Image by Julie Cope
[Editor's note: I'm thrilled to introduce both a new column and contributor to Design*Sponge. I met florist Mary Kathryn Paynter of Loretta Flower in Austin and instantly fell in love with her floral designs. So I was delighted to hear her fantastic idea for a new column called Wild Love dedicated to inspiring couples throughout history. With each post, Mary Kathryn will interpret the couple's style through flowers and share an arrangement that you'll learn to make at home. Welcome to the team, Mary Kathryn! xo, grace]
One of the greatest love stories in music, Gram Parsons and Emmylou Harris’ relationship was over before it began, but it produced a time-tested body of work. Merging the early 1970s sounds of rock and psychedelia with classic folk and country, Parsons and Harris helped bring about the “cosmic cowboy” sound and gave it a tenderness that was reflective of their electric chemistry.
Parsons made a name for himself when he joined well-known folk band the Byrds and infused their 1968 album, Sweetheart of the Rodeo, with the sounds of early country greats like the Louvin Brothers and George Jones. Shortly after being kicked out for his hard-partying lifestyle, he joined the Rolling Stones in the south of France, contributing to their 1972 album, Exile on Main Street, widely regarded as the band’s best. He gave Harris her first big break, discovering her singing in a dive bar in Washington, D.C., and soon she was a part of his band, Gram Parsons & the Fallen Angels, singing harmonies on his two solo albums and accompanying him on tour.
Images above, left to right: Emmylou Harris, Gram Parsons in his famous “Nudie Suit”
Parsons was married and Harris was a respectable southern girl, but the energy between them was undeniable. After recording his second solo album, Grievous Angel, Parsons filed for divorce and went to Joshua Tree National Park, where he died suddenly and unexpectedly. Harris told an interviewer, “A couple of weeks before, I’d finally accepted the fact that I was in love with him. But, you know, why even tell him? I was going to see him in a few weeks. I had all the time in the world . . . I was savouring (sic) the moment. I didn’t want to say it to him over the phone. I wanted to say it to him in person. But I never got the chance.” Since then, Emmylou Harris has written multiple songs in tribute to Parsons and continued to play his songs throughout her career. Harris has gone on to great success as one of the most influential female artists of our time, but her work is tinged with the sadness of losing a great love too soon.
In tribute to Gram & Emmylou, I created a bouquet that is a little cosmic and a little bit country. After the jump, I’ll teach you how to make it and tell you a little more about this talented couple. — Mary Kathryn
*If you have suggestions for couples you’d like to see in the column, please leave your favorites in the comment section below.*
