Orville Peck, the country singer known for his distinctive mask and boundary-pushing sound, is sharing what it was like to collaborate with one of his idols—Elton John. The 36-year-old musician recently sat down with PEOPLE to discuss his third studio album, Stampede, and his memorable work with the legendary Elton John on a reimagined country version of “Saturday Night’s Alright (For Fighting).”
While many would expect a more serious and reverent tone when speaking of Elton John, Peck offered a different insight into his time working with the iconic 77-year-old artist. According to Peck, John is “really funny” to be around, adding that the pop legend’s sense of humor is as lively as his musical talents. “He is super crass, so he is always telling funny, dirty jokes and stuff like that,” Peck confessed, revealing a side of John that many fans may not be familiar with.
For Peck, collaborating with John on Stampede was a surreal experience. “It was such a dream to be able to work with someone I’ve admired my whole life,” he shared. This collaboration marked a highlight of the album, which features a star-studded lineup, including other heavyweights like Willie Nelson, Kylie Minogue, and many more. Stampede is a bold collection of 18 duets, a departure from Peck’s usual solo work, and was an opportunity for him to stretch his creative muscles in a new way.
“I haven’t really done very many duets or features in the past,” Peck explained. “So to do an album that has 18 artists on it was sort of very new for me.” Yet, he couldn’t believe that these legends wanted to work with him. “I just couldn’t believe they wanted to work with me as well,” he continued, admitting that it felt surreal to have such influential figures in country and pop music want to be part of his project.
One of the standout moments of Stampede was Peck’s duet with country legend Willie Nelson on the track “Cowboys Are Frequently Secretly Fond of Each Other.” For Peck, this collaboration was “beyond a dream,” as Nelson has been a longtime idol of his. Their harmonies on the track are tender and timeless, showcasing their mutual respect for each other’s artistry.
Peck’s passion for bringing diverse voices into country music is a consistent theme throughout Stampede. He has always been an advocate for inclusivity in the genre, and he believes that country music is “moving in the right direction.” However, he acknowledges that country music has been historically slow to embrace change. “Country has always been a bit of a slow burn on things that are new and a little different,” Peck explained, but he hopes that the genre will continue to evolve. “I think we just need to keep championing more new stories within country,” he said.
Peck’s commitment to diversifying the country music landscape goes beyond his album. In 2023, he spoke with PEOPLE about his role as a mentor on My Kind of Country, a show where he, along with fellow country stars Jimmie Allen and Mickey Guyton, mentored up-and-coming artists who brought fresh perspectives to the genre. “We could see a piece of ourselves in each of them, and we wanted it to be easier for them than it was for us,” Peck said. His hope is that the country music community will become more inclusive, where everyone feels “welcome” and can share their unique stories.
Peck has made it clear that his support for diversity is a lifelong mission, and he is using his platform to make sure that those who have been traditionally marginalized in country music find their voices. “I’ll always support that, and I hope more and more people will join me,” he added.
In addition to his work with Elton John and Willie Nelson, Peck also had the chance to collaborate with one of his other musical heroes, Shania Twain, on the 2020 track “Legends Never Die.” He described Twain as “down-to-earth,” noting that despite her immense fame, she was incredibly humble. “She’s a very strong person, but she is very, very sweet and open,” Peck said.
Peck’s first experience with Twain was off the stage, at her ranch in Las Vegas. The two bonded over horses, music, and life in general, as they shared burritos on the deck. For Peck, moments like these—away from the flashing lights and red carpets—are what make the music industry so special. Twain, like Elton John, is someone he has always admired, but their time together proved that even the biggest stars can be down-to-earth and relatable.
For Orville Peck, 2023 has been a year of milestones, collaborations, and a strong commitment to championing diversity within country music. With Stampede continuing to receive praise, it’s clear that the artist is leaving a lasting impact on the industry—and doing it with a sense of humor, a love for collaboration, and a deep appreciation for the legends who’ve paved the way.
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