Today, rising country star and Amazon Music Breakthrough artist Gabby Barrett released a new Amazon Original cover of Dolly Parton’s legendary, “I Will Always Love You.” Inspired by Parton’s unparalleled songwriting ability, Barrett has been singing her songs since she was eleven years old, a challenge that ultimately helped form the powerhouse voice her fans know and love today. Barrett recorded the vocals for her captivating version at home in Nashville, with Ross Copperman leading production from his home studio and her husband Cade Foehner accompanying with his own arrangement on guitar.
Fans can also watch Barrett meet her idol for a wide-ranging discussion, released today. On the video call, Barrett asks Parton several questions, from how her upbringing informed her songwriting, to why she thinks “Jolene” has been covered hundreds of times, including a riveting rendition by Barrett herself. Barrett discusses with Parton the importance of standing firm in business decisions while still developing your career, referencing Parton’s decision to keep publishing ownership for “I Will Always Love You” when presented with an offer from Elvis. The two even delve into the secret behind a long and loving marriage, such as a strong friendship, humor and letting each other make their own decisions.
“I know that Gabby will have a long and prosperous career ahead of her. She has what it takes to make it in our industry…. talent, she’s hard working, humble and kind,” stated Dolly Parton.
“I feel so much joy today releasing ‘I Will Always Love You,’ one of my favorite songs of all time and one of the greatest songs ever written, as an Amazon Original,” stated Gabby Barrett. “The thing about this song and about all of Dolly’s catalog is that her music is timeless; it comes straight from her heart. You can tell that she’s being honest and sincere in every lyric she writes. Every story is genuine to her life. Something I strive for, that she has set such a perfect example of in Country music. I am honored to have covered this song, and I hope you all love it as much as I do.”
Amazon Music launched Gabby Barrett’s Breakthrough campaign as she began prepping her debut album, GOLDMINE, in early Spring of 2020. Amazon Music worked with the country singer/songwriter to develop a plan that included increased programming for Gabby on the streaming service, a spot on Amazon Music’s billboards across the U.S., a custom Alexa utterance for her new album (“Alexa, take me to the GOLDMINE”), a livestreamed Q&A with Barrett and Charlie Puth on Amazon’s homepage, and an exclusive listening event on Echo Studio smart speakers that featured select tracks from GOLDMINE in 3D Audio. Released in June, GOLDMINE’’s first-day streams exceeded any other debut country album ever on Amazon Music globally, and the album ended the week as the most streamed debut country album in history, with Amazon Music delivering the highest percentage of streams for the album of any streaming service in the U.S.
Amazon Music listeners can find “I Will Always Love You (Amazon Original)” on Country Heat, the ultimate destination for today’s country fan. Customers can also simply ask, “Alexa play the Amazon Original by Gabby Barrett” in the Amazon Music app for iOS and Android and on Alexa-enabled devices. In addition to the Barrett’s new song, Amazon Music listeners can access hundreds of Amazon Originals featuring both emerging and established artists across numerous genres, available to stream and purchase only on Amazon Music.
