Members Of The Flying Burrito Brothers
If you're a fan of country rock music, you've probably heard of the Flying Burrito Brothers. Formed in 1969, this group was known for blending traditional country music with rock and roll, creating a unique sound that would influence generations of musicians to come. Over the years, the Flying Burrito Brothers had numerous members, each contributing their own unique style and talent to the band's sound.
Gram Parsons
No discussion of the Flying Burrito Brothers would be complete without mentioning Gram Parsons. Parsons was a founding member of the group, and his contributions to their sound cannot be overstated. Known for his distinctive voice and songwriting talent, Parsons was a driving force behind the band's early success.
However, Parsons left the band in 1970 to pursue a solo career. Sadly, he died of a drug overdose just two years later at the age of 26. Despite his relatively short career, Parsons had a huge impact on the country rock genre, and his influence can still be felt today.
Chris Hillman
Chris Hillman was another founding member of the Flying Burrito Brothers. Hillman had previously been a member of The Byrds, and his experience and talent helped to shape the band's sound. Hillman was known for his bass playing and his ability to harmonize with other band members.
After Parsons left the band, Hillman became the de facto leader of the Flying Burrito Brothers. Though the band would go through numerous lineup changes over the years, Hillman remained a constant presence and helped to keep the band's sound consistent.
Sneaky Pete Kleinow
Sneaky Pete Kleinow was the Flying Burrito Brothers' resident pedal steel guitar player. Kleinow's unique playing style helped to define the band's sound, and his contributions cannot be overstated. Despite not being a founding member of the group, Kleinow quickly became an integral part of their sound.
In addition to his work with the Flying Burrito Brothers, Kleinow was also a successful session musician, playing on albums by artists such as Joni Mitchell and Jackson Browne. Sadly, Kleinow passed away in 2007 at the age of 72.
Michael Clarke
Michael Clarke was the Flying Burrito Brothers' drummer for a brief period in the early 1970s. Clarke had previously been a member of The Byrds, and his experience with that band helped to make him a good fit for the Flying Burrito Brothers.
Though Clarke's tenure with the band was relatively short, his contributions to their sound should not be overlooked. Clarke's drumming helped to anchor the band's sound and keep their songs moving along.
Conclusion
The Flying Burrito Brothers were a seminal band in the country rock genre, and their influence can still be heard today. Though the band went through numerous lineup changes over the years, each member played an important role in shaping their sound. From founding members Gram Parsons and Chris Hillman to pedal steel guitar player Sneaky Pete Kleinow and drummer Michael Clarke, each member helped to create the unique sound that made the Flying Burrito Brothers so special. Their music lives on as a testament to their enduring talent and creativity.