In addition to her writing and prolific recordings, both on her own albums and those of other artists, Harris is committed to the Landmine Free World organization. She is regularly invited to perform everywhere from the massive Bonnaroo jam-band rock festival to bluegrass concerts. "That just delights me," she admits. "It proves what I've always thought: that people are eclectic in their tastes, just like me. Most people don't listen to only one kind of music. I think people just want to hear good music."

Harris took up guitar as a teenager, and stints in Greenwich Village and Nashville led to regular club work in Washington, D.C. It was there that she was discovered by country-rock visionary Gram Parsons, who brought her to Los Angeles in 1972 to become his duet partner. After apprenticing with Parsons, she emerged as a solo star with 1975's Pieces of the Sky, which electrified the country-music world.

Long regarded as a key figure in a movement that united rock audiences with country traditionalists, Harris recently toured with both Dave Matthews and Neil Young and has taken a leading role in the Americana movement that gave country music its "alternative" wing.

The wide range of Harris' repertoire is mirrored by the musicians who have sought her out as a collaborator. She has recorded with such diverse artists as The Judds, The Band, Johnny Cash, Bob Dylan, Little Feat, Tammy Wynette, Neil Young, Lyle Lovett, John Denver, Roy Orbison, Trisha Yearwood, Bonnie Raitt, Garth Brooks, Lucinda Williams and George Jones.

Carnegie Hall recently paid tribute to this American icon with a five-concert mini-festival in Zankel Hall and Isaac Stern Auditorium. Curated by Harris, the concerts showcased some of her favorite peers and protégés, with Zankel Hall performances from Kate and Anna McGarrigle, Steve Earle, Buddy and Julie Miller and Patty Griffin.

June's Creators at Carnegie program features excerpts from Emmylou Harris' Isaac Stern Auditorium solo performance, during which she was joined by many of the mini-festival's other musicians. An interview with Harris rounds out the program. This latest installment in the Creators at Carnegie series highlights the exciting collaboration that features Nonesuch Records' artists playing a key role in Carnegie Hall's new and adventurous programming.

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