Parton, Jack White covered her iconic song “Jolene” during his performance at the Eventim Apollo in London on August 23. The tribute came on the same day that the beloved country singer passed away at the age of 80, prompting an outpouring of tributes from fans and fellow musicians alike.
A Day of Mourning and Celebration
Parton’s death sparked a collective remembrance of her remarkable career and philanthropic contributions. Jack White, a longtime admirer of Parton, took to Instagram earlier that day to express his sorrow, posting a heartfelt tribute that read “Instant sainthood,” alongside a classic photo of the country music icon.
Surprising the Crowd with a Classic
During his concert, White opened with his recent single “That’s How I’m Feeling” and followed it up with the White Stripes classic “Dead Leaves and the Dirty Ground.” However, it was his unexpected decision to perform “Jolene” that truly moved the audience, marking the first time he had sung the song in nearly two decades.
Emotional Performance
Footage shared on social media captures White passionately delivering “Jolene,” where he took a moment to look skyward and gesture as if in prayer, honoring Parton’s legacy. According to setlist.fm, this was the first live performance of “Jolene” since 2007, when White last performed it during a White Stripes concert at Madison Square Garden.
Jack White’s Connection to “Jolene”
Dolly Parton originally released “Jolene” in 1974, where it soared to No. 1 on the country charts and earned her two Grammy nominations. The White Stripes later put their own spin on the song, initially releasing it as the B-side to the single “Hello Operator” and integrating it into their live performances. Parton herself praised their rendition as “wonderful.”
White’s connection to “Jolene” runs deep, as he recalled hearing the song as a teenager and being intrigued by the name. In an interview with NPR in 2008, he reflected, “I thought that was an interesting name when I started hearing that song… I started to think about names starting with ‘J,’ like that could be used almost accusatory, like Jezebel… Jolene.”
Conclusion
Jack White’s tribute to Dolly Parton through his performance of “Jolene” serves as a testament to the impact she had on musicians and fans alike. As the music world mourns her loss, White’s heartfelt cover reminds us of Parton’s enduring influence and the timeless quality of her work.
FAQs
Who is Jack White?
Jack White is an American musician, singer, and songwriter, known as the frontman of the rock band The White Stripes and for his solo career.
What is the significance of the song “Jolene”?
“Jolene,” released by Dolly Parton in 1974, is one of her most famous songs, highlighting themes of love and vulnerability. It has been covered by many artists, including Jack White.
Why did Jack White cover “Jolene”?
White covered “Jolene” as a tribute to Dolly Parton following her passing, celebrating her legacy and expressing his admiration for her music.
When was the last time Jack White performed “Jolene” live?
Jack White last performed “Jolene” live in 2007 during a White Stripes concert at Madison Square Garden, making this recent performance particularly significant.
