Emmylou Harris

Emmylou Harris was born on April 2, 1947, in Birmingham, Alabama. Her early life included moves due to her father’s Marine Corps career, eventually settling in Virginia. As a teenager, Harris developed an interest in folk music, teaching herself guitar and drawing inspiration from artists like Joan Baez and Bob Dylan. She performed in local clubs and, after a brief time in New York City where she released her debut album “Gliding Bird” in 1970, faced early career challenges including her record label declaring bankruptcy and a divorce. She returned to her parents’ home in Maryland, performing in local clubs where she was discovered by Gram Parsons.

Her collaboration with Gram Parsons in the early 1970s was a turning point, influencing her move towards country rock. After Parsons’ unexpected death in 1973, Harris continued as a solo artist, dedicated to carrying on the country rock legacy. She signed with Warner Bros. Records and released “Pieces of the Sky” in 1975, which achieved critical and commercial success with hits like “If I Could Only Win Your Love.” Throughout the late 1970s, albums such as “Elite Hotel” (1975) and “Quarter Moon in a Ten Cent Town” (1978) produced multiple number-one country singles and gold certifications, establishing her as a prominent artist. She also formed her backing group, The Hot Band, which included notable musicians like Rodney Crowell and Ricky Skaggs.

The 1980s saw continued success with albums like “Roses in the Snow” (1980) and “Evangeline” (1981), and a Grammy Award for Female Vocalist of the Year from the Country Music Association in 1980. A significant career milestone was her 1987 collaboration with Dolly Parton and Linda Ronstadt on the album “Trio,” which became her best-selling record, reaching number one on the charts and earning multiple top-ten singles. Entering the 1990s, Harris continued to innovate, releasing the critically acclaimed live album “At the Ryman” (1992) and later, “Wrecking Ball” (1995), which was instrumental in defining the Americana music genre. She signed with Nonesuch Records in 2000, releasing several self-composed albums, and continues to perform and advocate for causes such as animal rescue and landmine removal.