Three Voices, One Moment in Time: Emmylou Harris, Dolly Parton and Linda Ronstadt Deliver a Timeless Harmony in 1987 Television Performance
In 1987, a rare and unforgettable television performance brought together three of the most celebrated female voices in American music history: Emmylou Harris, Dolly Parton, and Linda Ronstadt. Performing the classic song “To Know Him Is To Love Him,” the trio created a moment that continues to resonate with audiences decades later.
Captured during a televised music special, the performance showcased the extraordinary vocal chemistry between the three artists. Each singer brought her own distinct tone and emotional depth, yet when combined, their voices blended into a seamless harmony that many listeners describe as almost ethereal.
Fans who continue to revisit the clip often express a similar sentiment. Many describe the experience as hearing “angels singing,” pointing to the pure and balanced harmonics that emerge when the three voices unite. Others note that the performance has an emotional pull that keeps them returning again and again, highlighting its timeless quality.
The song choice itself, a gentle and familiar classic, allowed the singers to focus on vocal expression rather than vocal power. This restraint gave space for subtle harmonies and delicate phrasing, which became one of the defining features of the performance.
The collaboration is also remembered as part of the broader artistic connection between the three artists, who would later officially record together as Trio. That later studio work further cemented their status as one of the most influential female collaborations in country and folk music history.
Audience reactions from long time fans also reflect the cultural impact of the moment. Some recall discovering Linda Ronstadt during her early career with The Stone Poneys, while others speak of following her evolution through different musical eras. Many listeners also share memories of discovering new music through radio stations such as Radio Luxembourg, or attending live concerts where these artists performed individually, deepening their admiration before witnessing this rare union.
What makes this 1987 television performance endure is not only the technical skill of the singers, but the emotional authenticity they brought to the stage. It remains a powerful reminder of how three distinct voices, when perfectly aligned, can create something far greater than the sum of their parts.
Even today, the clip continues to attract new generations of listeners, proving that truly great music does not fade with time.