Let me paint you a picture. You’re scrolling through your favorite music streaming platform, looking for something new to listen to. Maybe you’re in the mood for a classic country hit, or maybe something with a bit of rock edge. Then, out of nowhere, you stumble upon a cover of “What’s Up?”—yes, that ’90s anthem from 4 Non Blondes. But wait, there’s more. This isn’t just any cover. It’s Dolly Parton, the Queen of Country, teaming up with Linda Perry, the mastermind behind the original hit. If that doesn’t make you stop in your tracks, I don’t know what will.
Now, let’s be honest. Dolly Parton covering “What’s Up?” isn’t something anyone saw coming. But here’s the thing—Dolly’s always been full of surprises, hasn’t she? She’s spent decades reinventing herself, proving time and time again that she’s more than just a country star. She’s a cultural icon who transcends genres. So, when she decided to take on this grunge-era anthem, she did what only Dolly could do: she made it her own.
A Match Made in Music Heaven
The collaboration between Dolly Parton and Linda Perry is nothing short of magic. Picture this: Dolly, with her trademark big blonde hair and sparkling smile, steps up to the mic. Linda Perry, with her gritty voice and rock ‘n’ roll swagger, strums away on her guitar. It’s a clash of styles, sure—but it works. It more than works. It’s like they were always meant to perform together.
From the moment Dolly starts singing, you can feel the goosebumps rising. She doesn’t try to mimic the original—no, she brings her own spin to it. That voice, which has serenaded us with country ballads for decades, takes on a new life here. It’s powerful, yet tender. Strong, but with a touch of vulnerability. And when Linda joins in, it’s pure harmony. The two voices blend together in a way that feels both nostalgic and fresh.
The Music Video That’ll Have You Smiling
If the song itself is a treat, the music video is the cherry on top. Trust me when I say, you’re going to want to watch it on repeat. It’s not just a performance—it’s an experience. There’s Dolly, looking like she’s stepped out of a fairy tale, dressed in a way that only she can pull off. Think rhinestones, glitter, and all the glam. She’s front and center, commanding the stage with a presence that’s as big as her heart.
And then there’s Linda, right beside her, jamming away on her guitar. The chemistry between the two is undeniable. They’re having fun, and you can’t help but have fun watching them. It’s clear that they both respect and admire each other’s talents, and that mutual respect shines through in every note they play.
The video doesn’t try to be flashy or over the top. It doesn’t need to be. The focus is on the music, on the connection between these two incredible artists. And that’s exactly why it works so well. It’s pure, it’s raw, and it’s real. It’s the kind of performance that leaves you grinning from ear to ear, just like I was.
Why This Cover Matters
So, why should you care about this cover? Well, for starters, it’s a cue that good music is timeless. “What’s Up?” was a hit in the ‘90s, but it’s just as relevant today as it was back then. The lyrics, the message, the emotion—it all still resonates. And Dolly’s version breathes new life into the song, introducing it to a whole new generation of listeners.
But it’s more than that. This cover is a testament to the power of collaboration. It’s about two artists from different worlds coming together to create something beautiful. Dolly and Linda might come from different musical backgrounds, but they share a love for storytelling, for emotion, for connecting with their audience. And that’s what makes this cover so special.
The Legacy of Dolly and Linda
Let’s not forget the legacy these two women have built. Dolly Parton is a living legend. Her contributions to music, to philanthropy, to culture as a whole, are immeasurable. She’s inspired countless artists and fans alike with her talent, her generosity, and her spirit. And Linda Perry? She’s a powerhouse in her own right. As the frontwoman of 4 Non Blondes, she gave us one of the most iconic songs of the ‘90s. But her influence didn’t stop there. She’s gone on to write and produce for some of the biggest names in music, proving that she’s a force to be reckoned with.
When you bring these two legends together, you get something truly special. This cover of “What’s Up?” is more than just a song—it’s a celebration of music, of creativity, of the enduring power of a great melody and a great message. It’s a nudge that no matter how much the world changes, some things will always stay the same. Good music is good music, and when it’s done right, it has the power to bring people together, to make us feel, to make us think.
Final Thoughts
If you haven’t listened to Dolly Parton and Linda Perry’s cover of “What’s Up?” yet, do yourself a favor and hit play. It’s a performance that’ll stick with you long after the final note fades. It’s a cue of why we fell in love with music in the first place. And it’s proof that, even after all these years, Dolly Parton is still knocking it out of the park.
So, what’s up? Not much, just two legends making magic together.
