music
January 9, 2026
‘There’s serendipity to my story’: Emmylou Harris on Gram Parsons, her garlanded career
Ahead of her final European tour, the US songwriter discusses her unlikely life as a country star, seeking advice from Pete Seeger – and why retirement isn’t on the cards just yet
TL;DR
- Emmylou Harris initially disliked country music, finding it corny, until Gram Parsons introduced her to its soulfulness.
- Her partnership with Gram Parsons was brief but profoundly impacted her musical direction, leading to a country-rock sound.
- Harris has released successful solo albums, blurred genre lines between country, folk, and rock, and won 14 Grammys.
- She is embarking on a European farewell tour but will continue to perform in the United States.
- Harris is also writing a memoir and established the dog rescue center Bonaparte's Retreat.
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