Back in 1983, Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton shared vocals on “Islands in the Stream.” The single, which appeared on Rogers' Eyes That See in the Dark album, reached number one the Billboard Hot 100, as well as the Country and Adult Contemporary charts. The tune also attained platinum status with over two million sales.
“Islands in the Stream” became a signature song for both Parton and Rogers, who would continue to perform it together and apart over the years. Neither artist actually wrote the song, though, which was penned by the Bee Gees but not recorded until Rogers and Parton did so.
As we reflect on Parton’s passing yesterday (Rogers died in 2020), here’s a look at Parton and Rogers’ performance of the song at the CMA Awards at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville on October 10, 1983. It’s followed by My Morning Jacket’s version of the song with Neko Case from Stage AE in Pittsburgh, on August 10, 2011.
