Dolly Parton’s career has seen her move from the world of country music into pop and disco and back to the world of bluegrass. Over the years she’s recorded a wide variety of tunes and has never shied away from an unexpected collaboration.
The singer’s latest collaboration sees her teaming up with dance band Galantis and vocalist Mr. Probz to turn John Hiatt’s Faith into a summer dance extravaganza. The video sees Dolly take on the role of bus driver to a cast of dancers and singers heading out to a summer picnic.
It’s not the first time the song has been given an electronic treatment. In 1994 New Zealand band Straw People delivered a trip-hop version of the tune.
The song, which has the full title of Have a Little Faith In Me, was first recorded by John Hiatt in 1987, since then it’s been covered by Mandy Moore, Chaka Khan, Jewel, Vika and Linda Bull, Joe Cocker and Jon Bovi even teamed up with Glee star Lea Michelle to record a version of the song.
Hiatt wrote the song after recovering from drug and alcohol addiction. Having been dropped by his record company, he was recording the song at a friend’s studio. During the recording sessions he received word that his estranged wife had taken her own life. His version is a somber and soul searching song, as where Galantis have turned it into a dance focussed jam.
Five Most Unexpected Covers By Dolly Parton
Dolly Parton has recorded thousands of tunes during her career, the singer has over 50 albums and a solo artist and collaborations with other performers. Here’s a few of the more unexpected tunes in her catalogue.
Peace Train
Dolly covered the Cat Stevens classic on her 1996 album Treasures. The recording features South African vocal group Ladysmith Black Mambazo and remixes by top DJ Junior Vazquez.
Shine
In 2001 on her Little Sparrow record Dolly had a grunge moment when she laid down her version of Collective Soul’s Shine. The tune penned by Ed Rowland had been the band’s biggest hit back in 1993. Parton picked up a Grammy for her performance of the song.
Stairway to Heaven
On her Halos & Horns release Dolly closes of proceedings with her cover of the Led Zeppelin classic. Robert Plant is reportedly approving of Dolly’s folky take on the tune.
Crimson and Clover
Dolly covered the rock tune by Tommy James and the Shondells on her 2005 album Those Were The Days. Prince and Joan Jett have also recorded the tune.
She Drives Me Crazy
Dolly’s country version of the Fine Young Cannibals biggest hit is maybe one of the oddest covers ever. You can find it on her Backwoods Barbie album from 2006.
OIP Staff
