My Uncle Flying Burrito Brothers
When it comes to the history of country rock music, one band that stands out is the Flying Burrito Brothers. Formed in 1968, this American band was founded by Gram Parsons and Chris Hillman. With their distinct blend of country, rock, and folk music, the Flying Burrito Brothers soon became a sensation in the music world.
The Early Days of the Flying Burrito Brothers
The Flying Burrito Brothers were formed after Gram Parsons left The Byrds. Parsons had been a member of The Byrds for a short time, but he had a vision of combining country music with rock and roll.
Together with Chris Hillman, who was also a former member of The Byrds, Parsons formed the Flying Burrito Brothers. The band's early lineup also included bassist Chris Ethridge, drummer Jon Corneal, and pedal steel guitarist "Sneaky" Pete Kleinow.
One of the band's first gigs was at the Whisky a Go Go nightclub in Los Angeles. The Flying Burrito Brothers quickly became popular with crowds who loved their unique sound.
The Band's Influences and Music Style
The Flying Burrito Brothers drew inspiration from various music genres, including country, rock, folk, and soul. Their music was a fusion of these different genres, which made it unique and captivating.
The band's music style was described as "cosmic American music," which was a term coined by Gram Parsons. He believed that their music was a combination of the best elements of American music.
The Flying Burrito Brothers were also influenced by other country rock pioneers like The Byrds, Bob Dylan, and The Beatles. Their music was characterized by harmonies, twangy guitars, and pedal steel guitar solos.
The Band's Successes and Legacy
The Flying Burrito Brothers released their debut album, "The Gilded Palace of Sin," in 1969. The album received critical acclaim, but it didn't sell well. Despite this, the band continued to perform and tour.
In 1970, the Flying Burrito Brothers released their second album, "Burrito Deluxe." The album was a commercial success and gave the band their first hit single, "Wild Horses."
The band's success was short-lived, however. In 1973, Gram Parsons died of a drug overdose at the age of 26. The Flying Burrito Brothers continued to perform after his death, but they never achieved the same level of success.
Despite their short career, the Flying Burrito Brothers were influential in the country rock music genre. Their style and music have influenced many artists, including Wilco, Lucinda Williams, and Uncle Tupelo.
Conclusion
The Flying Burrito Brothers were a legendary country rock band that left a lasting impact on the music world. Their music was a unique blend of country, rock, and folk, and their style influenced many artists who followed in their footsteps. Despite their short career, the Flying Burrito Brothers will always be remembered as pioneers in the country rock music genre.