A celebration of musical lineage where icons pay homage to their roots and influences, bridging generations through shared artistic DNA.
The selection of obscure or posthumous releases suggests these artists are curating a deeper, more intellectual playlist than their mainstream hits imply.
Book release date: Nov. 17. Dolly cites 'Mama Sings' (released 2024). Billie cites The Dø's 'Shake Shook Shaken' (2014).
This book is the ultimate playlist for the crate-diggers who thought they knew everything about their favorite stars.
The gap between Dolly Parton and Billie Eilish just got a whole lot smaller, and it’s built entirely on vinyl. Rolling Stone reports that the two powerhouses, along with 78 other heavy hitters, are contributing to a new book titled *On the Records*, set to drop on November 17. The premise is deliciously nerdy: each artist dives deep into the unknown, underrated, or overlooked LPs that fundamentally shaped their sonic identity.
This isn’t just a greatest hits collection; it’s a forensic analysis of inspiration, proving that even the biggest names in music are standing on the shoulders of giants most fans have never heard of. Dolly Parton’s contribution is particularly poignant, focusing on *Mama Sings*, a posthumous collection of traditional songs recorded by her mother, Avie Lee Parton, in the 1970s but only released in 2024. By choosing her mother’s work, Dolly isn’t just citing an influence; she’s honoring a direct familial and cultural lineage.
It’s a move that grounds her country-pop empire in its Appalachian roots, reminding us that before she was a global icon, she was listening to the raw, unpolished traditional sounds that defined her upbringing. This selection adds a layer of intimate history to her public persona, showing that her musical DNA is inextricably linked to her family’s heritage. On the other side of the generational spectrum, Billie Eilish points to a record that might shock the casual pop listener: *Shake Shook Shaken*, the 2014 album by the French-Finnish duo The Dø.
This isn’t a new revelation for the die-hards, as Eilish previously mentioned this album in a 2021 *Vanity Fair* interview, stating that The Dø “changed my life and perspective on music.” She even called it her “main source of inspiration during the making of *Happier Than Ever*.” Including this in the book solidifies the link between her ethereal, experimental pop and the quirky, art-pop sensibilities of The Dø, offering a concrete roadmap for how her sound evolved.
The book’s scope is staggering, featuring 80 artists in total, compiled by music industry veteran Brian Beck and author Piotr Orlov. The lineup reads like a who’s who of critical darlings and genre-definers. Yeah Yeah Yeahs’ Karen O discusses ESG’s *A South Bronx Story*, while Earl Sweatshirt breaks down M.O.P.’s *First Family 4 Life*.
Justin Vernon of Bon Iver highlights Paul Pena’s posthumous *New Train*, which features Jerry Garcia on pedal steel. Other notable contributions come from Chris Stapleton, who cites *Real Time* by Darrell Scott and Tim O’Brien, and Willie Colón, who praises Stanley Turrentine’s 1974 LP *Pieces of Dreams*. With contributors like Brian Eno, Margo Price, and Erykah Badu also on board, *On the Records* is shaping up to be the definitive guide for anyone looking to understand the true, hidden foundations of modern music.
