From American Songwriter · Erinn Callahan · · 1m
Gram Parsons: Country-Rock Pioneer
Gram Parsons, born in Florida 80 years ago, pioneered country-rock with Emmylou Harris.
In brief
Gram Parsons, born in Florida 80 years ago, pioneered country-rock with Emmylou Harris. Gram Parsons, born November 5, 1946, in Winter Haven, Florida, co-founded The Flying Burrito Brothers and toured with Emmylou Harris before dying of drug overdose in 1973. Originally reported by American Songwriter.
Birth and Early Life
Gram Parsons was born November 5, 1946, in Winter Haven, Florida.
Musical Beginnings
Parsons saw Elvis Presley at age nine and played rock and roll covers by age fourteen.
The International Submarine Band
Parsons formed the International Submarine Band with Harvard musicians in the early 1960s.
The Byrds and Country-Rock
Parsons joined The Byrds, co-founded The Flying Burrito Brothers, and recorded Sweetheart of the Rodeo.
Death and Legacy
Parsons died of drug overdose in his hotel room at Joshua Tree National Park on September 19, 1973.
Posthumous Recognition
Parsons gained posthumous entry into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2026.
The bottom line
Gram Parsons, born November 5, 1946, in Winter Haven, Florida, co-founded The Flying Burrito Brothers and toured with Emmylou Harris before dying of drug overdose in 1973.
