Courtney O’Dell 
COM 290
 
The Byrds
 
 
In 1963 in Los Angeles, CA, three musicians Jim McGuinn, David Crosby and Gene Clark came together to form a group called The Jet Set. Performing folk group tunes with a unique sound of their own, the group went through several name changes such as The Beefeaters, until mandolin player Chris Hillman and bongo player Michael Clarke joined the group and the final name was its most famous: The Byrds. 
The combination of Roger McGuinn’s ringing 12-string Rickenbacker guitar, Gene Clark’s poetry, David Crosby’s harmonies, Chris Hillman’s bluegrass-influenced bass playing and Michael Clarke’s enthusiastic drumming ushered in a new era of Rock ‘n’ Roll. After securing a record contract, the Byrds recorded a rendition of Bob Dylan’s “Mr. Tambourine Man,” with a new style unlike anything previously heard due to the harmonies, the twelve-string guitar and vocals. The song went to number one on the charts and instantly put the Byrds in the spotlight. They followed up with another Bob Dylan song, “All I Really Want to Do,” which went to number forty on the 
charts. 
In 1966, they reached number one again with “Turn! Turn! Turn!” on their album of the same name. The same year, Gene Clark left the group because of his fear of flying. The next album, “Fifth Dimension,” took a look psychedelic rock with a song called “Eight Miles High,” which raised a controversy due to the fact that many thought this song had connotations of drug use and was a negative influence for teen and young adult listeners. Despite protests, the song rose in popularity and is considered a classic today. 
In 1967, David Crosby also left the band, leaving only the three original band members to release their album “Notorious Byrd Brothers.” This album is a classic transition between folk-rock and country-rock. Gram Parsons joined the group that same year and convinced the band members to play country music. Kevin Kelley replaced Michael Clarke’s absence and the Byrds’ first country rock album, “Sweetheart of the Rodeo,” was released. The Byrds played at the Grand Ole Opry despite little reception from audiences. Although their style was not considered to mix well with country music, most every modern country rocker owes something to the Byrds today. 
Gram Parsons quit the group after almost 6 months protesting the group’s tour of South Africa and joined other groups. Sadly, Parsons died of an overdose in 1963. Clarence White, John York and Gene Parsons were the new additions for the 1969 album “Dr. Byrds and Mr. Hyde.” This included the “Ballad of Easy Rider,” from the cult classic film “Easy Rider.” 
Several albums later, the original Byrds came together for one album in 1973 with the simple title, “The Byrds.” It was not hailed to be one of the best by fans but did include a good rendition of Neil Young’s “See the Sky (About to Rain).” Unfortunately, such a group of talented and unique
performers could not get past clashing egos and personal problems and split up for good.
Roger McGuinn has released several solo albums and still performs today. Chris Hillman and Gene Parsons have also enjoyed solo careers in the music business. David Crosby enjoyed success with the Crosby, Stills Nash (and Young) group and continues to remain active in the music business. He recently fathered Melissa Etheridge’s baby. Gene Clark was highly regarded for his solo work until his unfortunate death in 1991. Michael Clarke was a member of the successful band Firefall but later died in 1993. 
The music of the Byrds was popular among teenagers and young adults for the independent style and unique sound made the Byrds pioneers of country-folk music. Many pop stars have done covers of Byrds music including Cher, Bruce Springsteen, The Eagles, Tom Petty and the Turtles and their music remains a classic inspiration for artists and performers in many genres of music. 
 
 
 
 
References: 
http://www.q-net.net/~rrussell/byrds/index.html—Byrds Online Homepage