Stevie Wonder Plays Harmonica on Beyoncé's Cover of "Jolene"

Beyoncé hailed him as the artist "I can listen to for the rest of my life"

BY Alex HudsonPublished Apr 2, 2024

Stevie Wonder's name was included in the press release that went out with Beyoncé's new album COWBOY CARTER, but it wasn't clear exactly what he had contributed to the record. Now, Beyoncé has revealed that Wonder played the harmonica on her cover of Dolly Parton's "Jolene."

Beyoncé revealed this tidbit last night (April 1) at the iHeartRadio Music Awards, where she accepted the Innovator Award. Wonder presented her with the trophy.

"I love you and I honour you," Beyoncé told Wonder. "I want to thank you for making a way for all of us. I'm honoured to receive this recognition from you, Stevie Wonder. Whenever anyone asks me if there's anyone I can listen to for the rest of my life, it's always you."

She added, "And thank you for playing the harmonica on 'Jolene.'"

Dolly Parton also appears on COWBOY CARTER, although not in a musical role: she introduces "Jolene" as part of an intro track titled "DOLLY P." 

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