Dolly Parton, Emmylou Harris, and Linda Ronstadt: The Power of Friendship and Collaboration in Music
Dolly Parton, Emmylou Harris, and Linda Ronstadt are titans of the country and folk music genres. Individually, each woman achieved immense success and acclaim as a solo artist. However, it was when they came together in the 1980s as “The Trio” that they truly showcased the full extent of their musical talents and created some of the most memorable albums in their storied careers. Beyond the music they made as a group, Parton, Harris, and Ronstadt also shared a deep and lasting friendship that withstood the test of time. Their bond exemplified the power of collaboration, respect, and support among fellow artists.
Mutual Admiration and Respect
Parton, Harris, and Ronstadt were already established stars in their own right by the time they started working together as The Trio in the 1980s. Dolly Parton had become a household name thanks to her prolific songwriting and string of country hits in the 1960s and 1970s. Emmylou Harris was a respected singer and guitarist who had collaborated with many major artists like Gram Parsons. Linda Ronstadt, meanwhile, found mainstream success blending rock influences into her country and pop stylings.
Despite their individual fame and achievements, each woman held the others in the highest regard. They admired one another’s talents deeply and were fans before becoming friends and collaborators. This pre-existing mutual respect formed the bedrock of their creative partnership and enduring bond. They approached working together from a place of admiration rather than competition.
When reflecting on what drew them to collaborate, Ronstadt cited their “musical empathy” – an intuitive understanding of one another’s styles and strengths. Harris echoed this, stating they could “hear things in each other’s voices” that inspired new artistic directions. Parton valued that none of her peers ever seemed to envy her success, saying Harris and Ronstadt consistently “rooted for me every step of the way.” Their collaborative spirit was rooted in celebrating, rather than diminishing, one another.
Harmony of Voices
One of the most memorable aspects of The Trio’s work was the exquisite harmonies created by their distinct vocal styles. Parton possessed a crystalline alto capable of intricate melodic embellishments. Harris offered a smoky, soulful contralto. And Ronstadt delivered rich, powerful soprano vocals.
When combined, their harmonies took on an ethereal, almost otherworldly quality. Each voice complemented the others to form an entrancing, interwoven tapestry of sound. Longtime producer Brian Ahern remarked their harmonies “sounded like it was meant to be…It was bigger than the sum of its parts.”
Music journalist Barney Hoskyns described their blended vocals as “the aural equivalent of the finest champagne.” Whether delivering delicate folk ballads or robust country-pop anthems, the precision and emotive depth in their harmonies became a hallmark of The Trio. Fans and critics continue to be awestruck by the effortless musical empathy displayed in their vocal interplay.
Friendship Beyond Music
While their artistic partnership was a highlight, Parton, Harris, and Ronstadt shared a connection that extended far beyond the recording studio. They developed a deep friendship rooted in mutual understanding and support. Having experienced the challenges of breaking into a male-dominated industry, they found solidarity as successful women in the music world.
The trio made an effort to spend time together outside of work as well. They attended one another’s concerts, went shopping or out to dinner, and vacationed with their families. Parton fondly recalled impromptu sing-alongs around the piano at Ronstadt’s house. These social interactions reinforced their creative bond and strengthened their ability to instinctively blend voices in the studio.
As their careers progressed, each woman faced personal challenges that the others helped navigate. When Ronstadt’s mother passed, Harris and Parton flew in to comfort her. Later, as Ronstadt’s health declined due to Parkinson’s disease, her friends supported her through the diagnosis. Their friendship endured the test of time and life’s difficulties, a testament to the deep care and respect they shared.
The Trio Era
In 1987, Parton, Harris, and Ronstadt formalized their collaboration with the release of the aptly titled Trio album on Warner Bros. Records. A major commercial and critical success, Trio showcased the full potential of their blended voices on classic country, pop, and folk tunes. Standout performances of “To Know Him Is To Love Him” and “Telling Me Lies” highlighted their exquisite harmonies.
Encouraged by the response, they recorded two additional Trio albums – 1988’s Trio II and 1999’s The Trio Collection. These projects explored genres like bluegrass and found the women venturing outside their usual styles. Their versions of songs like “Farther Along” and “Wildflowers” took on new emotional depth. Throughout, the focus remained on their interwoven vocals rather than flashy instrumentals.
The Trio concerts further cemented their status as one of the most successful musical partnerships. Their live shows allowed fans to witness the obvious joy and camaraderie they shared on stage. For Harris in particular, working with Parton and Ronstadt represented the “pinnacle” of her career. Their albums continue to be regarded as essential additions to the country, folk, and Americana canons.
Lasting Legacy
In the late 1990s, Ronstadt’s singing career was cut short due to the onset of Parkinson’s disease. However, her friendship with Parton and Harris endured. The trio remained in contact, supporting Ronstadt through her health struggles. In 2016, Parton and Harris paid tribute to Ronstadt with a tour performing her most beloved songs.
While The Trio disbanded after three acclaimed albums, their artistic collaboration left an indelible mark. Their blended voices set a new standard for vocal harmony in roots music. Today, their recordings are celebrated for seamlessly melding different genres while staying true to traditional aesthetics.
Younger artists like The Secret Sisters and Mavis Staples have cited The Trio as influences, carrying their legacy into new eras. Most importantly, Parton, Harris, and Ronstadt demonstrated the power of mutual respect and collaborative spirit among female artists. Their friendship, spanning decades, serves as an inspiration. Though their time as The Trio was brief, Dolly Parton, Emmylou Harris, and Linda Ronstadt created music and memories to last a lifetime.