Jackson, WY — The fifth annual Cowgirls at the Cowboy music festival capped its three‑night run on Saturday with a headline performance by 13‑time Grammy winner Emmylou Harris. The sold‑out crowd at the Million Dollar Cowboy Bar gave Harris a standing ovation before she even struck a chord, underscoring the deep respect the local community holds for the country‑music icon.
Celebrating five decades of song
Harris opened her set with the upbeat classic “Two More Bottles of Wine,” followed by the title track from her 1993 album, “Even Cowgirls Get the Blues.” Between songs she reminded fans that she has been singing for 50 years and joked, “I’m going to be 80 next year! What’s in a number?” Her humor and warm presence belied her age, and the audience responded with enthusiastic applause.
All‑female festival spotlight
The Cowgirls at the Cowboy festival bills itself as the nation’s only all‑female country‑music festival, and Harris’s appearance reinforced that mission. Backed by her longtime band, the Red Dirt Boys, she delivered a mix of her own hits and heartfelt tributes. The band’s lineup—accordion, keyboard, drums, electric and upright bass, electric guitar, fiddle, and mandolin—provided a rich, roots‑filled sound that complemented Harris’s timeless voice.
Intimate moments and personal reflections
Due to arthritis, Harris noted she can no longer pick her guitar as she once did, but she still managed to strum an acoustic for most of the show. She set the instrument aside for an a cappella rendition of “Bright Morning Stars,” a traditional Appalachian spiritual she first recorded for her 1987 album Angel Band, joined by two band members.
Between numbers, Harris shared anecdotes from her storied career, recalling her work on the 1980 concept album The Legend of Jesse James with Levon Helm, Johnny Cash, and Charlie Daniels. Though she did not mention Dolly Parton—who passed away two months earlier and had previously recorded a trio album with Harris and Linda Ronstadt—her stories painted a vivid picture of the collaborative spirit that has defined her decades‑long journey.
Honoring country‑music greats
Harris also paid tribute to fellow legends, slipping in covers of Merle Haggard’s “Kern River,” Steve Earle’s “Goodbye,” and The Drifters’ “Save the Last Dance for Me.” Her light‑hearted comment, “To this day, I still only know three chords. That’s all you need,” drew laughter and reminded the audience that simplicity often lies at the heart of great music.
Legacy and local impact
With more than 25 albums, a 2008 induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame, and a 2018 Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, Harris’s career is a testament to artistic perseverance. Her presence at the Cowgirls festival not only elevated the event’s profile but also reinforced Jackson’s reputation as a welcoming hub for world‑class musicians.
The festival, now in its fifth year, continues to champion women’s contributions to country music, offering local fans a rare opportunity to experience legendary talent up close. Organizers hope the success of Harris’s performance will inspire future editions and attract even more high‑profile artists to the heart of Wyoming.
Original reporting: Buckrail (Jackson WY) — read the source article.
