Alabama-born Emmylou Harris was one of the most influential country singers of the 70s and beyond. Originally a more folksy singer with one album already under her belt, Harris' life and musical direction changed after a 1971 gig in New York, when she was approached by audience member Chris Hillman. A member of the Byrds, and then the Flying Burrito Band, Hillman put Harris in touch with country-rock pioneer Gram Parsons, who was looking for a female singer for his debut solo album GP. For a short while Harris toured and recorded with Parsons, including on his famous second album Grievous Angel, but Parsons died in 1973 from a drug overdose, leaving Harris distraught and jobless.
Thanks to help from friend Linda Ronstadt, Harris was able to win a solo record contract, and released what she considers to be her 'real' first album Pieces Of The Sky in 1975. It was loved by critics and made a small impression on the country charts, bettered by the chart-topping follow-up Elite Hotel, which also earned Harris her first Grammy. Luxury Liner (1977) also rose to No.1 on the country charts, while Quarter Moon in a Ten Cent Town (1978) hit No.3. Harris was earning a crossover following in rock audiences, while remaining loyal to country roots, particularly with albums like the Grammy-winning Blue Kentucky Girl (1979) and Roses In The Snow (1980).
Throughout her career, Harris also collaborated with some of music's biggest stars. As well as Parsons, she also sang with Neil Young, Bob Dylan, The Band, Roy Orbison, and Bruce Springsteen. Her 1987 collaboration with Ronstadt and Dolly Parton, Trio, sold millions of records and won two Grammys.
In 1995, Harris enjoyed a brief renaissance when her Grammy-winning album Wrecking Ball earned rave reviews and popularity among a modern alt-rock audience. Red Dirt Girl (2000) won Harris another Grammy, her tenth over a four-decade career. She has since won two more, thanks to her contributions to the O Brother, Where Art Thou? soundtrack, and her song "The Connection".
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