Celebrate the Heart of Country, Americana, and Roots Music!

Drop Us A Line, Y'all

Y'all interested in advertising, partnering up, contributing stories, joining our team, or just got a question? Well, don't be shy, drop us a line!

Follow Us

A Timeless Classic: ‘Islands In The Stream’ by Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers

Islands In The Stream by Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers
by
  • Riley is a Senior Country Music Journalist for Country Thang Daily, known for her engaging storytelling and insightful coverage of the genre.
  • Before joining Country Thang Daily, Riley developed her expertise at Billboard and People magazine, focusing on feature stories and music reviews.
  • Riley has a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from Belmont University, with a minor in Cultural Studies.

‘Islands in the Stream’ by Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers is an unforgettable classic. You have heard this upbeat hit single when Sunday’s Best music’s playing on your stereo. It’s a timeless piece that can never falter; even a hundred years may pass. What’s more, is how the song is meaningful for the veteran artists Parton and Rogers.

All About ‘Island In The Streams’ Hit

Because the disco era was dancing its way out of the 1980s, the iconic group Bee Gees ventured to other genres. They pushed their creativity to write songs for other artists. This turn of events gave birth to a solid gold tune called ‘Island in The Streams.’

The trio Barry, Maurice, and Robin Gibb first wrote the song for Marvin Gaye. The music is in an R&B melody but later changed to a country-pop beat. The transformation of musicality also paved the way for Kenny Rogers to record the song. He included it as the first single on his 1983 album ‘Eyes That See In The Dark’ featuring Dolly Parton.

If you don’t know, ‘Island In The Streams’ came from a novel of the same name written by Ernest Hemingway. It’s a posthumous novel of the iconic author released. His wife discovered it among his belongings and published the book.

It’s a hit single with legendary inspiration, iconic songwriters, and superstar singers.

Cemented Friendship of The Two Legends

Thanks to their collaboration, the two country music legends have solidified their friendship. We’re not talking about ten years but 30 years of mutual attachment.

Before their epic collaboration, the two achieved long-term success in their solo careers. They had duets and toured with other singers as well before their meeting. No one expected that a shining star could get shinier when they released ‘Islands In The Stream.’

Rogers told People magazine the story of how the hit single came about. The veteran artist has been singing it for four days on his L.A. studio. But he didn’t think it fits him or the album. Roger told Barry (Gibbs) that he didn’t want to do the song anymore.

Defeated, they thought of a way to spice up the piece. This is where Barry thought of Dolly Parton. At that time, Parton lived near Rogers studio. She showed up in her unique fashion, and the song never been the same.

The hit single grabbed the No. 1 position in the 1983 US charts from Bonnie Tyler’s ‘Total Eclipse of the Heart.’ Moreover, it sold over 2 million copies in the US. It is certified as platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America.

‘Island In The Streams’ is a timeless classic all ages can enjoy. From its fascinating back story to its passionate melody, listeners are in for a sweet treat. It’s no wonder why Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers are a match made in country music heaven.

Latest Stories

Mark Herndon plays drums on stage with a smile, wearing sunglasses and a bandana, representing his longtime role with country supergroup Alabama despite feeling like an outsider.

He Was Alabama’s Drummer for Years But Mark Herndon Says He Was Never Treated Like He Belonged

He played the beat behind the biggest country band in the world, but they made sure he knew his place. Off to the side. Mark Herndon was the guy in ...

The Dixie Chicks pose in front of an American flag in white T-shirts, with the words "FREE SPEECH" written on their arms—capturing the controversial moment that reshaped their career after 2003.

Whatever Happened to the Dixie Chicks After They Crossed the Line in 2003?

They weren’t canceled. They self-destructed and dared people to cheer for it. Back in 2003, the Dixie Chicks were sitting on top of the world. They were country music’s biggest ...

Willie Nelson and Merle Haggard perform on stage together in 2015, each playing a guitar and singing into microphones, proving their legendary status with the success of their album Django and Jimmie.

On This Day in 2015, Willie and Merle Proved They Still Ran the Damn Game With “Django and Jimmie”

You can’t kill country legends, especially when they roll into town smoking pot and topping charts. On June 11, 2015, “Django and Jimmie” officially climbed to Number One on the ...

Hank Williams performs “Lovesick Blues” at the Grand Ole Opry in 1949, standing at the WSM microphone in a pinstripe suit and cowboy hat, holding an acoustic guitar during his historic debut.

On This Day in 1949, Hank Williams Stepped on the Opry Stage and Blew the Damn Roof Off

They tried to keep him out, but when Hank Williams finally hit the Grand Ole Opry stage, country music would never be the same. June 11, 1949. The Ryman Auditorium ...

John Foster, Breanna Nix, and IAMKNOWN sit on a front porch singing a heartfelt acoustic rendition of “Go Rest High on That Mountain,” with John playing guitar and all three pouring raw emotion into the harmony.

John Foster, Breanna Nix, and IAMKNOWN Team Up for a Soul-Crushing Take on “Go Rest High on That Mountain”

They didn’t win American Idol, but this performance says otherwise. John Foster, Breanna Nix, and IAMKNOWN reunited after the American Idol finale to deliver a stripped-down, straight-from-the-gut version of Vince ...

Miss Kay Robertson is struggling after Phil’s death, facing serious health issues and grief that cuts deep after 60 years of love, loss, and shared life.

Miss Kay Robertson ‘Not in the Best of Health’ After Phil’s Death According to Son Willie

She’s been with the same man for sixty years, and now she’s waking up every morning wondering why the damn house is so quiet. Phil Robertson is gone, and Miss ...

Trisha Yearwood performs passionately on stage in a black fringe dress, set to headline a benefit concert in Santa Barbara supporting first responders and wildfire-affected musicians.

Trisha Yearwood Set to Take the Stage in Santa Barbara to Raise Funds for First Responders

Country powerhouse Trisha Yearwood is heading west, and she’s bringing some real heart with her. The three-time Grammy winner has been tapped to headline the 2025 One805LIVE! benefit concert, an ...

Faith Hill beams backstage at CMA Fest 2025 in her first public appearance in two years, wearing a wide-brim hat and leather jacket while chatting with friends.

Faith Hill Stuns With Her First Public Appearance in Two Years After Stepping Out of the Spotlight

It’s been a long time since Faith Hill showed up where fans least expected her, especially without a microphone in hand. CMA Fest 2025 brought out just about everyone in ...

Faith Hill waves to the crowd on stage in a white dress, fueling speculation about her quiet retirement from country music after years of absence from the spotlight.

Did Faith Hill Quietly Step Away From Country Music? The Biggest Sign Yet She’s Retired

There’s going quiet, and then there’s straight-up ghosting a whole genre. Faith Hill hasn’t just taken a break from country music. She’s vanished. One of the biggest names in the ...

John Foster plays guitar while Breanna Nix sings during an emotional duet teaser of “I Told You So.” The casual, intimate setting highlights their raw talent and rising country chemistry.

John Foster and Breanna Nix Tease “I Told You So” Cover and Now Everyone’s Begging for the Full Song

Sometimes, a 30-second clip is all it takes to bring the internet to its knees. John Foster and Breanna Nix, the two rising country standouts who made a splash on ...