The Byrds
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The Byrds were an American rock band. They are considered one of the most important and influential bands in the 60's. They were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and several band members have launched successful solo careers after leaving the group. In 2004, Rolling Stone Magazine ranked them number 45 on their list of the 100 Greatest Artists of All Time. One of their unforgettable albums, which became hit, was Mr. Tambourine Man.
Contents |
Former members
- Roger McGuinn
- Gene Clark
- David Crosby
- Chris Hillman
- Michael Clarke
- Kevin Kelley
- Gram Parsons
- Clarence White
- Gene Parsons
- John York
- Skip Battin
- John Guerin
About
The Byrds were formed in 1964 in Los Angeles, California. They were originally composed of Jim McGuinn (born on July 13, 1942 in Chicago, Illinois, later changed his name to Roger McGuinn in 1967), Gene Clark (born on November 17, 1941 in Tipton, Missouri; died May 24, 1991), and David Crosby (born on August 14, 1941 in Los Angeles). They were soon join by Chris Hillman (born on December 4, 1942 in Los Angeles) and Michael Clarke (born Michael James Dick on June 3, 1946, in Spokane, Washington; died December 19, 1993).
McGuinn and Clark used to work together as a duo, performing at The Folk Den. They recruited Crosby, also one of the performers at The Folk Den. The trio recorded a song, "The Only Girl I Adore". They called themselves The Jet Set. They hired Clarke to be their drummer. The band was complete when Hillman joined.
In November 1964, The Byrds signed a recording contract under Columbia Records. After a few days later, they renamed themselves as The Byrds. In 1965, they released their first single, Mr. Tambourine Man which reached number 1 at the US charts. They also released their debut album, Mr. Tambourine Man who also reached the billboard charts.
In 1966, Gene left the band due to a fair in riding on an airplane. The Byrds album, Fifth Dimension was a minor hit only. The bands next single, Eight Miles High is one of the most innovative top-forty singles in the history of popular music.
In 1967, the bands album, Younger Than Yesterday top the hit charts and the band was of the most forward-looking pop groups of the time. Their album, The Notorious Byrd Brothers which all the songs included was written by some members of the band is regarded today by critics as the masterpiece of The Byrds. David left the band and followed by Chris. Gram Parsons joined the band and record an album, Sweetheart of The Rodeo.
In 1969, the band recruited John York and Clarence White. They released another album, Ballad of Easy Rider. In the later part of 1969, John left the band and was replaced by Skip Battin. In 1972, original members who left the band rejoined to record a reunion album, Byrds before the group was officially dissolved by Jim in 1973.
In 1991, the band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. On May 24, 1991, Gene died. Two years later, Michael died due to liver diseased brought on by alcoholism.
Awards & Certifications
Chart Toppers
News
Tours & Concerts
There are no current tour and concert schedules for The Byrds
Announcements
There are no announcements as of this time
Discography
Albums
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 |
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 Younger Than Yesterday
February 20, 1967 |
 The Notorious Byrd Brothers
January 3, 1968 |
 Sweetheart of The Rodeo
July 22, 1968 |
 Dr. Byrds & Mr. Hyde
February 3, 1969 |
 Ballad of Easy Rider
October 27, 1969 |
 Untitled
September 16, 1970 |
 Byrdmaniax
June 3, 1971 |
 Farther Along
November 17, 1971 |
 Byrds
March 1973 |
Singles
| Date | Title | Label |
|---|---|---|
| 2004 | Cancelled Flytes | Sundazed Music |
| 2006 | Eight Miles High | Magic |
| 2007 | Lazy Days | Sundazed |
Compilations & Live Releases
 Greatest Hits
1967 |
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 Legendary Byrds
1975 |
 Never Before
1987 |
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 In The Beginning
1988 |
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 Cancelled Flytes
2004 |
Other artists
Similar artists
