First time hearing EMMYLOU HARRIS "Boulder To Birmingham" Reaction | Taylor Family Reactions 

Emmylou is one of my favorite artists, over the years I have seen her in concert every chance I got.

Emmylou's farewell to Gram Parsons. Magnificent.

And the hardest part is knowing I’ll survive. One of the greatest lines in any song

Exquisite, breaks your heart, but you can't get enough.

Simply put, the voice of an angel.

I have listened her a thousand time, during the last 30 years. Or more.

Emmylou Harris wrote this song after the death of singer-songwriter Gram Parsons. They worked together before his tragic death at the age of 26.

Emmylou has so many, many beautiful songs, and great collaborations with other famous singers! That voice definitely gives you chills!

A song born of heartbreak. She wrote this after the death of Gram Parsons.

Her great friend Linda Ronstadt said Emmylou's voice was like "cracked crystal," and I think that's such a great image. Emmy is one of a kind.

According to her, one of the first decent songs she ever wrote. Straight from the heart, about losing someone close (of her generation) for the first time. Graham was probably the love of her life.

Backstory to this gorgeous love sound. The love of her life was Gram Parson formerly of the Byrds with whom she recorded several alt-country albums. He basically drank himself to death in 1973 age 26. This is her tribute. Heartbreaking…

Emmylou is an amazing singer

She wrote this song about her partner, Gram Parsons, who died of a drug overdose at the age of around 26.

If she'd never done anything else, she'd have been immortal because of this songs. BUT -- she's never stopped presenting great songs by others, and writing great ones of her own.

Emmylou was quite prolific and has tons of albums, every one full of real gems of songs. Elite Hotel is one of my favourites and Quarter Moon in a Ten Cent Town is Another. If you get a chance they are so worth checking out.

This song was written by Emmy Lou along with Bill Danoff. Danoff and his wife Taffy not only co-wrote "Take Me Home Country Roads" but the two went on to form the short-lived Starland Vocal Band, best known for their #1 hit "Afternoon Delight." The Hollies did a powerful cover of this tune, but the song had its roots in a very personal story for Emmy Lou. Here is the "rest of the story:". It was written about musician Gram Parsons and his early death at the age of 26 in 1973. He is best known as a member of the American country rock band “The Flying Burrito Brothers” from 1968 to 1970. Although specifically about him,the song quickly became a source of comfort for many people who could relate to the sentiment of losing someone close as happened with Emmy Lou. She would say later, “I would have gone nowhere without his encouragement and support in my early days. We came fast friends and when I was called late one night letting me know of his death, it was like my soul had fallen off a mountain.” In 1971, The Flying Burrito Brothers went to see this unknown singer perform at a club in Washington, D.C. Chris Hillman of The Byrds - who had taken over for Gram Parsons, briefly considered asking Emmy Lou to join the Burrito Brothers. However, he knew Parsons was looking for a female vocalist to collaborate with on his first solo album, GP. Gram began mentoring Harris at a time she was struggling in the business and considering leaving music altogether after her first album went nowhere. But with Parsons' encouragement and advice, she continued playing bars in the area around our nation’s capital - and then toured and sang with Gram on the tour for GP. Sadly, just about 18 months later, Parsons died of a drug overdose in his motel room near Joshua Tree National Park on September 19th, 1973. Early on, Harris had been playing regular gigs at a restaurant/bar in the DC area called “Clyde’s of Georgetown.” Another regular there was Bill Danoff, who met his wife Taffy (a native of Washington D.C) and had befriended Emmy Lou. When she wrote the words to “Boulder to Birmingham” she was still unsure about her music composition skills, so she called up Bill and he agreed to see if he could come up with something ‘holy sounding’ (as she put it). I think he did. The title of the song is derived from Birmingham, Alabama - where Harris was born, and Boulder, Colorado. Emmy Lou had a place there while composing tunes for her 1975 debut album “Pieces of the Sky” on which this album appears. The line in the song about her being in the wilderness and the canyon being on fire refers to 1974 wildfires in the Coldwater Canyon section of Los Angeles where she recorded the album. She would late say “When you lose a loved one, a friend or family member, sometimes the best therapy for grief (to me, at least) is to go on a long walk.” She continued, “When Gram died, I thought if I could walk from Boulder to Birmingham, traversing the prairies first of the mid-west after leaving the mountains of Colorado, I would see so many things reminding me of him - it would be like he never left. What really got to me after his death was knowing I would survive if I kept his memory alive by continuing with my music. I sometimes look back and think what would have happened if he hadn’t stood by me steadfastly during my early years when I didn’t have much in the way of confidence.” Sources: Wikipedia, Songfacts, AZ Lyrics, All Music, American Songwriter, Emmy Lou Harris website, The Wayback Machine, Chimes Freedom, Secondhand Songs

she is just amazing... her voice breaks your soul in many pieces and scatters them all along the wide, lonely ocean

EmmyLou is definitely a talented singer, songwriter and musician What a fricken beautiful song

She absolutely has a one of a kind voice.

This is one of my favorite Emmylou songs Though really I love everything she did and does. I've seen her live several times. She was co-writer of this song and it was written after the death of Gram Parsons in the early 70s. She was very close to him and toured with Gram and his band and was on 2 or 3 of his albums. Her collaborations with Gram were just magical in my book. You should check out Grievous Angel. Really you can't lose with anything Emmylou does, whether its individually or with others. Her Trio albums with Dolly Parton and Linda Ronstadt are another piece of heaven. I spent many a day learning the chords and words to her songs over the years! Love your reactions! ✌❤

Please, please, please react to another beautiful voice & a good friend of Emmylou's - Linda Ronstadt. (Listen to Emmylou, Linda & Dolly Parton on their 2 wonderful "Trio" albums.) My favorites by Linda: "Desperado" by the Eagles. (Don Henley said this wasn't a hit until Linda sang it.); "Adios" written by the great Jimmy Webb & composed by Brian Wilson of The Beachboys (He sings background vocals, too.); "Skylark" from 1 of her Great American Standards albums with Nelson Riddle; "La Cigarra" from 1 of her Latin albums with Mariachi Vargas. Eleven Grammys, 3 AMAs, 2 ACMs, an Emmy & more. You can hardly go wrong with Linda.

"There are two kinds of men in the world. Those that love Emmylou, and those that don't know her." - Willie Nelson

I love prayer in open D what an incredible song .Emmylou Harris is beyond amazing. No words can describe her. She is a Goddess of song. Just wonderful.

Mark Knopfler of Dire Straits recorded an album with Emmylou Harris. Afterwards, he said "When Emmylou sings something it stays sung.".

Thanks for getting to this one, Craig. She has such a unique voice, she just draws you in. And she co-wrote this song. She also does an amazing rendition of Pancho and Lefty - a song sung by Merle Haggard and Willie Nelson. They heard her version before they recorded it and stated "That's the way the song should be sung." Have a great weekend!

Her version of "Wayfaring Stranger" is top notch!

She, Dolly Parton and Linda Rondstant combined their talents and delivered two outstanding dvds.

I am 61 now, and Emmylou has been the voice I wish I had since the first time I ever heard her in the late 70s. Blue Kentucky Girl and Beneath Still Waters both absolutely expressed what I was feeling at various times in my young adulthood. And Lordy, she is still singing beautifully.

I love, love, love this song. It is on my playlist and always reminds me how special she is. So good.

I discovered Emmylou years ago when her album Cowgirls Prayer came out. Loved that album.

You should really react to Emmylou singing with Dolly Parton and Linda Ronstadt. They did two albums together, called Trio I and II. Three superstar voices singing together in harmony. A song called After the Goldrush is one good choice for them together.

Love Emmylou Harris! She has an amazing catalogue of solo stuff as well as loads of fabulous collaborations. 💕

This is considered by many her signature song. She wrote this after Gram Parsons died. Gram Parsons is another one you should check out. He wrote many classic country-ish songs and sort of invented country rock with The Byrds and The Flying Burrito Brothers. Other Emmylou songs to react to are Pancho and Lefty, Prayer in Open D and Love and Happiness with Mark Knopfler, whick my daughter and I danced to at her wedding.

Great reaction, Emmylou is one of a kind, such an amazing voice.

thank you for reminding me how beautiful this is ❤️🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

There's a little Aussie film from about 20 years ago... 'Doin' Time for Patsy Kline'. This song is used perfectly in it. Think you'd enjoy it.

“Two More Bottles Of Wine” 🎸❤️☮️

Gotta love Emmy Lou. Pure and clear voice.

Good to hear a reaction to this from across the pond. One of my personal favorites. From this same album you might want to try Michaelangelo - "Last night I dreamed about you. I dreamed you were a pilgrim on a highway out alone to find the mother of your children, who were still unborn and waiting in the wings of some desire abandoned long ago, Michaelangelo." No "artist" today could write lyrics like that if they had a thousand years. Emmylou is an Okie and a righteous woman. "Absolute beauty". You nailed it

This is my favorite of her songs followed by Red Dirt Girl.

Try Two More Bottles of Wine, To Daddy, One of These Days. Can't go wrong with anything she sings

This was about the death of her friend and mentor, Gram Parsons. Please also check out "Prayer In Open D" by her. It's going to be a great trip down that rabbit hole.

Haven't heard this for a long time. Used to listen to her all of the time. She has the most angelic voice.

I think I remember that this song was a reference to her friend who passed, Gram Parsons…?

I am SO HAPPY someone finally did this song by her. I've loved it for yrs and yrs! Thank you! ❤️

Sweetheart of the Rodeo

Emmylou is the Allison Krause of her generation. I can never get enough of her. From what I understand she's on the most gracious performer's to her fans

"One of These Days", "Timberline", "Heartbreak Hill", "To Daddy" Her voice utilized in so many different tempos and gorgeous in each song/style! These are just a couple of favorites! 💗. Enjoy!

I remember where I was the first time I heard her voice, and also Linda Ronstadt. Both stopped me in my tracks. I’ve spent more time on this earth listening to their music than any other activity except work and sleep.

You should listen her duets with Gram Parsons for whom she wrote this song. A match in heaven.

She sings many beautiful songs

I always thought the Hollies were the originals of this . Beautiful

Since you liked this so much, try EmmyLou’s ‘Till I Gain Control Again’ and then listen to Alison Krauss’ version of the same song. Both equally as beautiful.

I was trained by Vietnam vets who told me about her , many vets said that she was theory favorite, River Raiders , 1097 ,ect.😢

Pure country. Makes you cry, every single time.

Was blessed to have seen her live a couple of times, “Live” , one of which was at the Hollywood Bowl…. Stunning

Willie Nelson said "There is two kinds of men in the world. Those who love Emmylou and those who never met her."

I discovered Emmylou in 1974 when she sang harmony on Linda Ronstadt's cover of Hank Williams' "I Can't Help It if I'm Still In Love With You". She has been my favorite singer ever since. The rabbit hole is deep and I envy your new journey of discovery.

Given that this song is about the deceased Gram Parsons, you might want to check out their collaboration. My vote is for Grievous Angel. Gram, almost singlehandedly, bridged the gap between rock and country. He was extremely influential and a beautiful but troubled soul. He died of an "accidental" overdose but his trajectory was suicidal. Here is a somewhat humorous although sad story. He became friendly with The Rolling Stones, particularly Keith Richards. He showed up for one of their recording sessions very drugged up. They called his friend Chris Hillman to come fetch him and Keith lectured Gram about his drug use and lack of professionalism. Wow!

Listen to her Christmas album: The Light in the Stable. Magnificent, Also, 'All my Tears', and 'Where Will I Be' from the album Spyboy.

A must hear: Two More Bottles of Wine

based on your reaction to this song maybe "Brand New Dance", "Prayer in Open D" or "Pancho and Lefty"....if you want to get moving a bit try "Luxury Liner"

You need to check out Woman walk the line from the album The ballad of Sally Rose

Emmylou also sings about socially relevant topics. If you can listen to her song "Deportee". Thank you Craig!

Absolutely beautiful❤❤❤❤

I have always loved this song but it does make me sad. Please try Beneath Still Waters. It showcases her voice so well.

Great choice! Thanks. How about "Two More Bottles of Wine"?

check out the version of Tom Wopat doing this on Dukes Of HAZZARD

Im so happy you ve been paying attention to EmmyLou!! Also saw the Tulsa Queen video you made.Well as you know by now she really has the voice of an angel !!

Emmylou can rock out as well - check out Drivin' Wheel , It's Only Rock 'n Roll , Baby Better Start Turning them Down or the Maker ( which is recorded live - from her Spyboy album). When she started touring in the '70's some members of her touring band also played in Elvis Presley's band !! She even referenced Elvis in a song she wrote Boy from Tupelo . Having said all that Emmylou has also sung Bluegrass & Gospel so like others have said she can sing almost anything and it would be good.

Take a listen to Brandi Carlile...specifically her performance of "The Joke" live at the Grammys...she will knock your socks off!!

@taylorfamilyreactions. It’s worth to follow this with another killer real story…Red Dirt Girl

You should react to Her singing “ Wayfaring Stranger” or “Deep Water”!

Shania Twain - Forever and for always (Official Music Video)

You’d also love Emmylou’s The Darkest Hour is Just Before Dawn from her Roses in the Snow album…that whole project is simply incredible. Lots of gems there. Her version of Poor Wayfaring Stranger is my hands down favorite. Jack White does that one well too. You also need to check out The Sweetest Gift..a collaboration with Emmylou, Linda Ronstadt,and Dolly Parton. It’s just gorgeous. And yes, the chorus from Boulder to Birmingham gets stuck in my head too. Some ear worms are better than others 🙂

Thank you! 💗.

You should also listen to her rendition of "Barbara Allen" which is originally an old English folk tune.

মরুভূমিতে ছিলাম, প্রেমের গান শুনতে চাই না..বোল্ডার থেকে বার্মিংহাম পর্যন্ত হেঁটে যাব.. 😭😞 Lyrics: I don't wanna hear a love song I got on this airplane just to fly And I know there's life below me But all that you can show me is a prairie and the sky And I don't wanna hear a sad story Full of heartbreak and desire The last time I felt like this I was in the wilderness and the canyon was on fire And I stood on the mountain In the night and I watched it burn I watched it burn, I watched it burn I would rock my soul in the bosom of Abraham I would hold my life in his saving grace I would walk all the way from Boulder to Birmingham If I thought I could see, I could see your face Well, you really got me this time And the hardest part is knowing I'll survive I've come to listen for the sound Of the trucks as they move down out on ninety-five And pretend that it's the ocean Coming down to wash me clean, to wash me clean Baby, do you know what I mean I would rock my soul in the bosom of Abraham I would hold my life in his saving grace I would walk all the way from Boulder to Birmingham If I thought I could see, I could see your face If I thought I could see, I could see your face

Have a listen to Corey Taylor "Snuff " acoustic version. Also Hootie & The Blowfish "Only Lonely" Really enjoying your reaction channel.

Linda Ronstadt described her voice as pleading for her life as she goes to the guillotine.

You should check her and mark knopfler Red dirt girl

Please do Poor Warefaring Stranger thanks

Try --- Making Believe

Emmylou's "poncho and lefty" sung at the old grey whistle test is amazing. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-scX50O2hDkI.html Willie nelson and Merle haggard had a hit with it too. Red dirt girl is another one of my favorites

Craig- US INDEPENDENCE DAY is on July 4th. Please consider reacting to this great song by country music artist Coffey Anderson. 27M VIEWS. "Best Patriotic Song - Mr Red White and Blue - Coffey Anderson (on iTunes)". It's a tribute to all the men & women who are currently serving and those who gave all for us to have the rights & freedom we have. Not to be confused with Toby Keith's Courtesy of the Red White and Blue which you have reacted to.

This is one of my favorite Emmylou Harris songs. I do not consider this a country song, though

Pleaes please please check out Pancho & Lefty or She or Til I Gain Control Again

May I suggest blue Kentucky girl

Been a fan for 50 years. She's still great, but her voice is going now that she's 75. It's gotten deep and rough. She peaked in her late 40's imo. I hate aging. There will never be another ELH.

Sorry , it’s Beneath Still Waters you really need to do...

get a tablet and pull up the lyrics on country songs...

You talk too much

This song is dedicated Gram Parsons passed away