Joe Perry and Pete Townshend to cover classic 1950s tracks on Ann-Margret’s upcoming album
It will be the singer’s first studio album in over ten years.
Perry image: C Flannigan/Getty
Townshend image: Frank Micelotta/Getty
Aerosmith’s Joe Perry and The Who’s Pete Townshend are set to contribute to a new album by Swedish actress and singer Ann-Margret.
Her first studio release in over a decade, Born To Be Wild will see the singer cover some of her favourite tracks from the 1950s, 60s and 70s – and team up with a host of impressive musicians along the way.
Included in this all-star lineup is none other than The Who’s Pete Townshend and Aerosmith’s Joe Perry.
Featuring some of the most famous tracks from the golden era, the Aerosmith guitarist will cover Bill Haley’s 1956 single Rock Around The Clock alongside former Yardbirds drummer Jim McCarty.
Additionally, Townshend will contribute to Ann-Margret’s cover of The Everly Brothers’ song, Bye Bye Love, which was first released in 1958. Country music songwriter T.G. Sheppard also features on the track.
Discussing the release, Townshend said (via Rolling Stone):
“Being offered an opportunity to work with Ann-Margret, especially on an Everly Brothers song, was just too romantic to pass. [Throughout her career,] her sonorous voice, her Scandinavian beauty, her sense of humour, her stamina and her strength all shone through.”
Other iconic tracks featured on the album will include Can’t Take My Eyes Off You, Son Of A Preacher Man and Why Do Fools Fall In Love.
Vocalists Paul Shaffer and Pat Boone will also contribute to the release, as well as country musicians including Mickey Gilley, The Oak Ridge Boys and Steve Cropper.
Now aged 81, Ann-Margret first rose to success with her acting roles in Bye Bye Birdie and Viva Las Vegas. Alongside winning five Golden Globes and an Emmy, she has also had a successful music career and was Grammy-nominated for her album God Is Love: The Gospel Sessions.
Born To Be Wild is due out on 14 April via Cleopatra Records.