On September 26, 2016, the award-winning a capella group Pentatonix dropped what would be one of their greatest hits: a performance of the 1973 classic country hit “Jolene” with Dolly Parton herself. The collaboration, presented by Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, earned both artists a Grammy Gold for Best Country Duo/Group Performance – the eighth competitive win for the country legend and the second for Pentatonix.
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They beat Dierks Bentley’s “Different for Girls” featuring Elle King, Brothers Osborne’s “Summer,” Kenny Chesney & Pink’s “Setting The World On Fire,” and Chris Young’s “Think Of You” with Cassadee Pope.
But what was more interesting was that this was the track’s first Grammy, despite being a country hit and one of the most widely covered songs. The honor came three years after “Jolene” was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame. In an interview with Parton, she said that she was so excited to have won the award with Pentatonix on her old song, which was also a personal favorite, and she was very proud of the group.
No flashy sets. No fancy wardrobe. No complex cuts. Just six microphones and six talented artists.
Dolly Parton stood among Avi Kaplan, Kirstin Maldonado, Scott Hoying, Mitch Grassi, and Kevin Olusola. As soon as the clapperboard hit action and they started singing the song, you’d feel a strong shiver travel down your spine. It was a vocal heaven – a powerful and flawless opening.
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Parton led the song’s first verse, harmonized beautifully by the group. Hoying took over the first line of the second verse, and then he was joined in by Maldonado, with Grassi sustaining the harmony. Parton would come in belting, “Jolene.” Kaplan and Olusola, who stood on both ends, supported the performance with their bass and rhythm.
For the musical arrangement, they put an upbeat twist on the original track, giving it a different feel.
Then, at the end of the song, Parton softly said, “Oh, Jolene.” Then, she made an excited gesture, signifying that they were finished recording, and they burst into giggles as they adorably copied her. They all looked like they had a lot of fun doing the project.
As of writing, Dolly Parton and Pentatonix’s collaboration performance of “Jolene” has already hit 50 million views, earned half a million likes, and gained over 15,000 comments. So, if you haven’t watched it yet, this is your sign. Go and hit the play button below.
