In the tapestry of American music, few harmonies ring out quite like those of Linda Ronstadt, Emmylou Harris, and Dolly Parton.

Together, they soared as Trio—a project that blended folk, country, and pop with grace and grit, earning platinum records and a special place in music history. But in 1999, two-thirds of that powerhouse collective decided to branch out on their own, taking a musical left turn that would surprise and delight fans.

The Roots of a Remarkable Partnership

The story of Ronstadt and Harris’s collaboration begins in the early 1970s, when the two artists first crossed paths. According to legend, their initial conversation quickly turned to the subject of their favorite singer. Simultaneously, they answered: “Dolly Parton.” That shared admiration sparked a friendship—and, eventually, a partnership—that would last for decades.

Dolly herself was a fan of both women, and by 1987, the three had joined forces for Trio, a landmark album that captured the power and beauty of female harmony. A follow-up, Trio II, arrived twelve years later, further cementing their legacy.

Striking Out on Their Own

But just six months after the release of Trio II, Ronstadt and Harris took a bold step. On August 24, 1999, they released Western Wall: The Tucson Sessions—a duet album that stood apart from their work with Dolly. No longer anchored by three-part harmonies, the pair gave themselves license to experiment.

“When it’s just Linda and I, we can do weird and a little more left-field things,” Harris told Entertainment Weekly in 1999. “Linda and I, we live in left field, man. We set up camp there years ago, and we’re not moving. We’re squatters.”

Indeed, Western Wall ventured into new musical territory. The album leaned more rock than country, offering a fresh showcase for the duo’s vocal interplay and adventurous spirit. The setlist pulled from an impressive roster of songwriters: Jackson Browne’s “For a Dancer,” Rosanne Cash’s title track, and Sinead O’Connor’s “This Is to Mother You” all received thoughtful reinterpretations. Leonard Cohen’s haunting “Sisters of Mercy,” with Ronstadt taking lead, stood out as a highlight.

A Record of Their Own

While Dolly Parton’s absence was noted, Western Wall proved that Ronstadt and Harris were a force to be reckoned with in their own right. The album climbed to No. 6 on Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart and earned multiple Grammy nominations—a testament to the duo’s enduring appeal and willingness to take risks.

For fans, the album was a long time coming. For the artists, it was a chance to step out from the shadow of Trio and assert their own creative voices.

Linda Ronstadt: Her Own Toughest Critic

Despite her accolades—11 Grammy Awards and countless classic records—Linda Ronstadt has never been one to bask in her own glory. In a 2017 interview with The Guardian, Ronstadt confessed, “When I listen to all my old stuff, I tend to be horrified.”

There are exceptions. She has fondness for her work with Nelson Riddle, and, notably, the Trio records. “I feel as if I really started learning how to sing in around 1980,” she reflected, underscoring a humility that has long defined her career.

The Enduring Legacy

Western Wall: The Tucson Sessions remains a testament to the chemistry and daring of two of music’s greatest voices. Branching off from their celebrated Trio with Dolly Parton, Ronstadt and Harris proved that even after decades in the industry, they were still willing to “set up camp” in left field—making music on their own terms, and inviting listeners to join them in uncharted territory.

Related: The Story Behind Dolly Parton, Emmylou Harris, and Linda Ronstadt’s Cover of “Bury Me Beneath The Willow”