Emmylou Harris
A 1979 turn to traditional country, led by the single 'Beneath Still Waters'.
Blue Kentucky Girl arrived in 1979 as Emmylou Harris's sixth studio album, steering her away from country-rock toward straight-up tradition. Tracks penned by Willie Nelson and Gram Parsons highlight this acoustic pivot. The lead single, 'Beneath Still Waters', became her fourth No. 1 hit.
- Connection
- None—Dolly Parton and Linda Ronstadt do not appear on 'Save the Last Dance for Me' on the original 1979 album.
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
The creation of Blue Kentucky Girl was driven by criticism that Harris's previous records were not "country" enough. In response, she recorded this album as one of her most traditional outings, relying on a more acoustic sound and forsaking contemporary pop songs for standard country fare. The project captures the specific moment when Harris embraced Nashville black velvet and white ruffles over Malibu blue jeans, resulting in an oddly formal country album. This shift was supported by a roster of legendary musicians including Brian Ahern on multiple instruments, James Burton on electric guitar, and pedal steel players Hank DeVito and Ben Keith.
In Their Own Story
The sessions for Blue Kentucky Girl were not just about recording music but about reclaiming a specific sonic identity. During this period, Harris worked with producers and engineers like Brian Ahern and Donivan Cowart to craft a sound that prioritized her clean, pure voice and impeccable choice of material. The album's legacy was cemented when it won a Grammy for Best Female Country Vocal Performance, validating the decision to return to traditional roots. Critics like Bruce Smith of the New York Daily News noted that while soft rock fans with no taste for straight country might be disappointed, those with an affection for Harris's singing style would not be. The album also achieved significant chart success: "Beneath Still Waters" became her fourth No. 1 hit, while covers of "Save the Last Dance for Me" and the title track (originally by Loretta Lynn) reached the top ten on US country charts. Decades later, in 2006, CMT ranked it No. 20 on their list of the "40 Greatest Albums in Country Music."
Reader's Guide
Emmylou Harris's Blue Kentucky Girl serves as a definitive guide to her transition into traditional country music in 1979. For listeners seeking the sound that earned her a Grammy for Best Female Country Vocal Performance, this album is essential. It features key personnel such as Rodney Crowell on acoustic guitar and high-strung guitar, Ricky Skaggs on fiddle and mandolin, and Don Everly and Tanya Tucker contributing duet vocals. The track "Even Cowgirls Get the Blues" is particularly notable for its backing vocals by Dolly Parton and Linda Ronstadt, a direct result of their 1978 recording sessions. Fans should note that while Harris's previous work leaned toward country-rock, this record largely forsakes contemporary pop songs in favor of standard country fare. The album remains highly regarded, holding the No. 20 spot on CMT's "40 Greatest Albums in Country Music" list as of 2006.
Did You Know?
- 'Beneath Still Waters' became Emmylou Harris's fourth No. 1 hit.
- The album was nominated for a Grammy for Best Female Country Vocal Performance but did not win.
- In 2006, Blue Kentucky Girl ranked No. 20 on CMT's "40 Greatest Albums in Country Music".
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Emmylou Harris?
She is a country artist known for her acoustic guitar and vocals who collaborated closely with Dolly Parton in the late 1970s. Her work often bridges traditional country styles with rock influences during that era.
What significant album did she release in 1979?
Blue Kentucky Girl arrived as her sixth studio record and steered her sound toward straight-up tradition. The project highlighted an acoustic pivot featuring songs by Willie Nelson and Gram Parsons.
How does Dolly Parton appear on Emmylou Harris's records?
Dolly provided backing harmonies on the track Even Cowgirls Get the Blues alongside Linda Ronstadt. These vocals were lifted from botched trio sessions that took place a year prior to the album's release.
Why is "Even Cowgirls Get the Blues" notable for fans?
This Rodney Crowell composition leads the pack on the 1979 record and showcases the acoustic shift in Harris's career. It serves as an early example of the vocal chemistry that would define their future collaborations.
When did their trio sessions finally become a full album?
The abandoned recording from those 1978 sessions eventually materialized as the official project Trio in 1987. This release confirmed the enduring musical bond between Harris, Parton, and Ronstadt.