“To Know Him Is to Love Him”: The Unbreakable Harmony of Three Legendary Voices
There are some moments in music that feel destined, as if the stars aligned to bring together extraordinary talents for a singular, breathtaking purpose. One such moment arrived in 1987 with the release of the album Trio, featuring the incomparable voices of Dolly Parton, Linda Ronstadt, and Emmylou Harris. From this cherished collaboration, their rendition of “To Know Him Is to Love Him” emerged as a shining beacon, ascending to the coveted Number 1 spot on the US Billboard Hot Country Songs chart on May 16, 1987, and also topping the Canadian country music chart. It was a triumph, not just for the artists, but for anyone who believed in the magic of pure vocal artistry.
The story behind this iconic song stretches back decades before these three women breathed new life into it. “To Know Him Is to Love Him” was originally written and produced by the legendary Phil Spector and became a chart-topping hit for his group, The Teddy Bears, way back in 1958. Spector himself was inspired by the poignant inscription on his father’s tombstone: “To Know Him Was To Love Him.” This deeply personal origin imbued the song with a tender melancholy and a profound simplicity that resonated with listeners from its very first notes.
Decades later, the concept of Dolly Parton, Linda Ronstadt, and Emmylou Harris collaborating on an album had been a dream for many years, a whispered hope among fans and critics alike. These three women, each a titan in her own right, had long admired one another’s work and shared a deep mutual respect. Their paths had crossed numerous times throughout the 1970s, with various attempts at recording together. However, logistical hurdles – particularly the fact that they were all signed to different record labels – continually stymied their efforts. Pieces of these earlier sessions sometimes found their way onto their individual albums, hinting at the magic that could be. Finally, in the mid-1980s, the stars aligned, and producer George Massenburg helped bring the long-awaited Trio album to fruition.
Their interpretation of “To Know Him Is to Love Him” on Trio is a masterclass in vocal harmony and emotional restraint. The song, in its essence, speaks to an unwavering, almost childlike faith in the inherent goodness of another person, a belief that to truly understand someone is to inevitably find love for them. It’s a sentiment that transcends romantic love, extending to a broader, almost spiritual embrace of humanity. For the Trio, this meaning was amplified by their collective delivery. Instead of competing, their voices weave together with an ethereal grace, each singer contributing a unique texture while blending into a single, seamless expression of heartfelt devotion. Emmylou Harris often took the lead on this track, her pure, clear voice carrying the gentle melody, while Dolly Parton’s distinctive high harmonies and Linda Ronstadt’s rich, resonant counterpoints provided an exquisite backing.
Listening to this song transports many of us back to a time when music felt less manufactured and more authentic, when the power of a melody and a well-sung lyric could truly touch the soul. The sparseness of the arrangement, allowing their voices to truly shine, was a deliberate choice that underscored the raw beauty of the song’s message. It was a stark contrast to some of the more elaborate productions of the era, a quiet testament to the enduring power of classic songwriting and exceptional vocal talent.
For those of us who remember the anticipation surrounding the Trio album, hearing “To Know Him Is to Love Him” was a profound experience. It was a reaffirmation of why we loved these artists individually, and a joyous celebration of what they could achieve together. It evokes feelings of warmth, comfort, and a gentle reassurance that some things, like true admiration and lasting musical beauty, can indeed stand the test of time. It remains a poignant reminder of a unique collaboration that gifted us with moments of pure, unadulterated harmony.