Emmylou Harris is making the rounds, and the conversation is worth paying attention to. The legendary singer sat down with BBC Radio 4’s Front Row, hosted by Kate Molleson, for a wide-ranging discussion about her life and career. Molleson introduced her as someone who “brought together the worlds of folk, rock and country music” and “took harmony singing to new heights.” That framing is accurate, and Harris delivered.
Harris also spoke with the Guardian’s Fiona Sturges, and the interview is a reminder of what makes her singular. On the subject of retirement, Harris is characteristically direct: “I don’t really know what winding down is. I think when you’re an artist, you don’t ever really retire.” That clarity of purpose, still intact after decades, says everything about where she stands.
The BBC Radio 4 Front Row episode is available now on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. It also features Sir Ian McKellen and Sir Wayne McGregor, who choreographed Thomas Adès’ Dante, making it a rich listen well beyond the Harris conversation alone.
Harris is currently on her European Farewell Tour, which opened at Celtic Connections in Glasgow and 3Arena in Dublin. For tickets to remaining dates, visit nonesuch.com/on-tour.