Barry Gibb, Dolly Parton Sing ‘Words’ From New Bee Gees Songbook LP
by Best Classic Bands Staff
Barry Gibb and Dolly Parton (Photo: Betty Fluke; used with permission)
Barry Gibb and Dolly Parton have recorded a new version of the Bee Gees’ beloved song, “Words.” The song is one of 12 tracks from Gibb’s new country album, Greenfields: The Gibb Brothers Songbook, Vol. 1, which arrived Jan. 8, 2021 via Capitol Records.
The pair had previously collaborated on the 1983 smash duet by Kenny Rogers and Parton, “Islands in the Stream,” which was written by Barry, Robin & Maurice Gibb. (Barry Gibb also served as one of the single’s producers.)
The new album was produced by Grammy Award-winning producer Dave Cobb. In addition to Parton, it features collaborations with Alison Krauss (“Too Much Heaven”), Olivia Newton-John (“Rest Your Love on Me,” which she originally recorded in 1979 with Andy Gibb), Sheryl Crow (“How Can You Mend a Broken Heart”), Brandi Carlile (“Run to Me”), Keith Urban (“I’ve Gotta Get a Message to You”), Little Big Town together with Tommy Emmanuel (“How Deep is Your Love”), and others.
Listen to “Rest Your Love on Me” with ON-J
“Words” was the third song to be released in advance of the album. Previously released were Gillian Welch and David Rawlings’ cover of “Butterfly” and Jason Isbell’s recording of “Words of a Fool.”
Listen to the Parton-Gibb collaboration on “Words”
Happy New Year everyone! So excited to share #words with you all. @DollyParton and I had so much fun singing this song together from my new album #greenfields. The album is available everywhere January 8th. I hope you enjoy it as well. It’s out today on #youtube #spotify #apple pic.twitter.com/wZlwHjy7Uv
— Barry Gibb (@GibbBarry) January 1, 2021
Of recording Greenfields, Gibb said, “From the first day we stepped into RCA Studios in Nashville (the very place where Elvis, Willie, Waylon, Roy, the Everly Brothers and so many other legends made their magic) the album took on a life of its own. I couldn’t be more grateful for the opportunity to work with Dave and all the artists who stopped by. They inspired me more than words can express. I feel deep down that Maurice and Robin would have loved this album for different reasons. I wish we could have all been together to do it…but I think we were.”
Listen to Gibb and Isbell sing “Words of a Fool”
Watch the album’s official trailer
In addition to the new album, Gibb is the subject of an acclaimed new documentary, The Bee Gees: How Can You Mend a Broken Heart, directed by Frank Marshall. One of the recordings on the new Songbook album, is a duet of the track that Gibb sings with Sheryl Crow.
1 Comment so far
Jump into a conversationYou are DEFINITELY on yet ANOTHER winner, Barry!
All the very best from a lifelong fan, Mick.