Harris, Parton, Ronstadt on Late Show, March 24, 1999 (full, stereo)
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Published 2018-05-02
Rich Bailey: I remember when you appeared with her on Letterman and you discussed the Armonica a bit. How was that?
Dennis James: Well, it was a great surprise. A sort of unspoken message in the air to me before the broadcast was "Do not say anything on the air!”. After all, these things are Linda's appearances. When David L. leaned over his desk and directed a question to me I simply froze- on playback of the dub I can see myself caught and unable to speak. I received a glance from Linda that said to me it was OK and so when he tried again I called back a flip one liner and on things went from there.
www.ronstadt-linda.com/djames.html
The synthesizer player is Cliff Carter. I think the pianist is Robbie Kondor.
The Trio altered two lines in their original "Trio II" recording:
1. "in the nineteen seventies" changed to "in the twentieth century."
2. "And I felt like getting high" changed to "And I felt like I could cry."
Here's their CD version: • Trio - After The Gold Rush (Official ...
It'd be tough to imagine them changing the lyrics without first getting Neil's permission.
So to everyone complaining about the lyric changes in this live performance: Don't blame the show or the network. The changes had been made in the Trio's original recording. And, we must assume, with Neil Young's blessing.
Update: Quoting Wikipedia: "Parton also released a solo version of the song in 1996, though her version altered the line 'I felt like getting high' to 'I felt like I could cry' with the permission of Neil Young."
All Comments (21)
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No lip-synching. No dancing. No light show. Just pure raw talent. And no egos.
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Listening in 2023 . It never gets old ❤
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If these three together don't give you chills, you have no pulse.
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I've attended two David Letterman shows in my lifetime , this was one of them. My hosts and I had no idea who the guests were that evening (until we got there); and then, this happened. I'm not a religious man, but I suspect this is the closest I'm ever going to get.
Absolute perfection. -
Anyone else watching this in the twenty-first century?
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No ego, just pure talent in harmony. You could sense that the trio were both happy and proud to be singing together. The result is music that's heaven on earth.
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No auto tune……Just natural perfection!❤
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Linda Rondstadt was the best vocalist ever! She could sing anything from country to opera!
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Those Linda Ronstadt high harmonies are stunning.
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Linda is holding back her voice on this song. Just happy to harmonize beautifully. I’ve never heard a voice quite like Linda Ronstadt ever.
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Absolutely heavenly. Great harmony. Linda has always been my favoutite. Devistated when she no longer sang due to her medical issue. 😢 Great to be able to view how great she was. ❤
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Three legendary vocalists and an instrument as old as the nation itself. Stunning. Pure music. Beautiful. A tribute to Neil Young's songwriting ability resulting, decades later, in one of the most beautiful covers I've ever heard. Just perfection. Vocal perfection. Love all you ladies. Thank you for all the times you've entertained us, lifted our spirits, or just given us something to ponder in awe of your talent. Thank you.
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This is talent! No overdone loud noise. Just beautiful pure harmony. Gosh this is good!
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Cannot hold the tears back. This is beyond just talent! It takes you to another dimension. At 3:39 it is so hauntingly beautiful! Unsurpassed!
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No backup singers, just pure voices, nothing today can compare!!!
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I remember seeing this live. I was holding a sleepless babe in my arms, rocking her. This performance brought me to tears. Husband bought the CD fo me the next day. Said daughter is all grown. Performance can still evoke tears
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Separate, these three voices are each amazing. Together, they are astonishing! The whole is greater than the sum of its parts!
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best trio of all time !! it's a crying shame that Linda Ronstadt can no longer amaze us with her incredible voice. love you always little bare foot girl !!
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I just loved the way Dolly and Linda would side glance at each other. Wether it was the pure joy of singing or reassurance, it was beautiful.
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There is no doubt, this is the best three female trio ever to grace this planet, never equaled, never mind overtaken. God bless Linda Ronstadt and return her voice to its correct place.
