Interview with Jada Star

by Ben Childers

Photo credit: Michael Weintrob

This fall Dolly will release her fiftieth solo studio album, but the project isn't exactly a solitary endeavor. She has enlisted the help of her entire family to craft Smoky Mountain DNA. The new release will feature dozens of siblings, cousins, aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews performing alongside her, in addition to archival recordings of family who have passed away. The mammoth-sized album will span 30 to 40 tracks and be accompanied by a four-part documentary tracing the ancestry of this musical family from the hills of Appalachia back to the 1600s in Wales.

One of the first singles from the project, "The Orchard" was written by Jada Star, daughter of Dolly's sister Freida. Jada also performs the song with her Aunt Dolly. I was at Dollywood the day the album was announced and first heard "The Orchard" the following week at a concert taping for the upcoming documentary. It is a touching tribute to Jada's grandparents and family that everyone can relate to. In my opinion, it ranks among the best of Dolly's recent recordings. The song features musicians who last recorded with Dolly on 1998's Hungry Again, which, like Smoky Mountain DNA, was also produced by Dolly's cousin, Richie Owens.

Jada spent almost a decade performing in the family show at Dollywood before eventually moving to Nashville in 2021 to pursue a solo career. She recently released her debut album, Tell Me I'm Your Angel,  and has played shows in the US and Europe, including the legendary Glastonbury Festival. While I was in Pigeon Forge in May, some friends and I ran into Jada in the lobby of HeartSong late one night as we were leaving the bar. We sat, talked, and visited for a few minutes before calling it a night. I reached out to Jada late last week about possibly doing a small interview for my website, and she was kind enough to indulge me and answer a few questions. Read the interview below.

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TDPD: What was the inspiration for "The Orchard"?
JS: I was inspired by the idea of family and the things that tie us together. I also wanted to write a song that honored my grandparents, Lee and Avie Lee [Parton]. 

TDPD: What was the recording process like for "The Orchard"? Who are some of the musicians on the track and are any of them family?
JS: It was really fun! My cousin Richie Owens, who is producing the album Smoky Mountain DNA with my Aunt Dolly, had me record in his studio in Smyrna, Tennessee. He plays on the track, as does Bob Ocker and Eric Rupert.

TDPD: How long has the Smoky Mountain DNA project been in the works?
JS: It's been almost 3 years since I got my first message about the project. 

TDPD: Are you featured on any other tracks on the album?
JS: Yes! I'm singing backup vocals on a few tracks along with my cousins Heidi [Parton] and Rebecca [Seaver]!

TDPD: I’m really interested in my family history and have traced my family back to England on Ancestry. Did you learn anything new about your family during the documentary process?
JS: Yes! We found roots in Wales and discovered that we have been music makers and performers as far back as we can go!

TDPD: I was at the first night of filming at the Bijou for the documentary. My favorite songs from this night were "The Orchard" and "Crops Come In" by Dolly and your mom, Freida. Do you have a favorite song from the record?
JS: That's so sweet, thank you. I love every track, because the whole album is a love letter to my my family from each other, and a love letter to the fans from all of us. I just can't pick a favorite!

TDPD: You’ve just recently returned from the UK and playing Glastonbury. What can you tell us about that experience?
JS: It was beautiful and it inspired me so much. I was so honored to be invited to play at Glastonbury, and I was also blessed to play at the Maverick Music Festival in Suffolk, and I performed a couple of my songs at the legendary Cavern Club in Liverpool. I'm planning a mini tour in the UK in November! I can't get enough of it. 

TDPD: Do you have anymore new music coming soon?
JS: Yes! I am working on a few exciting things at the moment, including something I'm planning on gifting to The Salvation Army, and a couple of collaborations coming in the fall! I've also got so many new songs to share with everyone. 

TDPD: And my final question (which I ask everyone who shares a love of Dolly), what is your favorite Dolly song and/or album?
JS: My favorite Dolly song is "Eagle When She Flies", and my favorite Dolly album is Heartbreaker!

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Smoky Mountain DNA is scheduled to be released November 15, 2024, by Owepar Records on CD, LP, digital download, and streaming.

Visit Jada's official website here and be sure to check out her debut album, Tell Me I'm Your Angel.

Jada, thank you again for taking the time to answer my questions. I look forward to seeing you again soon!