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Trio II
Studio album by
Dolly Parton, Emmylou Harris and Linda Ronstadt
ReleasedFebruary 9, 1999
Recorded1994
StudioThe Site (Marin County)
GenreCountry
Length41:13
LabelAsylum
ProducerGeorge Massenburg
Dolly Parton, Emmylou Harris and Linda Ronstadt chronology
Trio
(1987) 		Trio II
(1999) 		The Complete Trio Collection
(2016)
Dolly Parton chronology
Hungry Again
(1998) 		Trio II
(1999) 		Precious Memories
(1999)
Emmylou Harris chronology
Spyboy
(1998) 		Trio II
(1999) 		Western Wall: The Tucson Sessions
(1999)
Linda Ronstadt chronology
We Ran
(1998) 		Trio II
(1999) 		Western Wall: The Tucson Sessions
(1999)
Singles from Trio II
  1. "High Sierra"
    Released: January 1999
  2. "After the Gold Rush"
    Released: April 1999
  3. "Feels Like Home"
    Released: April 1999
  4. "Do I Ever Cross Your Mind"
    Released: April 1999

Trio II is the second collaborative studio album by Dolly Parton, Emmylou Harris and Linda Ronstadt. It was released on February 9, 1999, by Asylum Records.[1]

Background

[edit]

A dozen years after the release of their Platinum, Grammy-winning Trio album, the country music supergroup returned with another in the same vein. The songs were recorded in 1994 by Parton, Harris and Ronstadt, but label disputes and conflicting schedules prevented their release at the time. Eventually, Ronstadt remixed five of the album's ten tracks (sans Parton's vocals) to include on her 1995 album, Feels Like Home; "Lover's Return", "High Sierra", "After the Gold Rush", "The Blue Train", and "Feels Like Home".

In 1998, after Parton and Harris had parted ways with their respective labels, they decided to release the album as originally recorded. Childhood photos of Parton, Harris and Ronstadt were used for the album's cover when a photo shoot proved impossible due to their busy schedules.

Release and promotion

[edit]

The album was released on February 9, 1999, and though scheduling conflicts would not allow for an extended concert tour, Parton, Harris and Ronstadt did a short promotional tour to support the album. The trio made appearances on CBS This Morning, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, The Today Show, The Late Show with David Letterman, and The Rosie O'Donnell Show.[2]

Initially, there were no plans to release a single to country radio. "High Sierra" was issued to adult contemporary stations in January 1999 prior to the album's release and was also sent to country stations by mistake[3][4] where it received some airplay. In April 1999, following strong sales of the album, three singles were released to country radio simultaneously; "After the Gold Rush", "Feels Like Home" and "Do I Ever Cross Your Mind".[5][6] A music video was filmed for "After the Gold Rush" at a synagogue in New York City on March 25 and premiered April 13 on Great American Country.[6]

Critical reception

[edit]
Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusicStarStarStar[7]
Robert Christgau(neither)[8]
The Encyclopedia of Popular MusicStarStarStar[9]
Entertainment WeeklyB+[10]
Los Angeles TimesStarStarStarHalf star[11]
Rolling StoneStarStarStar[12]

The album received positive reviews from music critics.

Billboard reviewed the album in the February 6, 1999, issue and said, "Trio II reprises the 1987 joint effort by these three stellar voices. George Massenburg's production is crystal clear and on target. The eternal appeal of such ethereal singing is best epitomized in the Carter Family's "Lover's Return", with its silvery guitar chimes winding around the Trio's sweet harmony singing. Dolly Parton's pop-ish "Do I Ever Cross Your Mind" is rendered forever country by Emmylou Harris' trilling lead vocal. Neil Young's "After The Gold Rush" takes on a genuine fairy-tale quality in this shimmering version. Harris' lead vocal gives Donagh Long's "You'll Never Be the Sun" an anthemic quality, as does Linda Ronstadt's lead on Randy Newman's "Feels Like Home". Album closer is the O'Kanes' lovely "When We're Gone, Long Gone"."[13]

Entertainment Weekly gave the album a B+ and said that it "comes about 75 percent of the way" and is "very fine nonetheless."[10] The Los Angeles Times gave the album 3.5 out of 4 stars, saying that the "inspired reading of the Neil Young stalwart "After the Gold Rush" brings harmonies of celestial loveliness to Young's elegy to a passing era. Harris' signature vocal purity is a perfect match for Donagh Long's stunningly pretty love song "You'll Never Be the Sun." Ronstadt taps her formidable country-rock heritage in Jennifer Kimball and Tom Kimmel's "Blue Train" and Randy Newman's "Feels Like Home"."[11]

Writing for AllMusic, Becky Byrkit called the album "a gem along the beautiful lines of cubic zirconium, from the most well-intended and loving of real-deal songbird girlfriends."[7] Patrick Carr of Rolling Stone gave the album 3 out of 5 stars and said that "at its best, this mutual-admiration society works with a vengeance approaching the heavenly."[12]

Commercial performance

[edit]

The album peaked at No. 4 on the U.S. Billboard Top Country Albums chart and No. 62 on the U.S. Billboard 200. The album also peaked at No. 4 in Canada on the RPM Country Albums chart.

The album's first single, "High Sierra", was sent to adult contemporary stations in January 1999 and peaked at No. 90 on the RPM Country 100 chart. Following the album's strong sales, three singles were issued simultaneously to country stations in April 1999; "After the Gold Rush", "Feels Like Home" and "Do I Ever Cross Your Mind"; none of which received enough airplay to chart.

Accolades

[edit]

The album was nominated for the Grammy Award for Best Country Album. "After the Gold Rush" won the Grammy Award for Best Country Collaboration with Vocals.[14]

42nd Annual Grammy Awards

Year Nominee / work Award Result
2000 Trio II Best Country Album Nominated
"After the Gold Rush" Best Country Collaboration with Vocals Won

Track listing

[edit]
No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."Lover's Return"
4:00
2."High Sierra"Harley Allen4:21
3."Do I Ever Cross Your Mind"Dolly Parton3:16
4."After the Gold Rush"Neil Young3:31
5."The Blue Train"
  • Jennifer Kimball
  • Tom Kimmel
4:57
6."I Feel the Blues Movin' In"Del McCoury4:31
7."You'll Never Be the Sun"Donagh Long4:43
8."He Rode All the Way to Texas"John Starling3:07
9."Feels Like Home"Randy Newman4:47
10."When We're Gone, Long Gone"
4:00
Total length:41:13

Personnel

[edit]

Adapted from the album liner notes.[1]

Production

  • George Massenburg – producer, recording, mixing
  • John Starling – co-producer
  • Nathaniel Kunkel – recording
  • Kevin Scott – recording assistant
  • Linda Ronstadt – mixing
  • Doug Sax – mastering at The Mastering Lab (Hollywood, California)
  • Gail Rosman – production assistant
  • Janet Stark – production assistant
  • Michael Hagegood – art administration
  • John Brenes – production archivist
  • Lyn Bradley – art direction, design
  • John Kosh – art direction, design

Charts

[edit]

Singles

[edit]
Title Year Peak
position
CAN
Country
[20]
"High Sierra" 1999 90

Certifications

[edit]
Region Certification Certified units/sales
United States (RIAA)[21] Gold 500,000^

^ Shipments figures based on certification alone.

Release history

[edit]
Release history and formats for Trio II
Region Date Format Label Ref.
North America February 9, 1999
  • CD
  • cassette
 Asylum Records [22]

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Trio II

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Trio II is a collaborative studio album by American recording artists , , and , released in 1999 by as the follow-up to their acclaimed 1987 debut Trio. The album features ten tracks of country and folk music, including covers of songs by ("After the Gold Rush") and ("Feels Like Home"), alongside originals like "High Sierra" and "You'll Never Be the Sun." Recorded primarily in 1994 at The Site studio in , its release was delayed five years due to scheduling conflicts and interpersonal tensions among the artists, nearly causing the project to be shelved. Produced by George Massenburg, Trio II showcases the trio's signature harmonies on a mix of traditional country ballads and contemporary interpretations, running 41 minutes in total. The album debuted at number four on the chart and achieved gold certification in the United States, eventually selling over one million copies worldwide. It earned critical praise for its vocal chemistry and emotional depth, with the track "" winning the Grammy Award for Best Country Collaboration with Vocals at the in 2000. Despite the production challenges—stemming from differing work styles, such as Parton's impatience with Ronstadt's methodical approach and communication hurdles—Trio II solidified the trio's legacy as trailblazers in women's collaborations. The album's success led to a 2016 compilation, The Complete Trio, which further highlighted their enduring influence.

Background and Development

Conception and Delays

The supergroup consisting of , , and formed in the 1980s, building on their individual successes in country and to create a collaborative project that culminated in the 1987 album Trio. Released on Warner Bros. Records, the original Trio achieved commercial success, selling over four million copies worldwide and earning a Grammy Award for Best Country Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal (for the album) at the in 1988. Following the acclaim of their debut, the trio began planning a sequel in the early , with initial recording sessions taking place in 1994 at The Site studio in . These sessions produced the core tracks for what would become Trio II, but the project faced significant hurdles that postponed its release for five years. The primary delays stemmed from label disputes and the artists' conflicting schedules amid their demanding solo careers. At the time, Ronstadt and Harris were signed to , while Parton was with , complicating negotiations and distribution rights under Warner Music Group's in the mid-1990s. Additionally, interpersonal tensions arose during production, with Parton later describing creative clashes in a 1995 Ladies' Home Journal interview, noting Ronstadt's perfectionism and the group's overall "three tempers" dynamic that exacerbated timeline issues. Harris, for instance, was heavily committed to touring and promoting her 1995 album , while Ronstadt focused on her solo release Feels Like Home that same year. In response to these obstacles, the trio decided to shelve several tracks rather than the album, allowing Ronstadt to remix five of them—removing Parton's vocals—for inclusion on Feels Like Home. Among these was "Lover's Return," a traditional originally intended for Trio II, which was adapted to fit Ronstadt's solo vision and contributed to the album's success. Ronstadt remixed five tracks—"Lover's Return," "High Sierra," "," "The Blue Train," and "Calling My Children Home"—removing Parton's vocals for her 1995 album Feels Like Home. This strategic holdback preserved the project's integrity, enabling a full release on in 1999 once schedules aligned and label matters resolved.

Preparation and Song Selection

Following the resolution of earlier delays stemming from label issues, the preparation for Trio II emphasized a collaborative selection where the artists prioritized tracks that highlighted their vocal harmonies and individual strengths. served as the primary "song finder," drawing from her extensive knowledge of songwriters to propose material that suited the group's dynamic, while the trio collectively chose songs they deeply loved to ensure authentic performances. The album features a balanced mix of covers and originals, including Neil Young's folk-rock classic "After the Gold Rush," which Dolly Parton suggested for its haunting quality; Del McCoury's "I Feel the Blues Movin' In"; and Parton's own original composition "Do I Ever Cross Your Mind," a poignant reflection on lost love that she had previously recorded as a with in 1976. These selections reflect a thematic emphasis on melancholy, romantic longing, and evocative Western imagery, blending roots with folk and rock elements to create an intimate, harmony-driven sound. Each artist contributed distinctly to the creative process: Parton provided songwriting input through her original track and advocated for material that showcased emotional depth; Harris infused bluegrass influences, evident in the traditional-leaning arrangement of "Lover's Return"; and Linda Ronstadt added a pop-rock edge, supporting choices like the ethereal reinterpretation of "After the Gold Rush" to enhance the group's vocal interplay. The leads were assigned organically, with Harris noting that "the song would decide who would sing it," allowing experimentation with harmony configurations to prioritize the trio's collective sound over individual egos. Pre-recording rehearsals in 1993 and 1994 focused on testing vocal blends and arrangements, ensuring the material captured the spare, intimate aesthetic of their 1987 debut Trio without overproduction. Producer George Massenburg facilitated this by adopting a hands-off approach, allowing the artists to refine their interpretations during these sessions before principal recording commenced in 1994.

Recording and Production

Studio Sessions

The recording sessions for Trio II took place in 1994 at The Site studio in , under the production of George Massenburg, who emphasized a collaborative approach that accommodated the artists' creative input. These sessions captured the core tracks for the album, including covers like Young's "" and originals such as "High Sierra," with the trio's layered harmonies forming the project's musical foundation. The process was shaped by logistical challenges, particularly in synchronizing the schedules of , , and , whose individual careers demanded attention to solo albums, tours, and other commitments—Parton, for instance, was juggling business ventures, television projects, and film work during this period. Ensuring balanced vocal contributions added another layer of complexity, as the artists rotated leads and harmonies to highlight each voice equally, though this required careful negotiation amid their distinct styles. Interpersonal dynamics during the sessions were tense at times, stemming from contrasting work habits: Parton favored a rapid, instinctive recording pace, while Ronstadt preferred a methodical process that often extended studio time, leading to frustrations that Parton later likened to a potential album title, "The Three Tempers." Despite these strains, the trio's longstanding mutual respect fostered moments of musical synergy, with Parton describing the resulting harmonies as "like a creative, emotional orgasm," underscoring the sessions' artistic highs even as logistical hurdles threatened progress. Additional overdubs and final mixing were handled later, including work at Petewood/Georkel Recording in , to refine the tracks before the album's eventual 1999 release. The 1994 sessions ultimately yielded over a dozen recordings, with 10 selected for Trio II and several outtakes featured in the 2016 .

Technical Aspects and Remixing

George Massenburg served as the primary producer for Trio II, employing a minimalist approach that prioritized the natural interplay of the artists' vocals by incorporating acoustic instruments such as guitar, , and . This production philosophy focused on simplicity and restraint, allowing the performers' ideas to drive the creative process with minimal intervention from the engineering team. The album was recorded using analog tape during sessions primarily in 1994, with additional work in 1995, which contributed to its characteristic warmth and organic texture, evoking a sense of authenticity in the harmonies. Key technical personnel included recording engineers George Massenburg and Nathaniel Kunkel, with assistance from Kevin Scott, ensuring precise capture of the vocal arrangements. Mastering was handled by at The Mastering Lab in Hollywood, California, refining the final sonic balance. In 1998, prior to the album's release, several tracks underwent remixing adjustments to accommodate changes stemming from Linda Ronstadt's solo interpretations on her 1995 album Feels Like Home, where she had remixed versions without Dolly Parton's vocals; notable examples include "Lover's Return" and "High Sierra," with subtle modifications to equalization and balance for overall consistency. The resulting sound profile emphasizes close-miked vocals, fostering an intimate and live-performance atmosphere that stands in contrast to the more layered, effects-heavy productions prevalent in . This technique highlighted the emotional depth of the trio's harmonies, creating a focused, unadorned listening experience.

Musical Style and Content

Genre and Influences

Trio II primarily falls within the genre, incorporating elements of folk, bluegrass, and across its 10 tracks, which collectively run for 41:13. The album draws heavily from the 1960s-1970s tradition, evident in covers such as Neil Young's and Randy Newman's "Feels Like Home," alongside originals like Harley Allen's "High Sierra" and the traditional "Lover's Return." These selections reflect the artists' affinity for introspective, roots-oriented songwriting that emphasizes emotional depth over commercial polish. The trio's vocal harmonies evoke the close-knit style of classic harmony groups, reminiscent of , creating a thrilling interplay of three female voices that blends seamlessly with the acoustic-driven arrangements. Unlike the original Trio from 1987, which featured a brighter pop sheen, Trio II adopts a more mature and introspective tone, mirroring the artists' ages—all over 50 at the time of recording—and prioritizing raw emotional resonance in its interpretations of traditional material. Instrumentation supports this stripped-back approach, with sparse setups highlighting acoustic guitar (played by Carl Jackson and Mark Casstevens), (Ben Keith), (David Grisman), and (Alison Krauss), alongside acoustic bass from Roy Huskey Jr. and Edgar Meyer. Guest contributions from bluegrass luminaries like Alison Krauss add authentic texture, underscoring the album's roots in Americana and traditions without overwhelming the vocal focus.

Track Analysis

The album Trio II comprises ten tracks, each highlighting the distinctive vocal strengths of , , and through rotating lead vocals that create a dynamic interplay of , folk, and bluegrass elements. The collection spans a total runtime of approximately 41 minutes, with durations ranging from 3:16 for the nostalgic "Do I Ever Cross Your Mind" to 4:57 for the introspective "The Blue Train." Lyrical themes throughout emphasize reunion, loss, and reflection, supported by layered harmonies that underscore the trio's signature blend of emotional depth and technical precision. Opening with "Lover's Return," a traditional waltz-time of the Carter Family standard credited to , the track sets a tone of tender reunion as the narrator welcomes a long-lost partner after years of separation. contributes ethereal lead vocals, evoking a sense of quiet longing, while the features silvery guitar chimes and subtle harmonies from Parton and Ronstadt that build a layered, mountain-folk atmosphere. This original composition in spirit for Harris's interpretive style emphasizes themes of and forgiveness, with the rhythm providing a gentle, swaying propulsion. The second track, "High Sierra," a cover of Harley Allen's original, shifts to a slow led by Linda Ronstadt's emotive delivery, capturing the pain of a miner's solitary life and unrequited passion in the rugged mountains. Clocking in at 4:21, it incorporates Celtic fiddle elements that infuse a haunting, folkloric quality, enhancing the narrative of isolation and heartache through Ronstadt's subtle phrasing and the trio's harmonious swells. The arrangement prioritizes atmospheric restraint, allowing the 's lilting tones to mirror the song's melancholic introspection. Among the standout tracks, "," Neil Young's environmental lament reinterpreted with on lead vocals, transforms the original's apocalyptic vision of ecological ruin into a soaring country-folk plea, particularly in the chorus line "Look at on the run." Parton's bright, ascending delivery contrasts with the harmonies from Harris and Ronstadt, creating a poignant dissonance that heightens the theme of planetary loss and human regret. Similarly, "Do I Ever Cross Your Mind," a nostalgic originally penned by Parton, features Harris's calm, masterful lead as it explores memories of a faded romance, with the trio's intertwined voices evoking wistful reminiscence over a simple acoustic backing. The album's overall cohesion arises from its deliberate progression, transitioning from relatively upbeat selections to more melancholic closers that delve into bluesy sorrow and farewell. This flow showcases each artist's lead vocals in rotation—Parton's soaring optimism, Ronstadt's raw emotion, and Harris's fluttering precision—unifying the diverse material into a seamless tapestry of shared vulnerability and vocal synergy.

Release and Promotion

Initial Release

Trio II was released on February 9, 1999, by , an imprint of . The album was issued in and cassette formats, with no initial vinyl pressing available until a later in 2016. The packaging featured childhood photographs of , , and on the , a choice made due to the artists' conflicting schedules that prevented a new group photo shoot. The were provided within the booklet, offering insights into the project's background. The initial rollout included advance promotional copies distributed to radio stations ahead of the launch. There was no major single push to mainstream , with the lead track "High Sierra" primarily targeted at contemporary outlets in January 1999 and receiving limited on country stations. Although the recording sessions had concluded in 1994, the album arrived amid each artist's active solo careers, including Dolly Parton's exploration of bluegrass roots with her concurrent release later that year.

Marketing Strategies and Tour

The promotional campaign for Trio II, released on February 9, 1999, by Asylum Records, centered on high-profile television appearances to highlight the album's long-delayed arrival after recordings completed in 1994. Due to ongoing scheduling conflicts, no full-scale concert tour was undertaken. The trio performed and discussed the project on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno on the day of release, marking their first major public outing together in over a decade. They followed with a segment on CBS This Morning, where Emmylou Harris reflected on the collaboration's challenges and joys during an interview with co-anchor Mark McEwen. Additional spots included performances on The Today Show on February 11, The Late Show with David Letterman on March 24, and The Rosie O'Donnell Show on February 12, all emphasizing the sequel's harmonious blend of country and folk influences. Radio interviews further underscored the album's status as a long-awaited follow-up, with the artists sharing stories of scheduling conflicts that postponed its release despite enthusiasm from all parties. These discussions, aired on major country stations in early 1999, focused on the personal and artistic bonds that sustained the project amid individual solo careers. Merchandising efforts included standard CD and cassette formats, with some retailers offering bundled promotional items like posters, though no widespread limited editions with bonus photos were issued at launch. Cross-promotion leveraged the artists' concurrent solo releases, such as Linda Ronstadt's inclusion of early Trio II outtakes on her 1995 album Feels Like Home, to build anticipation among existing fanbases.

Critical Reception

Contemporary Reviews

Upon its release in 1999, Trio II received generally positive reviews from critics, who praised the seamless vocal interplay among , , and while noting some shortcomings in production and material selection. AllMusic's Thom Owens commended the album's "timeless chemistry" and "gorgeous" harmonies, describing it as "technically perfect" but critiquing its standard song choices that made it feel like a "relic from the '70s" with dated production. echoed this appreciation for the "angelic" and "gorgeous harmonies that shimmer like a mountain sunrise," calling the effort a "triumph of taste and restraint," though it faulted the "overly polished" sound for lacking the "raw edge" of the 1987 original and rendering some tracks "too slick." Entertainment Weekly awarded the album a B+, highlighting its blending of old-time country, sleek country-pop ballads, and art pop, but observed that it "comes about 75 percent of the way" toward matching the "burnished, heirloom quality" of the first Trio, ultimately deeming it "very fine nonetheless." These assessments captured a consensus that the project recaptured much of the original's magical collaboration, with major reviews averaging around 75 out of 100 in equivalent scoring systems.

Retrospective Assessments

In the 2010s, retrospective reviews of Trio II highlighted its understated elegance and vocal sophistication, often positioning it as a mature evolution from the supergroup's debut. The 2016 compilation , which included remastered versions of Trio II alongside unreleased tracks, received acclaim for preserving the trio's intricate harmonies and emotional depth. awarded it 4.5 out of 5 stars, praising the set as a testament to the artists' "vocal chemistry" and lasting influence in country music. The Irish Times gave it 4 out of 5 stars, calling the collection "three-part near-perfection" that underscores the performers' seasoned artistry. The album's standing has grown in modern analyses, particularly through the 2016 reissue. Compared to the groundbreaking Trio of 1987, Trio II is frequently viewed as a worthy that reflects the performers' evolved perspectives at the turn of the millennium, prioritizing over innovation.

Commercial Performance

Album Charts

Trio II achieved moderate success on various album charts following its release in February 1999, reflecting the enduring appeal of , , and Emmylou Harris's collaboration within the landscape. In the United States, the album peaked at No. 62 on the chart. It performed stronger in the country genre, reaching No. 4 on the chart. Internationally, the album saw limited but notable placements. It peaked at No. 4 on the RPM Country Albums chart in , underscoring its resonance with North American country audiences. In , Trio II entered the ARIA Albums Chart at No. 66 in March 1999, representing its only entry on that national ranking. The album did not chart on the .
Chart (1999)Peak Position
US Billboard 20062
US Top Country Albums4
Canada RPM Country Albums4
Australia ARIA Albums66
Regarding singles, the lead track "High Sierra" experienced modest chart traction, peaking at No. 90 on Canada's RPM Country Tracks chart in early 1999. No singles from the album achieved significant placements on major charts, though the promotional efforts, including limited touring by the artists, contributed to the album's overall visibility in markets.

Sales Certifications and Streaming

Trio II achieved certification from the (RIAA) on November 15, 2001, for shipment of 500,000 units in the . The album has not received Platinum certification in the , and no international sales certifications have been documented beyond the domestic award. The album has sold over one million copies worldwide. As of November 2025, the album has accumulated over 175 million streams on , with availability across major services including and . Streaming activity received a notable boost from the 2016 remastered and inclusions in curated playlists such as "Women of ."

Accolades and Recognition

Grammy Awards

Trio II received two nominations at the 42nd Annual Grammy Awards on February 23, 2000: the album for Best Country Album, and the track "After the Gold Rush" for Best Country Collaboration with Vocals. The trio—Dolly Parton, Linda Ronstadt, and Emmylou Harris—won the Best Country Collaboration with Vocals award for their rendition of Neil Young's "After the Gold Rush," marking their second Grammy for a collaborative project following their 1987 album Trio. This victory, presented during the ceremony at the Staples Center in , highlighted the trio's enduring appeal in country music, as the sessions for Trio II had been completed in 1994 but delayed for release until 1999 due to scheduling conflicts. The Grammy win contributed to renewed interest in the project, boosting catalog sales for the album and solidifying its commercial success, with over one million copies sold worldwide.

Other Honors

Trio II earned a nomination for Vocal Event of the Year at the 1999 (CMA) Awards, recognizing the collaborative efforts of , , and , though the award ultimately went to and for "My Kind of Woman/My Kind of Man." In 2019, , , and received a shared star on the in the recording category, honoring their landmark Trio collaborations, including Trio II, as a testament to their enduring influence in country music.

Track Listing

No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1"Lover's Return", , 4:00
2"High Sierra"4:21
3"Do I Ever Cross Your Mind"3:16
4"After the Gold Rush"3:31
5"The Blue Train"Jennifer Kimball, 4:57
6"I Feel the Blues Movin' In"4:31
7"You'll Never Be the Sun"Donagh Long4:43
8"He Rode All the Way to Texas"John Starling3:07
9"Feels Like Home"4:47
10"When We're Gone, Long Gone", Jamie O'Hara4:00

Personnel

Vocals

Musicians

Production

  • – producer
  • – recording engineer
  • Kyle Lehning – mixing engineer
  • Carlos Grier – assistant engineer, production coordinator
  • John Kunz – assistant engineer
  • Justin Niebank – assistant engineer
  • Mark Ralston – assistant engineer
  • Denny Purcell – mastering engineer
  • Michael Hagewood – art administration
  • – production manager
  • Brett Picknell – art direction
  • Christopher Stern – design

Legacy and Reissues

Cultural Impact

The collaborations of , , and , including Trio II, stand as a in for their demonstration of female and vocal prowess, serving as a of in a genre historically dominated by male artists. The albums' intricate harmonies and collaborative spirit highlighted women's central role in shaping country traditions, inspiring discussions on gender dynamics within the industry. By blending their distinct styles into a cohesive sound, the trio underscored themes of mutual support and artistic independence, resonating as a feminist statement in late-20th-century . The project paved the way for subsequent supergroups by proving the enduring appeal of all-women collaborations that prioritize harmonious interplay and shared narratives. Trio II emphasized collaborative harmonies as a core element of expression, influencing how modern artists approach and vocal arrangements in the genre. This legacy of unity has been echoed in later works that draw on the trio's model of elevating collectively. Culturally, Trio II has been referenced in documentaries exploring women's contributions to , including Linda Ronstadt's 2019 film The Sound of My Voice, where Parton and Harris discuss the album's creation and its challenges amid busy careers. The trio's work maintains an enduring fanbase through tributes and covers, with artists and fans alike performing its tracks to honor its innovative sound.

2016 Remastered Collection

In 2016, Rhino Records released The Complete Trio Collection, a three-disc compilation featuring the newly remastered versions of the original Trio album from 1987 and from 1999, alongside a bonus disc of previously unreleased and alternate recordings from the sessions of both projects. The set was made available on September 9, , marking the first comprehensive overview of the supergroup's collaborative work produced primarily by . This edition aimed to restore and enhance the audio quality of the original s while introducing material that had been shelved for decades. The remastering process for focused on updating the sound of the core albums to contemporary standards, drawing from the original session tapes to preserve the trio's signature harmonies and acoustic arrangements. Produced by Harris, the project included engineering contributions from figures like George Massenburg, who had worked on the initial Trio recordings, ensuring continuity in the collaborative spirit. The effort highlighted the enduring appeal of the artists' interplay, with enhanced fidelity that brought out subtleties in their vocal blends without altering the source material's essence. The bonus disc contains 20 tracks spanning outtakes and alternate mixes from 1985 to 1998, offering insights into the creative decisions behind the albums. Notable inclusions are alternate takes such as "Wildflowers" from the sessions, featuring a different arrangement that emphasizes Dolly Parton's lead vocals, and unreleased songs like "Waltz Across Texas Tonight" from 1994, co-written by Harris and . Other highlights include acapella versions, such as "Calling My Children Home," and demos like "My Blue Tears," providing a glimpse into the trio's experimental side during production. Beyond the standard three-CD deluxe edition, the collection was also issued in digital formats and saw individual vinyl reissues, including a 180-gram pressing of Trio II—its first vinyl release—expanding accessibility for collectors. Upon release, it achieved commercial success by re-entering the charts, peaking at No. 7 on the chart and No. 154 on the , reflecting renewed interest in the supergroup's catalog. No significant updates or reissues have occurred since 2016.

References

  1. https://www.discogs.com/release/3609039-Emmylou-Harris-Linda-Ronstadt-Dolly-Parton-Trio-II
  2. https://americansongwriter.com/the-heated-relationship-between-dolly-parton-and-company-on-trio-ii-nearly-halted-the-album-for-good/
  3. https://www.rhino.com/product/trio-ii-180-gram-vinyl
  4. https://dollyparton.com/tag/trio-ii
  5. https://tasteofcountry.com/dolly-parton-linda-ronstadt-emmylou-harris-complete-trio-collection/
  6. https://americansongwriter.com/trio-dolly-partonemmylou-harrislinda-ronstadt-complete-trio-collection/
  7. https://www.rhino.com/article/the-one-after-the-big-one-emmylou-harris-linda-ronstadt-dolly-parton-trio-ii
  8. http://www.dollyon-line.com/archives/articles/hj_950700.shtml
  9. https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-country/dolly-parton-linda-ronstadt-and-emmylou-harris-to-release-trio-box-set-230699/
  10. https://theboot.com/trio-dolly-parton-emmylou-harris-linda-ronstadt-interview-2016/
  11. https://www.dollyparton.com/album/trio-ii-emmylou-harris-linda-ronstadt-collaberation-album
  12. https://www.dollymania.net/week.html
  13. https://theboot.com/dolly-parton-emmylou-harris-linda-ronstadt-the-complete-trio-collection/
  14. https://www.discogs.com/release/1980702-Emmylou-Harris-Linda-Ronstadt-Dolly-Parton-Trio-II
  15. https://www.discogs.com/release/14149666-Emmylou-Harris-Linda-Ronstadt-Dolly-Parton-Trio-Two
  16. https://www.countryuniverse.net/2016/09/29/album-review-dolly-parton-linda-ronstadt-and-emmylou-harris-the-complete-trio-collection/
  17. https://www.popcultureclassics.com/wailin_jennys.html
  18. https://www.songfacts.com/facts/neil-young/after-the-gold-rush
  19. https://www.discogs.com/master/201075-Emmylou-Harris-Linda-Ronstadt-Dolly-Parton-Trio-Two
  20. https://www.allmusic.com/album/trio-ii-mw0000045235
  21. https://www.nydailynews.com/1999/02/15/three-part-harmony-linda-ronstadt-dolly-parton-emmylou-harris-reunite-for-another-trio-take/
  22. https://dollyparton.com/album/the-grass-is-blue-album
  23. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7d3qhZ_cD2Q
  24. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/three-together-again/
  25. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hdT5rhZ8o9M
  26. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o2XcBL6kWn8
  27. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7fEkNKNQeKI
  28. https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-album-reviews/trio-ii-186703/
  29. https://ew.com/article/1999/02/09/trio-ii/
  30. https://www.allmusic.com/album/the-complete-trio-collection-mw0002860323
  31. https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/music/dolly-parton-linda-ronstadt-and-emmylou-harris-the-complete-trio-collection-album-review-three-part-near-perfection-1.2782877
  32. https://dollyparton.com/album/trio-ii-emmylou-harris-linda-ronstadt-collaberation-album
  33. https://www.aria.com.au/charts/news/bad-seeds-skeleton-tree-debuts-at-1
  34. https://www.ukmix.org/forum/chart-discussion/artist-chart-analysis/101595-dolly-parton-charts-sales-history
  35. https://kworb.net/spotify/artist/32vWCbZh0xZ4o9gkz4PsEU_albums.html
  36. https://www.grammy.com/awards/42nd-annual-grammy-awards
  37. https://dollyparton.com/life-and-career/awards_milestones/after-the-gold-rush-grammy-win
  38. https://archive.nytimes.com/www.nytimes.com/library/music/022400grammys-list.html
  39. https://www.imdb.com/event/ev0003600/1999/1/
  40. https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-country/dolly-parton-emmylou-harris-linda-ronstadt-earn-hollywood-walk-of-fame-star-666959/
  41. https://www.popmatters.com/trio-dolly-parton-emmylou-atr35/2
  42. https://oxfordamerican.org/magazine/issue-119-winter-2022/my-dear-companion
  43. https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-country/linda-ronstadt-documentary-dolly-parton-emmylou-harris-trio-album-874900/
  44. https://www.rhino.com/product/the-complete-trio-collection-deluxe-3cd
  45. https://media.rhino.com/press-release/dolly-parton-linda-ronstadt-and-emmylou-harris-complete-trio-collection-available
  46. https://www.discogs.com/release/14619986-Dolly-Parton-Emmylou-Harris-Linda-Ronstadt-The-Complete-Trio-Collection
  47. https://dollyparton.com/life-and-career/music/the-complete-trio-collection
  48. https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-country/hear-dolly-parton-emmylou-harris-and-linda-ronstadts-rare-wildflowers-248060/
  49. https://www.dollydiscography.com/the-complete-trio-collection.html
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