When Emmylou Harris began her music journey in the late 1960s, she wasn’t convinced country music was her thing. “I was a folk singer who believed drummers ruined everything,” she said. But her collaboration with Gram Parsons changed everything. He blended country and rock, and his influence opened her eyes. Their partnership was brief; Parsons tragically passed away in 1973 at just 26. “He shaped my thinking completely,” Harris recalls.
Today, Emmylou Harris stands as a country music legend. She has won numerous awards, including 14 Grammys, and her guitar is displayed in Nashville’s Country Music Hall of Fame. Despite her accolades, she has been honest about her feelings toward the genre. “Country music can feel corny,” she admits. Yet, it’s also deeply soulful, as evident in songs like George Jones’s “Once You’ve Had the Best.” “There’s a raw honesty in country that you might miss if you look at the surface,” she explains.
Harris has built her career on that soulfulness. Her distinct blend of country, folk, and rock set her apart as a remarkable songwriter and performer. After Parsons’ death, she formed the Hot Band and released her first solo album, Pieces of the Sky, in 1975. This album contained “Boulder to Birmingham,” a heartfelt tribute to Parsont’s memory, and went gold in the U.S.
Fast forward to 1995, after a decline in popularity, Harris found new life with Wrecking Ball, which connected her back to her folk roots. This album exposed her music to a fresh audience. Over the years, she has shared the stage with legends like Bob Dylan and Johnny Cash, showcasing her versatility and enduring appeal.
Currently, Harris is preparing for her European farewell tour, though she assures fans she isn’t fully retiring. “I’ll continue to sing and perform in the States,” she says, noting that traveling internationally has become challenging. The upcoming tour will feel more like a journey through her musical history, sharing stories behind her songs.
Harris is also working on a memoir, bringing back cherished memories, like her father’s past as a Marine and his imprisonment during the Korean War. Inspired by her family and early influences from artists like Bob Dylan, she learned to play guitar at 16, teaching herself instead of taking lessons. She felt a sense of authenticity in her lyrics, even reaching out to folk icon Pete Seeger for reassurance about her storytelling.
Her career had its setbacks. In 1968, after releasing her first album, Gliding Bird, things didn’t go as planned. Her label failed, and she faced financial struggles while raising her daughter alone. But community support helped her bounce back. She formed a folk trio and eventually caught the attention of Parsons, who invited her to join his band.
Together, they crafted timeless music, blending their talents seamlessly. Parsons’ influence loomed large until his untimely death left Harris devastated. However, singer Linda Ronstadt helped her regain her footing by introducing her to opportunities that would elevate her career.
Today, Harris reflects on her rich journey while also maintaining a passion for animal rescue. She established Bonaparte’s Retreat to help older and special-needs dogs find homes. “Every artist has their story, and mine is still being written,” she shares with a smile.
Harris believes true artists never fully retire. “I remember when Willie Nelson said he wouldn’t retire because it means giving up what you love,” she says. At 78, she continues to inspire many through her music and heart for animals, proving that her passion knows no age limits.
For more on her incredible journey, check out her official website.
