Hot Burritos The True Story Of The Flying Burrito Brothers
If you're a fan of country rock music, you've probably heard of The Flying Burrito Brothers. This American band was formed in 1968, and their music was a unique blend of country, rock, and folk. They were considered pioneers of the country rock genre, and their influence can be heard in many contemporary country rock bands. But who were the Flying Burrito Brothers, and what led to their success and ultimate downfall?
The Early Years
The Flying Burrito Brothers were formed by Gram Parsons and Chris Hillman, both of whom were formerly members of The Byrds. Parsons was a talented singer and songwriter, and Hillman was a skilled musician who played bass, mandolin, and guitar. The band's name was inspired by Parsons' love of Mexican food, and their music was a fusion of traditional country and rock and roll.
The band's debut album, "The Gilded Palace of Sin," was released in 1969 and was a critical success. The album featured songs written by Parsons, such as "Sin City" and "Hot Burrito #1," as well as covers of classic country songs like "Dark End of the Street" and "Do Right Woman."
The Rise to Fame
The success of "The Gilded Palace of Sin" led to the band being signed to a major record label, A&M Records. However, tensions began to rise within the band, with Parsons and Hillman disagreeing on the direction of the band's music. Parsons wanted to continue to explore the fusion of country and rock, while Hillman wanted to move towards a more traditional country sound.
The band's second album, "Burrito Deluxe," was released in 1970 and featured a more traditional country sound. The album was a commercial success, but it failed to capture the critical acclaim of their debut album. Parsons left the band shortly after the release of "Burrito Deluxe" to pursue a solo career.
The Legacy
Despite their short-lived success, The Flying Burrito Brothers had a lasting impact on the country rock genre. Their fusion of traditional country and rock and roll inspired many contemporary country rock musicians, and their influence can be heard in the music of bands like The Eagles, The Byrds, and Wilco.
Gram Parsons' solo career also had a significant impact on the country rock genre. His second album, "Grievous Angel," was released shortly before his death in 1973 and is considered one of the greatest country rock albums of all time.
The End
Following Parsons' departure, The Flying Burrito Brothers continued to release music but never achieved the same level of success as their debut album. The band went through numerous lineup changes over the years, with Hillman being the only constant member.
The band officially disbanded in 1972, but members of the band continued to collaborate and release music under the Flying Burrito Brothers name in the following years.
The Legacy Continues
The legacy of The Flying Burrito Brothers continues to live on through their music and the music of the many bands and artists they influenced. Their unique blend of country, rock, and folk paved the way for country rock as a genre, and their influence can still be heard in contemporary country rock music today.
If you're a fan of country rock music, you owe it to yourself to check out The Flying Burrito Brothers and their unique sound. Their music may have been short-lived, but their impact on the genre will be felt for years to come.