Their collaboration wasn't the masterful plan of a studio executive. They didn't have a worldwide tour to support their albums. They were simply three artists who held mutual admiration for one another and formed a sister-like bond that led to what is arguably the most stunningly beautiful music of the 20th century.
Today, 42 years after their first meeting, Dolly Parton, Linda Ronstadt and Emmylou Harris are releasing their final Trio project. Still pulled in different directions both professionally and personally, Dolly, Emmylou and Linda are still fans of one another and consider it a privilege to have been a part of The Trio phenomenon.
"The Complete Trio Collection" is a three-disc set that ties together remastered versions of the 1987 and 1999 albums, but also includes another disc of rarities and unreleased takes on many of the songs that fans have come to know over the past 30 years.
In talking about the new release Dolly said,
"It’s nice to have it all together. I just think we all take such pride in this. I know that for me, this will always stand as one of the greatest musical things that I’ve done in my entire life. I’ve never been prouder of anything else. I love these girls like sisters, but what we did as 'The Trio' will stand up long after we’re all gone."
Hearing the music as a collective unit was a moment that Emmylou said she would treasure.
"When I heard it, I remembered we did that, but I had forgotten how great it was. It was like a Christmas present that you forgot to open, and you finally get to discover."
Disc one is a remastered version of the original Trio album. Released in the spring of 1987, the set went on to sell over four million copies. Produced by the award-winning George Massenburg, Linda says the ladies could not have made a better choice in the role of producer. She said,
"He was just great at listening and at carrying out a whim. The music ideas would come from us, and he would keep us from getting into a muddle and going off in twenty-nine different directions. He has the best way of recording acoustic instruments - where they still sounded natural, but they sounded at their best. He was really an invaluable partner, in that he really didn’t interfere with us. He let things develop, and just kept things organized."
The treasure of "The Complete Trio Collection" is the third disc of the collection. A twenty-cut collection of outtakes and unreleased tracks from the original 1986 and 1994 sessions, the set features never-before-heard versions of songs such as "Farther Along" and "Wildflowers," which is notable for its’ more up-tempo arrangement. The collection also is highlighted by the soaring harmonies of “Grey Funnel Love” and the groove of "You Don’t Knock." There is also a stunning a cappella version of "Calling My Children Home," as well as the historic cuts of "Even Cowgirls Get The Blues" and "Mister Sandman," which are generally regarded as the recordings that began the Trio process.
As The Trio, Dolly, Linda and Emmylou have sold over 5 million albums and won three Grammy Awards. "The Complete Trio Collection" is in stores now.
Continue reading about The Trio's journey in Harmony of Heart & the Sisterhood of Song
Georgia native and former "American Idol" contestant, Lauren Alaina dons her retro Dolly Parton t-shirt and takes her turn on the front porch with the most honored female country star of all time.
Inspired by her WWDD (What Would Dolly Do) t-shirt, Lauren asked Dolly if given the chance what would she go back and tell her 21-year-old self. Lauren then brought out her great-grandmother's coat of many colors, a cherished family heirloom which Dolly said was very similar to her own famous little coat. Dolly also gave Lauren her secret to communicating with all different types of people throughout her career.
When Lauren confessed she was nervous about an upcoming on-camera kiss, Dolly shared her silver screen experience and reassured Lauren that all would be fine.
Next, the two Southern songstresses get the paddles out for a quick game of "Sooo Country or Not So Country?"
Dolly's newest CD, "Pure & Simple" debuted at #1 on national country charts worldwide. A deluxe edition which includes a 48-page book of photos, memories and stories, as well as two bonus tracks, is available exclusively at Cracker Barrel.
Lauren Alaina is currently touring with Alan Jackson and supporting her self-titled five-song EP, the highly-anticipated follow-up to her No. 1 debuting first album "Wildflower."
Grammy-winning director, Joseph Kahn has created a masterpiece in the new "Forever Country" music video. It's Country music's history, legacy, tradition, evolution and future on a spectacular moving canvas.
While her self-described simple lyrics from "I Will Always Love You" are woven throughout "Forever Country," Dolly Parton's presence in the video is nothing short of enchanting.
Dolly, Willie Nelson and 28 artists appear in what can only be described as the most incredible celebration of the genre since its inception. From breathtaking scenes within the Blue Ridge Mountains to a street view of the historic Ryman Auditorium the images tug on the heartstrings of generations of country fans. Watch closely for a glimpse of legends like Randy Travis, Charley Pride and Alabama. Current stars are also in the mix including Vince Gill, Keith Urban, Miranda Lambert and Carrie Underwood.
CMA 50th "Forever Country" is a mashup of "Take Me Home, Country Roads" by the late John Denver, "On the Road Again" by Willie Nelson and Dolly's "I Will Always Love You."
Viewers of ABC's "Dancing With The Stars" received a sneak peek of the "Forever Country" video during the Tuesday night episode on Sept. 20. The world premiere was held online at ForeverCountry50.com.
"Forever Country" was introduced to radio listeners on Friday, Sept. 16. Proceeds from the sale of this once-in-a-lifetime collaboration benefit the CMA Foundation, which donates millions to support music education in schools.
The 50th Annual CMA Awards will air live from Nashville, TN on Wednesday, Nov. 2, 2016.
This highly-anticipated film is the next installment of the inspiring true story of living legend Dolly Parton's remarkable upbringing in East Tennessee. "Dolly Parton's Christmas of Many Colors - Circle of Love" will air on NBC on Nov. 30 and Warner Bros. Home Entertainment is bringing it to DVD on Dec. 20, 2016.
D
olly makes a special appearance in the film as The Painted Lady, a woman from her childhood who Dolly has attributed her iconic look to for decades. She also introduces the film and serves as narrator.
"Dolly Parton's Christmas of Many Colors - Circle of Love" continues with the story of young Dolly as the Parton Family experiences a true Christmas miracle drawing the Partons closer than ever - with deepened faith and love for one another. The film delivers Christmas joy and peril as an unexpected blizzard threatens the family while Dolly’s father (and his kids) make sacrifices to raise enough money to finally buy his loving wife the wedding ring he could never afford. Meanwhile, an important person in little Dolly’s life begins to see that her amazing voice and musical gift might just be made for something bigger than rural Tennessee.
The family-oriented, faith-based movie stars Jennifer Nettles (Grammy Award-winning singer/songwriter and actress), Ricky Schroder (Golden Globe® Award-winner for The Champ, NYPD Blue), Alyvia Alyn Lind (Blended), Kelli Berglund (Lab Rats), Mary Lane Haskell (Coat of Many Colors), Cameron Jones (Shortland Street), Stella Parton (Green Corn), Hannah Nordberg (American Pastoral), Farrah MacKenzie, Parker Sack, Forrest Deal, Dylan Michael Rowen, Blane Crockarell and Gerald McRaney (Major Dad).
Warner Bros. Home Entertainment brings home this all-new holiday miracle on DVD on December 20, 2016. The DVD will feature deleted scenes and three brand new featurettes including behind-the-scenes interviews.
DVD SPECIAL FEATURES:
"Dolly Parton's Christmas of Many Colors - Circle of Love" is executive produced by Dolly Parton, Sam Haskell and Pamela K. Long. Written by Long, the film was directed by Stephen Herek. Hudson Hickman served as line producer and Velton Ray Bunch and Mark Leggett composed the musical score. The film is a production of Magnolia Hill Productions and DP Productions in association with Warner Bros. Television.
The 2015 critically acclaimed film, "Dolly Parton's Coat of Many Colors" was awarded the Epiphany Prize for Inspiring Television from The Movieguide® Awards, the ACM® Tex Ritter Award and the coveted Christopher Award.
"Forever Country" is a mashup of three Country mega hits by Dolly Parton, Willie Nelson and the late John Denver.
Thirty legendary and current Country superstars including Dolly and Willie appear in this first-of-its-kind, genre-specific music video directed by Grammy Awards Winner, Joseph Kahn. It’s hailed as the biggest music video in the history of the format.
Together "Take Me Home, Country Roads," "On the Road Again" and "I Will Always Love You" make up "Forever Country." These songs are not only synonymous with the icons who made them famous, but each one is a timeless classic. All three have taken their rightful place both in music and in American Pop Culture.
"Forever Country" hits radio airwaves on Friday, Sept. 16 at 8:30 a.m. EST and the highly anticipated video will debut on Tuesday, September 20.
Proceeds from the sale of "Forever Country" benefit the CMA Foundation, which donates millions to support music education in schools.
The 50th Annual CMA Awards will air live from Nashville, TN on Wednesday, Nov. 2, 2016.
