Dolly Parton - Trio (1987)

Why Listen?

When Dolly Parton, Linda Ronstadt, and Emmylou Harris joined forces for Trio, they didn’t just make music—they built a sonic cathedral. This album is where country, folk, and Americana hold hands and sing in perfect three-part harmony.

It’s not just an album; it’s a conversation between three of the most iconic voices of their generation, each distinct yet blending like the finest whiskey—smooth, warm, and with just the right amount of bite. If you’ve ever wondered what heaven might sound like, Trio offers a pretty compelling guess.

The harmonies on this record are so tight they could stop time. Dolly’s voice rings like a mountain stream, Linda’s is as rich as velvet curtains in a Southern parlor, and Emmylou’s floats like morning mist over rolling hills. Together, they create something almost supernatural—harmonies that feel less like human voices and more like the earth itself singing back to you.

Tracks like “Wildflowers” and “Telling Me Lies” are so emotionally resonant they could make a stone statue weep. It’s music that doesn’t just tug at your heartstrings; it plays them like a finely tuned guitar.

But let’s not forget the production magic behind Trio. The album’s mixing and mastering are as pristine as its vocals. Every note feels alive, every acoustic guitar strum glows with warmth, and every vocal layer is perfectly balanced. The arrangements are deceptively simple—no flashy gimmicks or overproduction here—just pure artistry that lets the voices shine. It’s proof that sometimes less really is more, especially when you’ve got three legends at the mic.

What makes Trio even more special is its timeless vibe. While rooted in traditional country and folk sounds, it transcends genre labels entirely. This is music for everyone—whether you’re a die-hard country fan or someone who swears by indie playlists. It’s an album that feels equally at home on a front porch in Tennessee or in a hip café in Paris. The themes of love, longing, and resilience are universal, making it impossible not to connect with these songs on some level.

In short, Trio isn’t just an album—it’s an experience. It’s the kind of record that makes you close your eyes and feel something deep in your chest. Whether you’re discovering it for the first time or revisiting it for the hundredth, Trio will remind you why music matters: because it has the power to move us in ways words never can.

Curator's Note:

Will Gehlee like this album? I think if she gives it a chance she'll fall in love with it like I did. It would be so great to hear UNIS perform "My Dear Companion" or "Those Memories of You" with Gehlee on the Ukulele! I would love to see YouTubers react to that!