Evangeline is a 1981 album by Emmylou Harris that was composed mostly of leftover material from past recording sessions….which did not fit into any of her other albums. Songs included a remake of “Mister Sandman” from the much-lauded Trio sessions with Dolly Parton and Linda Ronstadt….“Evangeline”, which also featured vocals by Parton and Ronstadt….which she had previously performed with The Band, as seen in this video herewith….Rodney Crowell’s “Ashes By Now”….and a cover of John Fogerty’s “Bad Moon Rising”. Though it received mixed reviews upon its release, the album was yet another commercial success for Harris….as it was certified Gold in less than a year after its release. A single release of “Mister Sandman”….while making the Top 10 country chart and the Top 40 pop chart….albeit neither Ronstadt’s nor Parton’s record companies would allow their artists’ vocals to be used on the single…. so Harris rerecorded the song….while singing all three parts for the single release. Rodney Crowell’s “I Don’t Have to Crawl” was released as the album’s second single….as music videos were produced for both “Mister Sandman” and “I Don’t Have to Crawl”.
The album is one of two Harris albums that have never been issued separately on CD….although in 2011 the album’s tracks became available for digital download on iTunes). The album is now available as a CD in a collection issued in 2013 entitled Emmylou Harris Original Album Series Vol. 2. This version of Evangeline featured Emmy Lou Harris and The Band….while providing a wonderful performance at The Last Waltz concert.
