Emmylou Harris Young: 10 Must-See Photos of the Country Icon Before She Went Gracefully Gray
Emmylou Harris has been a country icon since the '70s, and at 77, she's still going strong. Discovered by Gram Parsons in the late '60s, Harris released her debut album in 1969, and earned acclaim for her expressive, crystal clear vocals and her crossover appeal for rock fans.
The genre crossover Harris was at the forefront of still has a major impact today, and throughout her career, she's won 13 Grammy Awards and had 27 singles in the top 10 on Billboard's country chart.
In 1987, Emmylou Harris had one of her biggest hits when she formed a supergroup with Dolly Parton and Linda Ronstadt and released the album Trio. Since then, she's often shifted her style, going from classic country to singer-songwriter to rock, and in 2008 she was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame.
Gracefully gray
In addition to her musical prowess, Harris has also long been known for her striking appearance, and has rocked gorgeously gray hair since the '90s. When it came to showing off her grays, Harris was ahead of the curve, as it's only in recent years that women have been talking openly about ditching the dye.
In a 2013 interview with The New York Times, Harris said, "I did color it, for a while, and then it was just so much trouble... If I didn’t think it looked good on me, I would color it. Women should do whatever makes them feel good, but I do wish that we would accept our aging selves."
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This is definitely a philosophy we can get behind, and we admire Harris' dedication to showing off her silver locks. Her commitment has lasted so long that we're taking a look back at Emmylou Harris young, to see her in her days as a brunette. At any age, and with any hair color, one thing is for certain: Harris is a country queen who's just as musically gifted as she is lovely.
A black-and-white portrait
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Emmylou had long, flowing dark hair in this early headshot.
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Prairie style
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We're getting major Little House on the Prairie vibes from this early '70 photo shoot.
Hippie chic
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In this shot, Emmylou has a hippie blouse and a sweet smile.
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Young Emmylou Harris in so-groovy boots
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Emmylou epitomizes artsy, bohemian style in a fringed top, jeans and high red boots.
A fabulous strap
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Nothing says country cool like a customized guitar strap.
Silver streaks
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In this 1975 shot, a 28-year-old Emmylou is already sporting some gray strands — and looking great while doing it.
A young Emmylou Harris sports a casual band shirt
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Emmylou always supported and collaborated with her fellow musicians, and in this shot she lounged while wearing a Little Feat band shirt. She performed with the band in 1977.
Cowboy accessorizing
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Emmylou accessorized with a cowboy hat — a country staple — during a 1980 show.
Emmylou Harris young as a Grammy goddess
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Emmylou wore her dark tresses in a chic updo when she won one of her many Grammys in 1980.
Young Emmylou Harris in '80s style
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In the '80s, Harris ditched her signature long, straight, center-parted hairdo for the fluffed-up style that was trendy at the time. By the '90s, she began embracing her grays, and she's been proudly rocking them ever since.
