Think about the physical mechanics of a truly great vintage guitar. The wood has settled, the strings have been under all that tension for years. That stress and friction over decades is precisely what creates that rich, resonant tone. You simply cannot buy that brand new.

Now, Emery had a phenomenal pedigree, having played in Emmylou Harris’ hot band. So they recognized the raw power in her voice, and they helped sign her to MCA in 1985. But the reality of a major label deal is rarely glamorous right out of the gate. Her first four singles for MCA completely flatlined.

• It is also where her personal life intersects with her career in a pretty major way
• She actually changed it so the public wouldn’t confuse her with Linda Lovelace
• I do want to stop here for a second because there is a persistent myth about her early career that doesn’t quite track
• If you look at her legacy, people frame her as this strict mountain music traditionalist from day one