Trio!

(I and II)

After bonding over their mutual love of Dolly Parton, friends Emmylou Harris, and Linda Ronstadt came together with the country legend to form ‘Trio’, an album produced by George Massenburg. Parton, Harris and Ronstadt started to record the album in the mid-70s, but scheduling conflicts and label disputes prevented a release. However, many of these recordings went on to appear on their solo works including Harris’ ‘Mr. Sandman’ and ‘Evangeline’.

By 1987, ‘Trio’ officially came to be and the album went platinum, was #1* for five weeks, and won a Grammy.

After the success of ‘Trio’, Parton, Harris and Ronstadt released a sequel in 1999: ‘Trio II’. The songs were recorded in 1994, but more label disputes stalled the release. Finally in 1998, after Parton and Harris left their respective labels, the supergroup decided to release the album as originally recorded. Notable tracks include, ‘High Sierra’, ‘The Blue Train’, and a cover of Neil Young’s ‘After the Gold Rush’.

I remember the first time I heard ‘Trio’, three of my favorite voices blended together as one. I was nineteen, in Paris, jet lagged. It was probably around 5am and suddenly I saw this album recommended to me on Spotify. I couldn’t believe I had never heard it before. If you haven’t listened to either of these legendary albums, start with the Complete Trio Collection (Deluxe Edition). You get to hear both albums in their entirety and bonus tracks that were released first on solo records plus some previously unreleased tunes and alternate takes. Pure listening enjoyment.

Favorite song on the album:

Trio: Those Memories of You

Trio II: High Sierra

Compilation: Even Cowgirls Get the Blues

*US Billboard Hot Country Singles chart