[MandoMan]

A Tribute to Gram Parsons, Composer-Musician and Father of Country Rock.
Thursday, April 28 at 3:30
Eisenhower Recreation Center, Admiral Nimitz Room
Music lovers welcome. FREE!

Florida native Gram Parsons (1946-1973) is not a household name today, but he is arguably the father of Country-Rock and its first important composer. He was a major influence on such bands as The Eagles and The Rolling Stones, and his influence led to more rock in country music and more country in rock and more acceptance of differences in both types of music, as well. He loved old country music and insisted on using a pedal steel guitar in his bands, but he brought a new approach to songwriting and didn’t sing with a country voice. His group The International Submarine Band put out the first country-rock album. Months later, he was part of The Byrds, steered them into country, and wrote all but one of the original songs of their important album “Sweetheart of the Rodeo,” the first country-rock album by a major band. Before that record came out, he founded The Flying Burrito Brothers, which influenced a generation of musicians. Two years later he moved on to Gram Parsons and the Fallen Angels, introducing Emmylou Harris in powerful duets and kick-starting her career. Meanwhile, one of the Flying Burrito Brothers was a founding member of The Eagles and saw to it that Parsons’ influence permeated their music. Another member worked with Stephen Stills and influenced Crosby, Stills & Nash. Come hear, enjoy, and learn. Eighteen of his songs will be played by a five member band in chronological order, with biographical context.