Emmylou Harris gained significant fame during her initial solo career in the early-to-mid 1970s, propelled by her work with Gram Parsons and the immediate success of her breakthrough solo albums. These songs established her signature blend of country, folk, and rock:
The Gram Parsons Partnership (Crucial for Launch)
- "Love Hurts" (with Gram Parsons): Featured on Parsons' album "Grievous Angel" (released posthumously in 1974). This definitive version of the Everlys/Bryants classic showcased her crystalline, emotive harmonies with Parsons, captivating audiences and critics.
- "We'll Sweep Out the Ashes in the Morning" (with Gram Parsons): A key Parsons/Harris duet from his album "GP" (1973), exemplifying the foundational harmony sound that became her trademark.
Breakthrough Solo Hits & Defining Early Singles
- "If I Could Only Win Your Love" (1975): Her first major solo hit. A cover of the Louvin Brothers' song from her album "Pieces of the Sky." It reached #4 on the Billboard Country Singles chart and earned her first Grammy nomination.
- "Together Again" (1976): Her first #1 Billboard country single (April 1976). This Buck Owens cover from her album "Elite Hotel" solidified her mainstream country success while retaining her unique style.
- "Sweet Dreams" (1976): Another iconic cover (originally by Don Gibson) from "Elite Hotel." It became her second #1 country hit in October 1976.
- "One of These Days" (1975): An Earl Montgomery cover also from "Pieces of the Sky." Its distinctive sound and Emmylou's powerful, pure vocal became instantly recognizable and a staple of her early career.
- "Boulder to Birmingham" (1975): The stunning opening track of "Pieces of the Sky." Co-written by Harris (her first major writing credit), this deeply personal ballad reflecting on Gram Parsons' death showcased her artistry beyond interpreting covers and became a critical and fan favorite.
Key Early Album Tracks Garnering Acclaim
- Songs like "Too Far Gone" (written by Billy Sherrill) and "Feelin' Single - Seein' Double" (written by Wayne Kemp) from "Pieces of the Sky" and "Ooh Las Vegas" (written by Parsons/Ric Grech) and "Sin City" (written by Parsons/Chris Hillman) from "Elite Hotel" were heavily played on progressive country radio and cemented her reputation as an album-oriented artist with impeccable taste.
