Country Hall hosts Harris exhibit

Emmylou Harris: Songbird's Flight,which runs until Aug. 4, 2019, will explore the musical and personal journeys of Harris.

She released her first major-label album in 1975 and has had 14 top 10 albums.

"Emmylou Harris has spent a lifetime teaching master classes in integrity, musicality, individuality, and harmony, by example rather than by admonition. She seeks, finds and inspires the best in others, whether in melody and rhyme or in kindness and generosity," said museum CEO Kyle Young. "We are privileged to pay homage to the career and contributions of one of country music's most important and visionary artists."

"From my first album, in 1975, the country music world has embraced me with open arms," Harris said. "This exhibit at the Hall of Fame makes me realize once more how grateful and honored I am to be part of such a remarkable musical family."

The exhibit includes many unique items such as Harris' first guitar, a Kay 1160 Deco Note, built in 1965, and a jacket designed by Manuel Cuevas that Harris wore on the cover of the album "Trio" and in performance with Dolly Parton and Linda Ronstadt.

Other items in the exhibit include:

Military decorations awarded to Harris' Marine fighter pilot father, Walter "Bucky" Harris, for service in World War II and the Korean War, including the Legion of Merit

Two-page handwritten letter from 18-year-old Emmylou Harris to the editor of Sing Out!, a quarterly journal of folk music.

Gibson J-200N acoustic guitar with blonde finish. Given to Harris by Gram Parsons, it became her main guitar for performing and recording.

Tunic with fringe and embroidery; blue jeans; and thigh-high, oxblood leather boots, worn by Harris on the cover of her 1975 album "Elite Hotel"

Handwritten lyrics by Paul Kennerley to "Diamond in My Crown" and "White Line." Both songs were co-written by Harris and Kennerley for her 1985 album, "The Ballad of Sally Rose."

Manuel jacket with rose embroidery, rhinestones, and arrowhead smile pockets, worn by Harris on the cover of the "Trio" and in performance with Dolly Parton and Linda Ronstadt.

Harris will participate in a special program in the museum's CMA Theater on Nov. 3. She will discuss her upbringing as the child of a prisoner of war, her discovery of country music's depth and breadth, her work with Americana forerunner Gram Parsons and her recordings.