EMMYLOU Harris returns to the UK in a couple of weeks to tour with the Red Dirt Boys Band and release her latest album, Hard Bargain.

She’s come a long way since meeting ex- Byrds member Gram Parsons and being influenced by his insight into the country music of people like The Louvin Brothers.

Harris’ musical world developed with Parsons and she was shattered when he died of an overdose of drugs and alcohol in 1973. She recorded what became her signature tune, Boulder To Birmingham ( written about Parsons) and embarked on an exceptional solo career. Her career has now spanned 40 years and she was covered rock, pop, alternative country, folk and bluegrass and guested and appeared with everyone from Little Feet to Mark Knopfler and Bruce Springsteen. She’s released more than 40 albums and 70 singles, inclduing 14 number ones.

Emmylou Harris can be seen at The Grand Canal Theatre, Dublin (May 28), Glasgow Royal Concert Hall (May 29), Bridgewater Hall Manchester (May 30) and the Royal Festival Hall, London, on June 1.