Sept. 19: On this date in 1973, Gram Parsons died of a drug overdose at age 26. His recordings spanned just seven years, but his melding of rock and country was hugely influential, and established a foundation for what we now call Americana music.
From his role in the Byrds and “Sweetheart of the Rodeo” to the founding of the Flying Burrito Brothers, his later solo recordings and influence on the Rolling Stones, Parsons bridged genres and broke new ground.
38 years after his death, Parsons’ impact is still apparent. Emmylou Harris wrote about her friendship with him on a song called “On the Road,” which leads off her current album, “Hard Bargain.”
NPR music had an inspired idea to salute Parsons by asking a young intern to review his final album, “Grievous Angel.” Laurin Penland wrote “Each time I give Grievous Angel a spin, I listen to Parsons’ voice for a glimpse of the downfall that was to come only a month later — but I never hear it. In fact, there’s relief here for people who have survived hard times.” You’ll find her full review here.
