Flying Burrito Brothers-Close Up The Honky Tonks
The Flying Burrito Brothers were an American country rock band, formed in 1968 in Los Angeles, California. The band consisted of Gram Parsons, Chris Hillman, Sneaky Pete Kleinow, Chris Ethridge, and Michael Clarke. Together, they created a unique blend of country, folk, and rock music that captured the hearts of many fans.
The Beginnings of The Flying Burrito Brothers
The Flying Burrito Brothers were created after Gram Parsons left The Byrds. Parsons had a vision of creating a new sound that blended country music with rock and roll. He recruited Chris Hillman, who was also a former member of The Byrds, to join him on this new venture. The two of them then added Sneaky Pete Kleinow on pedal steel guitar, Chris Ethridge on bass, and Michael Clarke on drums. Together, they formed The Flying Burrito Brothers.
The band's first album, "The Gilded Palace of Sin," was released in 1969. The album received critical acclaim, but did not sell well commercially. Despite this setback, the band continued to tour and record music.
The Breakup and Reformation of The Flying Burrito Brothers
In 1970, Gram Parsons left The Flying Burrito Brothers to pursue a solo career. His departure was a major blow to the band, and they struggled to find a new direction without him. The band released two more albums, "Burrito Deluxe" and "The Flying Burrito Brothers," before breaking up in 1972.
In 1975, Chris Hillman reformed The Flying Burrito Brothers with new members. The band's sound had evolved, and they embraced a more traditional country sound. The new lineup included Rick Roberts, Al Perkins, John Beland, and Roger Bush. Together, they released three albums: "Flying Again," "Airborne," and "Live From Tokyo."
The Legacy of The Flying Burrito Brothers
The Flying Burrito Brothers never achieved the commercial success that they deserved, but they were influential in the development of country rock music. They inspired many musicians, including The Eagles, Emmylou Harris, and Linda Ronstadt.
Gram Parsons, in particular, left a lasting impact on the music industry. He was a pioneer in the country rock movement, and his influence can still be felt today. He died in 1973 at the age of 26, but his music continues to inspire generations of musicians.
Closing Thoughts
The Flying Burrito Brothers may not have achieved the commercial success that they deserved, but their impact on music cannot be denied. They were a group of talented musicians who created a unique sound that blended country music with rock and roll. Their legacy lives on, and their music continues to inspire new generations of musicians today.