# Songbird: Rare Tracks and Forgotten Gems

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Songbird: Rare Tracks & Forgotten Gems is a 2007 box set of songs personally selected by Emmylou Harris: "I've selected not greatest hits, but personal favorites that, with a few exceptions, have never appeared on any other compilations, but were important gems in the string of pearls that each album strives to become. Also included are special collaborations, unreleased live and demo tracks, as well as contributions to tribute projects, which I may now gather into this fold.”
Discs one and two serve as a retrospective of Emmylou's solo career, including at least one song from each of her previous studio and live albums, and two cuts from her time with Gram Parsons. Discs three and four consist of collaborations with other performers, tribute album tracks, and unreleased material. Overall, 13 of the 78 tracks were previously unreleased. The DVD collects 9 videos filmed between 1975 and 2005, plus a public service announcement for Animal Rescue.

## Packaging

The 5-disc set (4 CDs & 1 DVD) is packaged in a multi-fold cardboard sleeve bound to mimic a photographic album. A 200-page liner-notes and biography booklet, liberally graced with photos, is also bound to mimic a photographic album. Both faux miniature photo albums are housed in a CD-sized cardboard slipcase.

## Track listing

* previously unreleased material

### Disc One

| # | Title | Songwriter | Length | Producer | Guests | Source | Date | Notes |
| 1 | "Clocks"* | Emmylou Harris | 2:48 | Ray Ellis | | Gliding Bird | 1970 | Alternate Version |
| 2 | "The Angels Rejoiced Last Night" | Charlie Louvin, Ira Louvin | 2:23 | Gram Parsons, Jim Dickson | Gram Parsons | Sleepless Nights by Gram Parsons | 1973 | |
| 3 | "The Old Country Baptizing" | Carl Story | 4:02 | John M. Delgatto, Marley Brant | Gram Parsons & The Fallen Angels | Live 1973 by Gram Parsons & The Fallen Angels | March 13, 1973 | Live |
| 4 | "Coat of Many Colors" | Dolly Parton | 3:42 | Brian Ahern | | Pieces of the Sky | 1975 | |
| 5 | "For No One" | John Lennon, Paul McCartney | 3:42 | Brian Ahern | | Pieces of the Sky | 1975 | |
| 6 | "Ooh Las Vegas" | Ric Grech, Gram Parsons | 3:43 | Brian Ahern | | Elite Hotel | 1975 | |
| 7 | "Satan's Jewel Crown" | Traditional | 3:13 | Brian Ahern | | Elite Hotel | 1975 | |
| 8 | "Tulsa Queen" | Rodney Crowell, Emmylou Harris | 4:47 | Brian Ahern | | Luxury Liner | 1977 | |
| 9 | "My Songbird" | Jesse Winchester | 3:09 | Brian Ahern | | Quarter Moon in a Ten Cent Town | 1978 | |
| 10 | "Green Rolling Hills" | Utah Phillips | 3:38 | Brian Ahern | Fayssoux Starling McLean | Quarter Moon in a Ten Cent Town | 1978 | |
| 11 | "One Paper Kid" | Walter Martin Cowart | 2:57 | Brian Ahern | Willie Nelson | Quarter Moon in a Ten Cent Town | 1978 | |
| 12 | "Sorrow In The Wind" | Jean Ritchie | 3:30 | Brian Ahern | Cheryl White, Sharon White | Blue Kentucky Girl | 1979 | |
| 13 | "Rough And Rocky" | Charles Justice, Shoji Tabuchi | 3:52 | Brian Ahern | | Blue Kentucky Girl | 1979 | |
| 14 | "Jordan" | Traditional | 2:10 | Brian Ahern | Johnny Cash | Roses in the Snow | 1980 | |
| 15 | "The Darkest Hour Is Just Before Dawn" | Ralph Stanley | 3:24 | Brian Ahern | Ricky Skaggs | Roses in the Snow | 1980 | |
| 16 | "Ashes by Now" | Rodney Crowell | 4:31 | Brian Ahern | Dr. John | Evangeline | 1981 | |
| 17 | "How High the Moon" | Nancy Hamilton, Morgan Lewis | 3:23 | Brian Ahern | | Evangeline | 1981 | |
| 18 | "Spanish Johnny" | Paul Siebel | 3:50 | Brian Ahern | Waylon Jennings | Evangeline | 1981 | |
| 19 | "Last Cheater's Waltz" | Sonny Throckmorton | 5:35 | Brian Ahern | | Cimarron | 1981 | |
| 20 | "Racing In The Streets" | Bruce Springsteen | 5:32 | Brian Ahern | | Last Date | 1982 | |
| 21 | "Like an Old Fashioned Waltz" | Sandy Denny | 3:20 | Brian Ahern | | White Shoes | 1983 | |

### Disc Two

| # | Title | Songwriter | Length | Producer | Guests | Source | Date | Notes |
| 1 | "The Sweetheart Of The Rodeo" | Emmylou Harris, Paul Kennerley | 3:40 | Emmylou Harris, Paul Kennerley | Dolly Parton, Linda Ronstadt, Vince Gill, Gail Davies | The Ballad of Sally Rose | 1985 | |
| 2 | "When I Was Yours" | Emmylou Harris, Paul Kennerley | 2:45 | Emmylou Harris, Paul Kennerley | | Thirteen | 1985 | |
| 3 | "My Father's House" | Bruce Springsteen | 4:48 | Emmylou Harris, Paul Kennerley | Dolly Parton, Linda Ronstadt | Thirteen | 1986 | |
| 4 | "Bright Morning Star" | Traditional | 2:33 | Emory Gordy, Jr., Emmylou Harris | | Angel Band | 1987 | |
| 5 | "When He Calls" | Paul Kennerley | 2:44 | Emory Gordy Jr., Emmylou Harris | | Angel Band | 1987 | |
| 6 | "Lonely Street" | Carl Belew, W.S. Stevenson, Kenny Sowder | 3:12 | Richard Bennett, Emmylou Harris | | Bluebird | 1988 | |
| 7 | "Brand New Dance" | Paul Kennerley | 3:27 | Richard Bennett, Allen Reynolds | | Brand New Dance | 1990 | |
| 8 | "Get Up John" | Bill Monroe, Marty Stuart, Jerry Sullivan | 3:14 | Richard Bennett, Allen Reynolds | | At the Ryman | 1992 | Live |
| 9 | "If I Could Be There" | Kieran Kane, Jamie O'Hara | 3:46 | Richard Bennett, Allen Reynolds | | At the Ryman | 1992 | Live |
| 10 | "Ballad Of A Runaway Horse" | Leonard Cohen | 5:39 | Richard Bennett, Allen Reynolds | | Cowgirl's Prayer | 1993 | |
| 11 | "Going Back To Harlan" | Anna McGarrigle | 4:55 | Daniel Lanois | | Wrecking Ball | 1995 | |
| 12 | "Sweet Old World" | Lucinda Williams | 5:06 | Daniel Lanois | | Wrecking Ball | 1995 | |
| 13 | "All My Tears" | Julie Miller | 5:08 | Buddy Miller, Emmylou Harris | | Spyboy | 1998 | Live |
| 14 | "Prayer In Open D" | Emmylou Harris | 3:59 | Buddy Miller, Emmylou Harris | | Spyboy | 1998 | Live |
| 15 | "Bang The Drum Slowly" | Emmylou Harris, Guy Clark | 4:53 | Malcolm Burn | | Red Dirt Girl | 2000 | |
| 16 | "Boy From Tupelo" | Emmylou Harris | 3:49 | Malcolm Burn | | Red Dirt Girl | 2000 | |
| 17 | "Lost Unto This World" | Emmylou Harris, Daniel Lanois | 4:35 | Malcolm Burn | | Stumble into Grace | 2003 | |
| 18 | "Man Is An Island" | Kate McGarrigle, Anna McGarrigle, Jane McGarrigle | 4:45 | Brian Ahern | | Light of the Stable reissue | 2004 | |
| 19 | "Cup Of Kindness" | Emmylou Harris | 3:54 | Malcolm Burn | | Stumble into Grace | 2003 | |

### Disc Three

| # | Title | Songwriter | Length | Producer | Guests | Source | Date |
| 1 | "Falling In A Deep Hole"* | Bill Danoff, Taffy Danoff | 2:38 | | | unissued | |
| 2 | "1917" | David Olney | 5:22 | Glyn Johns | Linda Ronstadt | Western Wall: The Tucson Sessions | 1999 |
| 3 | "Palms of Victory"* | John B. Matthias | 3:07 | Brian Ahern | Dolly Parton, Linda Ronstadt | Trio sessions outtake | 1978 |
| 4 | "Softly and Tenderly"* | Traditional | 5:29 | George Massenburg | Dolly Parton, Linda Ronstadt | Trio II sessions outtake | 1998 |
| 5 | "My Dear Companion" | Jean Ritchie | 2:56 | George Massenburg | Dolly Parton, Linda Ronstadt | Trio | 1987 |
| 6 | "Mary Danced With Soldiers" | Paul Kennerley | 3:06 | Randy Scruggs, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band | Nitty Gritty Dirt Band | Will the Circle Be Unbroken: Volume Two | 1989 |
| 7 | "I Don't Love You Much Do I" | Guy Clark, Richard Leigh | 2:37 | Guy Clark, Miles Wilkinson | Guy Clark | Boats to Build | 1992 |
| 8 | "All I Left Behind"* | Emmylou Harris, Anna McGarrigle, Kate McGarrigle | 3:17 | | Anna McGarrigle, Kate McGarrigle, Michele Pepin | unissued demo | |
| 9 | "I Remember You" | Steve Earle | 2:51 | Twangtrust | Steve Earle | Jerusalem | 2002 |
| 10 | "Golden Ring" | Bobby Braddock, Rafe Van Hoy | 3:59 | Emmylou Harris, Michele Pepin | Linda Ronstadt, Anna McGarrigle, Kate McGarrigle | Tammy Wynette Remembered | 1998 |
| 11 | "Sonny" | Ron Hynes | 4:18 | Donal Lunny | Dolores Keane, Mary Black | Bringing It All Back Home | 1991 |
| 12 | "In the Garden"* | Traditional | 2:49 | Daniel Lanois | | All the Pretty Horses project, not issued | 1996 |
| 13 | "Love Still Remains" | Kate Wolf | 4:35 | Nina Gerber | | Treasures Left Behind: Remembering Kate Wolf | 1998 |
| 14 | "Snake Song" | Townes Van Zandt | 2:32 | Freddy Fletcher, Eric Paul | | Poet: A Tribute to Townes Van Zandt | 2001 |
| 15 | "Hobo's Lullaby" | Goebel Reeves | 2:43 | Emmylou Harris | | Folkways: A Vision Shared | 1988 |
| 16 | "Wondering" | Joe Werner | 3:03 | Gail Davies | | Caught in the Webb: A Tribute to the Legendary Webb Pierce | 2002 |
| 17 | "Immigrant Eyes"* | Guy Clark, Roger Murrah | 3:40 | Paul Kennerley | | unissued | 2001 |
| 18 | "Juanita" | Chris Hillman, Gram Parsons | 2:40 | Sheryl Crow, Emmylou Harris | Sheryl Crow | Return of the Grievous Angel: A Tribute to Gram Parsons | 1999 |
| 19 | "She" | Chris Ethridge, Gram Parsons | 4:49 | Stephen Street | Chrissie Hynde/The Pretenders | Return of the Grievous Angel: A Tribute to Gram Parsons | 1999 |
| 20 | "Sin City" | Chris Hillman, Gram Parsons | 4:00 | Emmylou Harris, Paul Kremen | Beck | Return of the Grievous Angel: A Tribute to Gram Parsons | 1999 |
| 21 | "Wheels" | Chris Hillman, Gram Parsons | 3:27 | John Starling, Bill Wolf, The Seldom Scene | Lou Reid/The Seldom Scene | 15th Anniversary Celebration | 1988 |

### Disc Four

| # | Title | Songwriter | Length | Producer | Guests | Source | Date | Notes |
| 1 | "Beyond The Blue" | Beth Nielsen Chapman, Gary Nicholson | 4:33 | Buddy Miller, Steve Fishell | Patty Griffin | Where the Heart Is: Original Soundtrack | 2000 | |
| 2 | "First In Line"* | Paul Kennerley | 3:34 | | John Starling | Spring Training | 1990 | |
| 3 | "Highway Of Heartache"* | Carl Jackson | 3:04 | Carl Jackson | Carl Jackson | Spring Training | 1990 | |
| 4 | "Alone and Forsaken" | Hank Williams Sr | 3:31 | Mark Knopfler | Mark Knopfler & His Band | Hank Williams: Timeless | 2001 | |
| 5 | "Child Of Mine" | Carole King, Gerry Goffin | 3:27 | Emmylou Harris | | Til Their Eyes Shine ... The Lullaby Album | 1992 | |
| 6 | "Heaven Ain't Ready For You Yet" | Paul Kennerley | 3:56 | Glyn Johns | | The Legend of Jesse James | 1980 | |
| 7 | "Wish We Were Back In Missouri" | Guy Humphreys, Paul Kennerley | 4:03 | Glyn Johns | | The Legend of Jesse James | 1980 | |
| 8 | "Mama's Hungry Eyes" | Merle Haggard | 3:41 | | Brian Ahern | Mama's Hungry Eyes: A Tribute to Merle Haggard | 1994 | |
| 9 | "Here We Are" | Rodney Crowell | 2:53 | Billy Sherrill | George Jones | My Very Special Guests | 1979 | |
| 10 | "Waltz Across Texas Tonight"* | Rodney Crowell, Emmylou Harris | 3:43 | Allen Reynolds, Richard Bennett | | Cowgirl's Prayer sessions | 1993 | |
| 11 | "Snowin' On Raton"* | Townes Van Zandt | 3:42 | Allen Reynolds, Richard Bennett | | Brand New Dance sessions | 1990 | |
| 12 | "Gone"* | Liz Meyer | 3:37 | Allen Reynolds, Richard Bennett | | Cowgirl's Prayer sessions | 1993 | |
| 13 | "Don't Let Our Love Die"* | Michael Dowling, Alan O'Bryant | 3:18 | Carl Jackson | Carl Jackson | Spring Training sessions | | |
| 14 | "The Pearl" | Emmylou Harris | 5:19 | Julia Olin | | Concerts for a Landmine-Free World | 2000 | Live |
| 15 | "Wildwood Flower" | Traditional | 3:47 | Randy Scruggs | Randy Scruggs, Iris DeMent | Crown of Jewels | 1998 | |
| 16 | "Love And Happiness" | Emmylou Harris, Kimmie Rhodes | 4:21 | Mark Knopfler, Chuck Ainlay | Mark Knopfler | All the Roadrunning | 2006 | |
| 17 | "When We're Gone, Long Gone" | Kieran Kane, Jamie O'Hara | 4:01 | George Massenburg | Linda Ronstadt, Dolly Parton | Trio II | 1998 | |

### DVD

* "Together Again" – with The Hot Band, featuring James Burton (1975)
* "Making Believe" – with The Hot Band, featuring Albert Lee, from the BBC's The Old Grey Whistle Test (April 11, 1977)
* "Blue Kentucky Girl" – from PBS' Soundstage (1978)
* "Satan's Jewel Crown" – from PBS' Soundstage (1978)
* "Mr. Sandman" – Promotional video (1981)
* "I Don't Have to Crawl" – Promotional video (1981)
* "I Ain't Living Long Like This" – with Spyboy (1998)
* "Love Hurts" – at The Grand Ole Opry, with Elvis Costello (February 17, 2006)
* "Imagine" – from CMT's Crossroads (January 4, 2004)
* "PSA: Emmylou Harris On Animal Rescue"

## Personnel
### Disc 1

* Vocals: Johnny Cash, Emmylou Harris, Waylon Jennings, Fayssoux Starling McLean, Willie Nelson, Gram Parsons, Ricky Skaggs, Barry Tashian
* Guitar: Brian Ahern, Mike Auldridge, Jock Bartley, James Burton, Rodney Crowell, Rick Cunha, Jerry Douglas, Amos Garrett, Emmylou Harris, Bernie Leadon, Albert Lee, Gram Parsons, Herb Pedersen, Frank Reckard, Tony Rice, Ricky Skaggs, John Starling, Barry Tashian
* Pedal Steel: Hank DeVito, Steve Fishell, Neil Flanz, Ben Keith, Al Perkins
* Mandolin: Byron Berline, Wayne Goodwin, Albert Lee, Ricky Skaggs
* Bass: Brian Ahern, Mike Bowden, Emory Gordy, Emmylou Harris, Ray Pohlman, Kyle Tullis
* Keyboards: Tony Brown, Glen Hardin, Dr. John, Don Johnson, Lynn Langham, Bill Payne
* Accordion: Lincoln Davis Jr.
* Drums: Hal Blaine, N. D. Smart, Ron Tutt, John Ware
* Percussion: Brian Ahern
* Viola: Ricky Skaggs
* Fiddle: Byron Berline, Ricky Skaggs
* Saxophone: Wayne Goodwin
* Recorder: Jim Horn
* Harmonica: Mickey Raphael
* Harmony & Backing Vocals: Rodney Crowell, Emory Gordy, Don Johnson, Herb Pedersen, Tony Rice, John Starling, Cheryl White, Sharon White

### Disc 2

* Vocals: Brady Blade, Vince Gill, Carl Jackson, Daryl Johnson, Daniel Lanois, Buddy Miller, Dolly Parton, Linda Ronstadt
* Guitar: Brian Ahern, Richard Bennett, Malcolm Burn, Steve Earle, Steve Fishell, Carl Jackson, Ethan Johns, Daniel Lanois, Albert Lee, Chris Leuzinger, Kate McGarrigle, Buddy Miller, Al Perkins, Kevin Salem
* Pedal Steel: Steve Fishell
* Banjo: Brian Ahern, Kate McGarrigle, Al Perkins
* Mandolin: Richard Bennett, Sam Bush, Vince Gill, Daniel Lanois, Frank Reckard, Jon Randall Stewart
* Bass: Brian Ahern, Richard Bennett, Mike Bowden, Malcolm Burn, Emory Gordy, Tony Hall, Daryl Johnson, Daniel Lanois, Dave Pomeroy, Bob Wray
* Keyboards: Malcolm Burn, Glen Hardin, David Hoffner, Shane Keister, Daniel Lanois, Carl Marsh, Anna McGarrigle, Kate McGarrigle, Bobby Wood
* Accordion: Anna McGarrigle
* Drums: Larry Atamanuik, Brady Blade, Brian Blade, Malcolm Burn, Ethan Johns, Russ Kunkel, Larry Mullen, Jr., Milton Sledge, Steve Turner
* Percussion: Malcolm Burn, Tony Hall, Daryl Johnson, Joe Loesch, Kenny Malone, Larry Mullen, Billy Thomas
* Fiddle: Sam Bush, Mark O'Connor, Buddy Spicher
* Strings: Roy Huskey Jr., Mark O'Connor
* Irish Pipes: Ethan Johns, Liam O'Flynn, Davy Spillane
* Harmony & Backing Vocals: Larry Atamanuik, Mary Black, Malcolm Burn, Sam Bush, Kathy Chiavola, Iris Dement, Emory Gordy, Daryl Johnson, Dolores Keane, Mary Ann Kennedy, Daniel Lanois, Anna McGarrigle, Kate McGarrigle, Julie Miller, Al Perkins, Pam Rose, Jane Siberry, Jon Randall Stewart

### Disc 3

* Vocals: Eric Ambel, Mary Black, Guy Clark, Sheryl Crow, Steve Earle, Jonathan Edwards, Beck Hansen, Chrissie Hynde, Dolores Keane, Anna McGarrigle, Kate McGarrigle, Dolly Parton, Michele Pepin, Lou Reid, Linda Ronstadt
* Guitar: Brian Ahern, Eric Ambel, Pat Bergeson, James Burton, Mark Casstevens, Guy Clark, Sheryl Crow, Jerry Douglas, Steve Earle, Jonathan Edwards, Jeff Hanna, Beck Hansen, Smokey Hormel, Ethan Johns, Paul Kennerley, Daniel Lanois, Greg Leisz, Scott Neubert, Mark O'Connor, Michele Pepin, David Rawlings, Tony Rice, Randy Scruggs, Adam Seymour, Tim Smith, Verlon Thompson, Jeff Trott, Kenny Vaughan
* Pedal Steel: Mike Auldridge, Johnny Cox, Greg Leisz, JayDee Maness
* Banjo: Steve Earle, Kate McGarrigle
* Mandolin: John Duffey, Steve Earle, David Grisman, Albert Lee, Mark O'Connor, Marty Stuart
* Spanish guitar: Ethan Johns
* Bass: Travis Clark, Steve Earle, Kenny Edwards, Emory Gordy, Andy Hobson, Roy Huskey, Daniel Lanois, Bernie Leadon, Kelley Looney, Justin Meldal-Johnsen, Edgar Meyer, Michele Pepin, Rob Price, Lou Reid, Tim Smith, Gillian Welch
* Keyboards: Peter Bonta, Steve Earle, Aaron Embry, Daryl Johnson, Paul Kennerley, Chris Nole, Bill Payne, Benmont Tench
* Accordion: Bob Carpenter, Pat Crowley, Anna McGarrigle, Joey Miskulin, Wix Wickens
* Drums: Martin Chambers, Ken Coomer, Jimmie Fadden, Victor Indrizzo, Dave Lewis, Robbie Magruder, Kenny Malone, John McColgan, Kate McGarrigle, Bob Mummert, Will Rigby, Joey Waronker, Greg Williams
* Percussion: Sylvain Clavet, Patrick Earle, Ethan Johns
* Fiddle: Mark O'Connor, Gabe Witcher
* Irish Pipes: Liam O'Flynn, Davy Spillane
* Strings: Roy Huskey, Ethan Johns, Alison Krauss, David Lindley, Mark O'Connor
* Harmonica: Pat Bergeson, Steve Earle
* Harmony & Backing Vocals: Bob Carpenter, Jeff Hanna, Jimmy Ibbotson, Anna McGarrigle, Patty Mitchell, David Rawlings, Gillian Welch

### Disc 4

* Vocals: Iris Dement, Patty Griffin, Carl Jackson, George Jones, Mary Ann Kennedy, Mark Knopfler, Dolly Parton, Linda Ronstadt, Pam Rose, John Starling
* Guitar: Brian Ahern, Richard Bennett, Rodney Crowell, Dan Dugmore, Guy Fletcher, Carl Jackson, Ethan Johns, Mark Knopfler, Albert Lee, Chris Leuzinger, Buddy Miller, Al Perkins, Emily Robison, Pam Rose, Randy Scruggs, John Starling, Jon Randall Stewart
* Pedal Steel: Hank DeVito, Steve Fishell
* Banjo: Bernie Leadon
* Mandolin: Sam Bush, Glen Duncan, David Grisman, Mike Henderson, Mary Ann Kennedy, Martie Maguire
* Bass: Emory Gordy, Roy Huskey, Daryl Johnson, Dave Pomeroy, Bob Wray, Glenn Worf
* Keyboards: Jim Cox, Guy Fletcher, Tim Gorman, Glen Hardin, David Hoffner, John Jarvis, Geraint Watkins
* Accordion: Nick DeCaro
* Drums: Larry Atamanuik, Chad Cromwell, Danny Cummings, Patty Griffin, Levon Helm, Jim Keltner, Paul McInerney, Milton Sledge, Harry Stinson, Steve Turner, John Ware
* Percussion: Daryl Johnson
* Harmonica: Mickey Raphael
* Fiddle: Sam Bush, Glen Duncan, Alison Krauss
* Strings: Nick DeCaro, Emory Gordy, Roy Huskey
* Harmony & Backing Vocals: Mary Chapin Carpenter, Donivan Cowart, Tim Gorman, Levon Helm, Carl Jackson, Paul Kennerley, Albert Lee, Jody Payne, Jon Randall Stewart

## Chart performance

| Chart (2007) | Peak position |
| U.S. Billboard Top Country Albums | 49 |

## Release history

Release history and formats for Songbird: Rare Tracks and Forgotten Gems :
| Region | Date | Format | Label | Ref. |
| North America | September 18, 2007 | CD | Warner Bros. Records | |