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Jun 10, 2015 A Camp By Christopher Roberts

The Polar Music Prize is an annual ceremony held in Sweden since 1992 that has been described as “the Noble Prize of Music.” Each year they honor a different music figure and previous recipients have included Paul McCartney, Ennio Morricone, Björk, Bruce Springsteen, Patti Smith, Peter Gabriel, Robert Moog, Dizzy Gillespie, Quincy Jones, Steve Reich, and many others. Last night they honored American country icon Emmylou Harris and Scottish musician Evelyn Glennie.

Swedish sister duo First Aid Kit (Johanna and Klara Söderberg) had a great song on their 2012 album, The Lion’s Roar, entitled “Emmylou” that was inspired by Harris (the sisters are deeply influenced by classic country music). Last night they got to perform the song for Harris at the Polar Music Prize. “We never, never thought we’d play this in front of you, Emmylou, it’s an incredible honor,” Klara said before their performance. Harris was visibly moved and could be seen multiple times wiping away tears during First Aid Kit’s performance.

First Aid Kit also covered Harris’ “Red Dirt Girl” and introduced Harris.

Fellow Swedish musicians Loney Dear, Nina Persson (of The Cardigans and A Camp), and Anna Ternheim also covered Harris songs. Loney Dear did “Can You Hear Me Now,” Persson covered “Tulsa Queen,” and Ternheim took on “Goodbye.”

Check out all the videos below.

First Aid Kit - “Emmylou” at Polar Music Prize:

First Aid Kit - “Red Dirt Girl” (Emmylou Harris cover) at Polar Music Prize:

Loney Dear - “Can You Hear Me Now” (Emmylou Harris cover) at Polar Music Prize:

Nina Persson - “Tulsa Queen” (Emmylou Harris cover) at Polar Music Prize:

Anna Ternheim - “Goodbye” (Emmylou Harris cover) at Polar Music Prize:

First Aid Kit Introduce Emmylou Harris:

Emmylou Harris’ Acceptance Speech: