Imagine walking into a room filled with music legends, each sharing their stories and talents. Back in 2015, this became a reality for Emmylou Harris who was honoured in a truly special way–––welcomed to the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame by musical legends from all around the globe.
Emmylou Harris is an incredible renowned artist with over 40 million records sold around the world! On that memorable night, Emmylou took the stage to sing her beautiful song “Angel,” from her 1997 album Surfacing. But the highlight didn’t stop there—The amazing Swedish country/folk duo, ‘First Aid Kit,’ gave an epic performance of their song called “Emmylou”. The video for this touching tribute instantly went viral, racking up 14 million views!
First Aid Kit – Emmylou (Live @Polar Music Prize Banquet)
The song mentions Emmylou’s famous work with Gram Parsons. The chorus even names Emmylou & Gram and June & Johnny—the Cashes. Gram Parsons, known as the “cosmic cowboy” and the “patron saint of Americana,” had a huge impact on Emmylou when she joined his band in 1971. Sadly, Gram passed away in 1973 at just 26 years old, but their partnership left a lasting mark on music.
First Aid Kit’s beautiful harmonies mixed perfectly with Emmylou’s heartfelt presence on stage. The gen tle musical backdrop and emotive singing made for an indelible moment even critics couldn’t turn away from praising. Comments like, “Emmylou Harris is an absolute living legend, and this was a lovely tribute.”
Emmylou Harris is incredibly famous not only for her songwriting but also for sooting voice. It would be a well-deserved honor that would salute her immense contributions to music and the way her artistry has inspired so many others, when she was inducted into the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame. I remember reading her interview with The Guardian’s Marissa Moss in November 2018. Emmylou talked about how her singing voice grew through her work with Gram Parsons. “After Parsons’ death, I was reeling and inconsolable,” she said, showing how much he meant to her life and career.
Emmylou Harris & Rodney Crowell – Love Hurts
Gram Parsons and Emmylou’s teamwork was a big moment in country rock history. Their albums like G.P. and Grievous Angel were awesome examples of mixing traditional country with rock music. Gram’s friendship with Keith Richards even inspired the Rolling Stones to create country-style songs like “Wild Horses” and the whole Exile on Main St. album. Emmylou’s version of “Love Hurts” by Felice and Boudleaux Bryant is a great example of her ability to show deep feelings and skill.
And there’s more great music out there! The Barcelona English Choir’s version of “Space Oddity” got 3.9 million views on YouTube, making it their most popular song. People listening at home were really impressed and left comments like, “When a crowd of humans sing it always sounds beautiful. The imperfections in our individual voices blend into perfection” and “Very, very moving. The conductor has a real understanding about Bowie’s music. A lot of talent here.”
The Barcelona English Choir gave a shoutout to Choir! Choir! Choir! for the idea behind their viral “Space Oddity” video. Choir! Choir! Choir! has lots of live choir performances of Bowie songs on their channel, including a popular video with David Byrne singing lead. Their New York City performance also lets audience members sing, similar to the “Space Oddity” style.
First Aid Kit performing “Red Dirt Girl” for Polar Music Prize Laureate Emmylou Harris
Here at Viral Music, we love sharing the world’s biggest talents. Emmylou Harris’s induction into the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame, along with First Aid Kit’s amazing tribute, is a perfect example of great music and heartfelt teamwork. Their performance was a celebration of not only Emmylou and her incredible career but also Gram Parsons’ still enduring legacy and the timeless beauty of great music.
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