In 1987, the album Trio took the music world by surprise. It was a dream collaboration between three of the most influential voices in country and rock—Dolly Parton, Linda Ronstadt, and Emmylou Harris.
The three artists had been close friends for years and had long envisioned working together on a project. However, conflicting schedules and record label restrictions kept their plans on hold. In fact, they had attempted to record together as early as the mid-1970s, but those sessions never fully materialized. Some of the songs from those early recordings did make their way into individual albums—Emmylou’s Evangeline featured Mr. Sandman, while Linda’s Get Closer included My Blue Tears, with both Parton and Harris contributing harmonies.
It wasn’t until late 1986 and early 1987 that they finally found the time to bring their vision to life. Produced by George Massenburg and released under Warner Bros. Records, Trio showcased their unmatched vocal chemistry and stunning harmonies.
Among the three, Emmylou was the only one to play an instrument on the album, while Parton was the sole songwriter of the group, contributing Wildflowers and The Pain of Loving You. The album was met with widespread acclaim, with Cashbox magazine calling it “an unqualified success” and praising the seamless harmonies and emotional depth of the songs.
Trio went on to become a massive commercial hit, selling over 4 million copies worldwide and earning multi-platinum certification. All four of its singles landed in the top ten, solidifying its place as a landmark album for women in country music.
Fans had gotten an early glimpse of their magic years before when the three performed together on Parton’s variety show, Dolly!. That performance, which included a rendition of J.B. Coats’ The Sweetest Gift, gave audiences a taste of the breathtaking harmony they would later bring to Trio. Their friendship and musical bond were undeniable, and the album remains one of the greatest collaborative works in country music history.
