About the song
“The Sweetest Gift” as performed by the incomparable trio of Dolly Parton, Linda Ronstadt, and Emmylou Harris. While these three iconic voices collaborated on several projects, including the acclaimed “Trio” albums, pinpointing one definitive recording of a song titled precisely “The Sweetest Gift” requires a closer look at their individual and joint discographies. It’s possible the title might have slight variations or could be a cherished performance from a live setting or a television appearance. However, the essence of any collaboration between Dolly Parton, Linda Ronstadt, and Emmylou Harris is invariably marked by exceptional vocal harmony and a deep respect for traditional musical forms.
When these three artists come together, their individual strengths coalesce into something truly special. Dolly Parton’s distinctive soprano, with its blend of sweetness and strength, intertwines beautifully with Linda Ronstadt’s pure and versatile vocals, capable of both delicate tenderness and powerful resonance. Emmylou Harris’s ethereal and often melancholic harmonies add a layer of profound depth and emotional nuance to their collective sound. Their shared appreciation for country, folk, and Appalachian traditions often informs their choice of material and their approach to performance.
If we consider their work on the “Trio” albums, released in 1987 and 1999, as representative of their collaborative spirit, we find a wealth of songs characterized by intricate vocal arrangements and a deep understanding of harmony. Tracks like “Telling Me Lies,” “To Know Him Is to Love Him,” and “After the Gold Rush” showcase their ability to blend their unique vocal timbres into a seamless and captivating whole. The emotional weight conveyed in their harmonies is often the centerpiece of their recordings, creating a listening experience that is both beautiful and deeply moving.
Given the individual artistry of Dolly Parton, Linda Ronstadt, and Emmylou Harris, any song they perform together is imbued with a sense of musical history and profound talent. Their voices, each iconic in its own right, create a rich tapestry of sound when combined. The choice of material often leans towards songs with strong melodic structures and emotionally resonant lyrics, allowing their harmonies to truly shine. Whether “The Sweetest Gift” exists as a formally released track under that exact title or is a beloved performance of a similarly themed song, the collaboration of these three legendary women is always a noteworthy event in the landscape of American music. Their ability to honor tradition while bringing their own individual interpretations to the forefront is a hallmark of their enduring appeal.
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Lyrics
Written by J.B. Coats
© 1942 Stamps-Baxter Music & Ptg. Co.
© renewed 1970 by Stamps-Baxter Music & Ptg. Co.
© 1977 Stamps-Baxter Music of the Zondervan Corporation
One day a mother went to a prison
To see an erring but precious son
She told the warden how much she loved him
It did not matter what he had done
She did not bring to him a parole or pardon
She brought no silver, no pomp or style
It was a halo bright sent down from heaven’s light
The sweetest gift, a mother’s smile
She left a smile you can remember
She’s gone to heaven from heartaches free
Those walls around you could never change her
You were her baby and e’er will be
She did not bring to him a parole or pardon
She brought no silver, no pomp or style
It was a halo bright sent down from heaven’s light
The sweetest gift, a mother’s smile
She did not bring to him a parole or pardon
She brought no silver, no pomp or style
It was a halo bright sent down from heaven’s light
The sweetest gift, a mother’s smile
The sweetest gift, a mother’s smile
