This is a fascinating documentary that looks at the life and music of Dolly Parton, Linda Ronstadt, and Emmylou Harris leading up to their collaboration as a trio, and beyond. It’s a fascinating look at the larger music industry at the time, and some of the social context. The video is provided by Cal Vid on YouTube where you can find additional details for the documentary and credits for all the songs featured in the video. [Source]
First Trio Performance
In 1976, Dolly Parton hosted her own syndicated variety series and invited both Emmylou Harris and Linda Ronstadt to appear as guests. In addition to solo performances from each, The Dolly Parton Show featured the world’s first televised glimpse into what would become one of music’s most-anticipated recordings, the 1987 Trio LP (and its 1999 sequel, Trio II). Their three-part harmonies were spine-tingling, especially on Parton’s “Applejack,” as well as the more traditional “Bury Me Beneath the Willow” and a snippet of Ronstadt’s then-hit “Silver Threads and Golden Needles.”
Trio was a million-seller and earned two Grammy awards in country categories. The LP also earned an Album of the Year Grammy nomination but lost to U2’s The Joshua Tree. A third installment, made up of unreleased material, is reportedly in the works. Source: RollingStone.com
Written by Dolly Parton, Applejack was released in 1977 on Dolly Parton’s album New Harvest…First Gathering. The self-produced album is her first effort aimed specifically at the pop charts.
Kenny Rogers was a frequent guest on The Dolly Parton Show, also known as simply “Dolly”. Rest In Peace country legend, who died on March 20, 2020, at age 81.
Trio Interview (11 Sep 2016)
They’re three of the most talented female singers of all time – Dolly Parton, Emmylou Harris and Linda Ronstadt. All superstars in their own right, but they’re also great friends, and over the years they’ve come together to make exquisite music. But Linda Ronstadt faces a crippling disease that is slowly robbing her of her ability to sing. Undaunted, Linda’s facing her illness with tremendous courage, helped by her two dear friends. And, as Steve Pennells discovered, these three women still have one last collaboration to share with their fans. This story originally aired on the 11th September 2016.
[Time Period: 1960s-1970s and Present. Posted: 28 Sep 2020.]
Note: Most posts on this website are dated to correspond with the date of the content, unless the post is present-day commentary or reference. This post is dated 28 Sep 2020 because the videos above refer to a period of time from the 1960s to the 1970s and are not a specific date or event. The third video is from 2016.