Brandi Carlile is a powerhouse in her solo career, but she has her eyes set on a new horizon: forming a dream supergroup. On the red carpet at Washington, D.C.'s Kennedy Center Honors on Sunday (Dec. 8), Carlile shared her aspirations with Billboard, revealing her pitch to collaborate with two iconic women of music: Bonnie Raitt and Sheryl Crow.
“I’ve been hitting Bonnie up for a couple of years now to do a little trio with Bonnie and Sheryl,” Carlile said enthusiastically. Her dream almost became a reality that evening as she and Crow performed Raitt’s heartfelt classic, “I Can’t Make You Love Me,” with Raitt watching from her honored seat alongside fellow luminaries like the Grateful Dead, Arturo Sandoval, Francis Ford Coppola, President Joe Biden, and Dr. Jill Biden.
Carlile’s Trio Inspiration
Carlile drew parallels between her proposed trio and the legendary collaboration of Dolly Parton, Linda Ronstadt, and Emmylou Harris, who formed a Grammy-winning group that released Trio in 1987 and followed up with another successful album in 1999. The concept of three powerful voices blending seamlessly is one that excites Carlile and harkens back to an era of celebrated musical collectives.
"I think it’s the best idea,” she joked. “If you know anyone in high places who could put in a good word for me… Is it not a good idea? I think it’s a good idea.”
A Night of Celebration for the Arts
Sunday’s Kennedy Center Honors served as a reminder of the enduring significance of music and the arts in American culture. Carlile joined an impressive roster of performers paying tribute to Bonnie Raitt, with Emmylou Harris and Dave Matthews delivering a stunning rendition of “Angel from Montgomery,” a song closely associated with Raitt.
Carlile reflected on the profound impact of the arts: “It’s been sort of profound and somber in a way to be here and watch the honorees come forward and accept their honor of diplomacy and mastership on behalf of our country. But it’s also been heartening because it’s reminding me that the arts are the best of what we have to offer.”
Navigating a Changing Political Landscape
The evening was not devoid of political reflection. Carlile spoke candidly about her family’s response to the presidential transition, as Donald Trump prepares to take office once more on Jan. 20.
“I wake up every morning a political lesbian whether I want to or not, in a house with women raising two young women,” Carlile said. She emphasized her role in safeguarding her family while striving to contribute to progress in America.
The Power of Collaboration and Representation
As Carlile continues to advocate for change, her vision of a supergroup with Raitt and Crow underscores her belief in the power of collaboration and representation through music. Her presence at the Kennedy Center Honors highlighted the intersection of artistry and activism, celebrating creativity while acknowledging the work still needed to move forward.
Whether her dream trio becomes a reality or not, Carlile remains committed to using her voice — both onstage and off — to inspire, unite, and represent the best of what music and humanity have to offer.
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