As I stood outside the stage door of the Tampa Theatre, I hoped to get an autograph, but my chances seemed unlikely given the number of other likeminded fans wanting the same thing. The concert that had preceded this street assembly, on the night of May 27, 2005, marked the first time Emmylou Harris had come to town in years.
My aspiration dwindled ever more as the crowd grew in size and restless enthusiasm until Harris walked outside, not with any grand entourage or escorts, but with her dog, a rescue pet that’d slept onstage during the performance. Putting on no airs whatsoever, she corralled us all around her tour bus, where she’d invite everyone on board one at a time.
Upon meeting her, I was anxiously aware that I was speaking with the woman who’d cut her teeth with Gram Parsons and whose inimitable voice graced Bob Dylan’s Desire as well as yielding so many of her own classics. Not wanting to appear completely bowled over, I complimented her vocals on Elvis Costello’s most recent album, The Delivery Man, which got her talking about how much she admired Costello’s songwriting.
At last, I timidly asked if she’d autograph one of my album covers as I shuffled through a small stack, struggling to pick a favorite. In sensing my difficulty, Harris kindly grabbed and signed them all (Roses In The Snow, Cowgirl’s Prayer, Wrecking Ball, and Stumble Into Grace). She could not have been more gracious, personable, or down to earth and, because of that, she put this utterly starstruck guy at ease.
I mention this fleeting encounter not as a means for self-indulgence, but to offer a first-hand impression of Emmylou Harris’ genuineness. She’s the real deal as much in person as on record and her latest album, All I Intended To Be, is certainly no exception.
Article comments
1 - Glen Boyd
Nicely done Donald. I think I read somewhere recently (maybe even here) that Emmylou is one of the best living arguments for older women to put away their hair color. Can't argue with that. And her voice is just as silky smooth as those now famous silver strands. A guy could certainly do a lot worse...
-Glen
2 - AMdubs
Hi Donald --
Sounds like last night was amazing! So cool that you had a moment with EmmyLou. Thought you might be interested in checking out this EmmyLou podcas interview (she also performs!) that is posted on Barnes & Noble Studio. Check it out
3 - Tom Johnson
That is very cool. All I've ever read about her is pretty much as you described, which is always great to hear when we usually read about ego-driven excess of big music stars.
The new album is great, too. She just keeps turning out good stuff - and I hope that doesn't stop for a long time.
4 - Irene
Bought this album because I'm a huge Billy Joe Shaver fan and I wanted to hear what she'd do with "Old Five And Dimers Like Me". Must say that I love it, except the part where Starling sings solo, he can't keep up with her vocals IMHO. Also LOVE "Not Enough", which I accidentally happened to listen to on Friday after the news broke that Tim Russert had passed. It brought tears to my eyes, wonderfully sung, wonderful lyrics. Great album altogether.
5 - Music Critic
Emmylou is not only a great country singer but one of the best female vocalists I have ever heard. This album is an amazing addition to her already impressive catalog.