"Everything is influenced. When you have a very powerful influence, it's obviously going to cover everything you do... Just like anything that's happened to you and knowing someone who has meant a lot to you. You'll always carry that with you. How can you ever discard that? It becomes a part of who you are." ~ Emmylou Harris
Beautiful singer/songwriter Emmylou Harris (1947-) was born on this day in Birmingham, Alabama. With the lilting, sweet voice of an angel, Harris has blended rock, folk, pop, country, and bluegrass sounds with heavenly perfection.
The country-singing legend found music at age 16. "I received a guitar for...Christmas and my grandfather had bought it in a pawnshop for $30."
Leaving college to sing in New York's Greenwich Village clubs, she was discovered by her mentor, country-rock visionary Brother Gram Parsons who died in 1972. "I think that he'll always be part of me," she said.
Harris gained fame with her major-label debut Pieces of Sky in 1975. She joined Dolly Parton and Linda Ronstadt for the award-winning Trio (1987) and dazzled with the great O Brother, Where Art Thou? (2000) soundtrack.
With over 30 albums, Harris has created a career of artistic brilliance, a joyful career that "you really can't call it work," singing harmony vocals for hundreds including Roy Orbison, Ricky Skaggs, Vince Gill, U2, Bob Dylan, Peter Gabriel, Neil Young, and many others.
Her voice is distinctive and pure. An original blend of classic country and contemporary rhythms. "Music is like food, sustenance. You certainly don't do it for the spotlight--you do it for the amazing exhilaration of singing, the feeling of the music going through you," she explained.
With passion, she sings and delights the world with her gift... "As long as there is good music out there, people will find it."
Celebrate the people who matter to you.