Gram Parsons

Gram Parsons was a country/rock pioneer and considered by many to to the first Alternative Country artist.

Fast Facts

1. Name: Cecil Ingram Connor, III
2. Born: November 5, 1946
3. Died: September 19, 1973
4. Origin: Waycross, Georgia
5. Years active: 1963 - 1973
6. Parsons’ referred to his music as "Cosmic American Music".
7. Was a close friend of Keith Richards

History

During his career Parsons’ was a member of The International Submarine Band, was a member of The Byrds, and formed the The Flying Burrito Brothers with former Byrd Chris Hillman. He also released two solo albums, GP in 1973 and Grievous Angel in 1974 and is credited with discovering Emmylou Harris.

Albums

• 1968: Safe at Home with International Submarine Band
• 1968: Sweetheart of the Rodeo with The Byrds
• 1969: The Gilded Palace of Sin with The Flying Burrito Brothers
• 1970: Burrito Deluxe with The Flying Burrito Brothers
• 1973: GP
• 1974: Grievous Angel

Death

On September 19, 1973 Parsons’ died of a morphine overdose. He was 26 years old.

Prior to his death, Parsons’ mentioned to his friends that he did not want a traditional burial. He wanted his body to be cremated and his ashes where to be spread over Cap Rock in Joshua Tree.

Phil Kaufmann, Parsons' road manager stole the body from Los Angeles National Airport before it could be transported to New Orleans, where Parson's family had made funeral arrangements. The body was then taken out to Joshua Tree where Kaufmann infamously set it on fire.

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