Why did Gram Parsons leave the Byrds?

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The Byrds are often referred to as the epitome of folk-rock music. In the mid-60s, they ruled the airwaves with a series of catchy pop songs featuring a distinctive jangle, earning them a reputation as America’s counterpart to the Beatles. However, their 1968 album, “Sweetheart of the Rodeo,” marked a significant shift towards country rock, setting new trends in the genre. Unfortunately, this album didn’t perform well initially, and its release coincided with Gram Parsons’ departure from the band.

In 1968, Parsons became a member of the Byrds after David Crosby left the group. Chris Hillman, the band’s bassist, suggested the addition, believing that the band needed to evolve musically to avoid becoming outdated. The rest of the Byrds agreed, and Parsons played a significant role in the creation of the album “Sweetheart of the Rodeo”.

Gram Parsons quit the Byrds in 1968

Initially, Parsons was set to be the lead singer for multiple tracks on the album; however, at the time he joined The Byrds, he was still bound by a contract with LHI Records as a solo artist. The label took issue with his significant involvement and threatened them with legal action. As a consequence, Roger McGuinn, The Byrds’ lead singer, replaced Parsons’ vocals on three songs, opting to record them himself. This decision did not sit well with the newly recruited member.

Later on, Parsons confessed to Rolling Stone that McGuinn rewrote it and sang the vocals himself, but ruined it in the process. As their discord intensified during the album tour, they had plans to travel to South Africa. However, due to his opposition against apartheid, the singer chose to resign before any of the scheduled performances took place.

During the same timeframe, Parson’s tension with McGuinn was happening concurrently with a growing camaraderie between Parsons and the Rolling Stones band members. Specifically, while touring in the UK with the Byrds, Parsons developed a close relationship with Keith Richards, the Rolling Stones’ guitarist. They found common ground in their mutual affection for country and western music, which eventually led Parsons to spend an extended stay at Richards’ residence.

Parsons died at age 26 in 1973

Eventually, Parsons returned to the United States and successfully persuaded Chris Hillman to leave the Byrds and create the country band, the Flying Burrito Brothers. The Byrds continued with McGuinn leading a new group until 1971; however, they reassembled most of their original members for one final album in 1973.

Meanwhile, Parsons persisted with his music creation until his untimely demise in 1973. Reports suggest that the musician succumbed to an excessive consumption of alcohol and morphine while on a journey to Joshua Tree. At the time of his passing, he was just 26 years old.

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2025-04-28 22:00