Emmylou Harris

Emmylou Harris (born 1947) is one of the most influential figures in American roots music, bridging classic country, folk, and Americana across five decades. She came to prominence as a harmony singer with Gram Parsons in 1973-74 before his death, and subsequently carried his vision of cosmic American music into her own solo career. Her backing band the Hot Band — featuring guitarist James Burton, who had played with Elvis Presley — set a standard for country musicianship in the 1970s. Harris has played a variety of acoustic guitars including a Gibson J-200 and Martin acoustics throughout her career. Her 1995 album Wrecking Ball, produced by Daniel Lanois, is considered a landmark of alternative country. She has collaborated with Bob Dylan, Neil Young, Dolly Parton, Linda Ronstadt, Mark Knopfler, and Ryan Adams.