A Gentle Testament to Love Born of Understanding: When Dolly, Linda, and Emmylou Harmonized on “To Know Him Is to Love Him.”
“To Know Him Is to Love Him,” a song with a history stretching back to the late 1950s, found a new and profoundly beautiful interpretation in the hands of the incomparable trio of Dolly Parton, Linda Ronstadt, and Emmylou Harris on their groundbreaking 1987 album “Trio.” Originally written by Phil Spector and first a hit for his group The Teddy Bears in 1958, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100, the song was reimagined by these three country music luminaries as a tender and heartfelt ballad. Released as the first single from the Grammy-winning, multi-platinum album “Trio,” their version soared to the top of the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart in May 1987, also reaching number one on the Canadian country chart, proving the timeless appeal of the melody and the magic of their combined voices. The album “Trio” itself was a monumental success, reaching number six on the Billboard 200 and number one on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart for five weeks, a testament to the power of their collective artistry. The song’s meaning, in its essence, is a simple yet deeply resonant statement about the nature of true love – that genuine familiarity, deep understanding, and authentic connection with another person inevitably leads to affection and profound love. It transforms a straightforward sentiment into a timeless and universally resonant declaration of love’s foundation in true knowing.
Imagine a gathering of kindred spirits, their voices blending in perfect harmony, and the sound of Dolly Parton’s distinctive sweetness intertwining with Linda Ronstadt’s pure, soaring tones and Emmylou Harris’s angelic harmonies as they sing the familiar words, “To Know Him Is to Love Him.” Their voices, each so unique and yet blending with such effortless grace, perfectly embody the simple truth at the heart of the song. Featured on the album “Trio,” a long-cherished dream finally realized, this track wasn’t just a cover; it was a heartfelt tribute to a timeless melody and a showcase of the profound beauty that can arise from collaborative artistry. The gentle country arrangement, often featuring delicate acoustic guitars, mandolin (played beautifully by David Lindley), and their unadorned three-part harmonies, created an atmosphere of intimate sincerity and quiet conviction, perfectly complementing the song’s message. Their heartfelt delivery and the song’s enduring theme of love born from understanding resonated deeply with audiences, making it a cherished centerpiece of this landmark album. The accompanying music video, directed by George Lucas, then Ronstadt’s partner, further enhanced the song’s visual and emotional appeal.
The story behind “To Know Him Is to Love Him” takes an interesting turn with this rendition. Originally a pop hit crafted by the legendary Phil Spector, its transformation into a country ballad by Parton, Ronstadt, and Harris highlights the song’s inherent melodic beauty and the versatility of a truly well-written tune. The “Trio” project itself was a labor of love, a coming together of three iconic female artists who shared a deep respect and admiration for each other’s talents and a mutual love for traditional country and folk music. Their decision to include this particular song on the album, and to release it as the lead single, speaks to their shared vision and their ability to find common ground in diverse musical histories. Their interpretation brought a new layer of tenderness and a distinctly country sensibility to the song, emphasizing the heartfelt sincerity of the lyrics. It became a testament to the unifying power of music and the ability of a great song to transcend genre and time, finding new life and meaning in the hands of artists who truly understood its emotional core.
For those of us who have experienced the slow unfolding of affection, the gradual deepening of connection that blossoms into true love through understanding and shared experience, Dolly Parton, Linda Ronstadt, and Emmylou Harris’s rendition of “To Know Him Is to Love Him” evokes a sense of gentle wisdom and perhaps a nostalgic appreciation for the quiet power of genuine connection. It reminds us that true love is not always a sudden spark, but often a gradual revelation that grows from truly knowing another person. Their harmonious voices and the song’s tender melody offer a moment of shared heartfelt reflection, a comforting acknowledgment of the enduring truth that understanding is often the deepest foundation of love. It remains a beautiful and timeless performance, a quintessential expression of a love born from truly knowing another’s heart.