Emmylou Harris

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31 Jan 2024

Emmylou Harris

Emmylou Harris, born on April 2, 1947, is a prominent American figure in music, known for her versatile talents as a singer, songwriter, musician, bandleader, and activist. Her influence spans multiple genres, with significant contributions to country rock in the 1970s and Americana in the 1990s.

Harris's musical journey began with a deep interest in folk music during her early years. In the 1960s, she moved to New York City, where she recorded a folk album and performed regionally. Her path took a significant turn when she was discovered by Gram Parsons, a pivotal figure who steered her towards the country rock genre.

Following Parsons' death in 1973, Harris secured her own recording contract and released her second album, "Pieces of the Sky" in 1975. This album marked the beginning of her commercial success and critical acclaim. Throughout the 1970s, albums like "Elite Hotel," "Quarter Moon in a Ten Cent Town," and "Blue Kentucky Girl" further solidified her reputation as a leading figure in country music.

By the 1980s, Harris had established herself as a formidable presence in the music industry, earning multiple number one hits on the country charts and releasing successful albums such as "Roses in the Snow" and "Evangeline." Her collaboration with Dolly Parton and Linda Ronstadt on the album "Trio" in 1987 further showcased her versatility and musical prowess.
In the 1990s, Harris continued to evolve artistically, releasing albums like "Wrecking Ball," which signaled a new musical direction for her. Collaborations with artists like Mark Knopfler and Rodney Crowell further expanded her creative horizons.

Beyond her musical achievements, Harris has been actively involved in activism, including founding her own dog rescue organization called Bonaparte's Retreat.

With over 15 million records sold worldwide, 13 Grammy Awards, and induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2008, Emmylou Harris stands as a legendary figure in American music. Her enduring impact on the music industry and her commitment to artistic integrity and social causes continue to inspire generations of musicians and fans alike.

Emmylou Harris, born in Birmingham, Alabama in 1947, grew up in a family with a military background. Her father, Walter Rutland Harris, was a Marine Corps officer who served in World War II and the Korean War, experiencing the hardships of being a Prisoner of War during the latter conflict. Despite his experiences, he rarely discussed them with his family.

The Harris family relocated frequently due to Walter's military assignments, eventually settling in Woodbridge, Virginia, during Emmylou's high school years. She excelled academically at Gar-Field Senior High School, where she was known for her academic achievements, participation in extracurricular activities like cheerleading and playing the saxophone in the marching band, and even winning the "Miss Woodbridge" beauty pageant.

Emmylou's interest in folk music burgeoned during her teenage years, inspired by artists like Joan Baez, Bob Dylan, and Buffy Sainte-Marie. She received her first guitar from her grandfather and quickly learned to play. After graduating as valedictorian from Gar-Field in 1965, Emmylou initially pursued a drama scholarship at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro but soon shifted her focus to folk music.

In 1967, Emmylou left university life behind, eventually settling in New York City's Greenwich Village, a hub for the burgeoning folk music scene. Despite the challenges, including dropping out of two universities and becoming a young mother after marrying in 1969, Emmylou remained committed to her passion for folk music.

Her decision to pursue a career as a folk singer full-time marked the beginning of a remarkable journey that would eventually lead her to become one of the most celebrated figures in American music.

Emmylou Harris's journey in the music industry was marked by both struggles and pivotal encounters that shaped her career. After making her debut with the album "Gliding Bird" under the name "Emmy Lou Harris," released by Jubilee Records in 1970, she faced setbacks when the label declared bankruptcy. Determined to pursue her music career, she and her husband moved to Nashville, Tennessee. However, their marriage ended, leaving Harris to navigate the challenges of supporting herself and her daughter in a new city.

Despite her hardships, Harris continued to perform at clubs in Washington, D.C., and its surrounding areas, including Clyde's, where she was discovered by friends of Gram Parsons, a prominent figure in country rock. Parsons, impressed by Harris's singing ability, invited her to Los Angeles to record harmony vocals for his debut album "G.P." Their musical connection was immediate, and Harris toured with Parsons as a member of his band, the Fallen Angels, in 1973.

Parsons's passion for classic country music deeply influenced Harris, leading her to explore the genre further. She credited Parsons for helping her find her artistic direction and develop a love for authentic country music. Their collaboration continued with Parsons's next album, "Grievous Angel," recorded shortly before his untimely death from a drug and alcohol overdose in 1973.

Following Parsons's passing, Harris remained committed to honoring his legacy, contributing to posthumous releases like "Grievous Angel" and "Sleepless Nights." Their partnership not only solidified Harris's reputation as a talented vocalist but also introduced her to the world of country rock and authentic country music, laying the groundwork for her future success in the music industry.

Emmylou Harris's determination to honor Gram Parsons's legacy and carry forward the country rock tradition shaped her solo career trajectory. Despite the devastation of Parsons's death, Harris remained committed to the music they had created together, recognizing that her path was now firmly rooted in country music.

Forming her own band and securing a regular gig at the Red Fox Inn in Bethesda, Maryland, Harris immersed herself in live performances, honing her craft and building her reputation as a solo artist. Meanwhile, Mary Martin, Parsons's former A&R representative at Warner Bros. Records, recognized Harris's potential and sought to launch her solo career.

Martin's efforts led her to Brian Ahern, a Canadian producer known for his work with Anne Murray. Impressed by Harris's talent and dedication to country music, Ahern agreed to produce her music. Their collaboration extended beyond the studio, as they eventually married in 1977, solidifying both a personal and professional partnership.

With Ahern's guidance and support, Harris signed with Warner Bros.–Reprise, marking a significant milestone in her solo career. This partnership provided Harris with the platform and resources needed to further explore and expand the country rock legacy she had embraced alongside Gram Parsons. Through her music and performances, Harris continued to honor Parsons's influence while carving out her own distinctive voice and style in the realm of country music.

Emmylou Harris's collaboration with producer Brian Ahern resulted in a series of critically acclaimed albums that showcased her remarkable talent and versatility. Beginning with 1975's "Pieces of the Sky," Harris embarked on a journey that would establish her as one of country music's most influential figures.

"Pieces of the Sky" featured a mix of covers and original songs, including the deeply personal "Boulder to Birmingham," inspired by the loss of Gram Parsons. The album's success, both commercially and critically, set the stage for Harris's subsequent releases.

The follow-up album, "Elite Hotel" (1975), marked Harris's first number one album on the Billboard country chart. Backed by The Hot Band, which included renowned musicians like James Burton and Rodney Crowell, Harris delivered captivating performances that resonated with audiences and critics alike.

Harris continued to impress with albums like "Luxury Liner" (1976) and "Quarter Moon in a Ten Cent Town" (1978), each showcasing her distinctive voice and artistic vision. Despite pressure from her record label to pursue a more mainstream sound, Harris remained committed to her traditional country roots.

"Blue Kentucky Girl" (1979) and "Roses in the Snow" (1980) further solidified Harris's reputation as a trailblazer in the genre. With her crystal-clear vocals and innovative approach to bluegrass, Harris earned accolades and awards, including multiple Grammy wins.

Throughout this period, Harris juggled her burgeoning music career with the joys and challenges of motherhood, welcoming her second daughter into the world. Despite briefly stepping back from touring, Harris continued to release music that captivated audiences and earned her widespread acclaim.

Collaborations with iconic artists like Roy Orbison and the release of albums like "Evangeline" (1981) further showcased Harris's versatility and enduring appeal. Her ability to seamlessly blend genres and evoke emotion through her music cemented her status as a true icon of American music.

As she navigated the complexities of fame and motherhood, Emmylou Harris remained true to her artistic vision, leaving an indelible mark on the world of country music and inspiring generations of musicians to come.