Byrds, The

The Byrds are mostly remembered for being the definitive folk rock band of the folk rock craze of 1965-66, and that's pretty much true. But they less remembered for being one of the pioneering psychedelic and jazz rock bands. Though they spent not even two years making psychedelic music, their contributions were essential to the development of psychedelia in particular and art rock in general, even those contributions are basically forgotten by everyone except Byrds fans.

The Byrds

• Lead Vocals:
  • Gene Clark (1964-66, 1967, 1972-73),
  • David Crosby (1964-67, 1972-73),
  • Roger McGuinn, Chris Hillman (1965-68, 1972-73),
  • Gram Parsons (1968),
  • Clarence White (1968-73, rarely),
  • Gene Parsons (1968-72),
  • John York (1968-69, rarely),
  • Skip Battin (1969-73, rarely)
• Guitars:
  • Gene Clark (1964, 1967),
  • David Crosby (1964-67, 1972-73),
  • Roger McGuinn,
  • Chris Hillman (1966-68, studio only),
  • Gram Parsons (1968),
  • Clarence White (1968-73, and earlier as a session musician),
  • Gene Parsons (1968-72, studio only)
• Keyboards:
  • Gram Parsons (1968),
  • Skip Battin (1969-73, studio only)
• Bass Guitar:
  • Chris Hillman (1965-68, 1972-73),
  • John York (1968-69),
  • Skip Battin (1969-73)
• Drums:
  • Michael Clarke (1964-67, 1972-73),
  • Kevin Kelley (1968),
  • Gene Parsons (1968-72)
• Percussion: Gene Clark (1964-66, 1972-73)
• Mandolin/Banjo:
  • Chris Hillman (1965-68, 1972-73, studio only),
  • Clarence White (1968-73),
  • Gene Parsons (1968-72, studio only)
• Synthesizer: Roger McGuinn (1966-73, studio only)

Folk Rock Origins

The Byrds began as a folk trio called The Jet Set, made up of Gene Clark, David Crosby and Roger McGuinn. According the Crosby, the seminal moment in their evolution from a folk group to a rock band came when the group saw ''A Hart Day's Night'', which showed that a rock band could play folk music. The band soon expanded to a five piece and adopted the Beatles' instruments from the film, guitar, 12-string guitar, bass and drums. (Crosby infamously appropriated Clark's guitar after a time.) Released on April 12, 1965, the Byrds' cover of Bob Dylan's "Mr. Tambourine Man" effectively launched the folk rock craze. Though most of the Byrds didn't actually perform on this record - the Wrecking Crew played all instruments aside from McGuinn's guitar part - the song became the sound of folk rock; jangly guitars and folk harmonies. This sound became the dominant sound in the rock world for the next 2-3 years, even finding its way into pop arrangements.

Psychedelic/Jazz Rock Innovators

However, The Byrds were not just enamoured with Bob Dylan and Pete Seeger. They had begun listening to John Coltrane and other American jazz musicians, who were experimenting with Indian music and other music which departed from traditional, Western ideas of tonality.

Psychedelic/Jazz Rock Recordings

March 14, 1966: '''Eight Miles High''' backed with '''Why'''

The music of "Eight Miles High" was originally written as a folk song with an Indian influence in the vocals, but McGuinn suggested it be re-arranged to incorporate the John Coltrane music they were listening to on their tour. The lyrics of "Eight Miles High" concern a plane ride, though there's been lots of insinuation over the years, some of it confirmed, that it was really about drug use. Clark wrote the lyrics with a line or two from Crosby. McGuinn has claimed he had the initial idea and wrote some of the lyrics but it is believed he has made this up. Like "Eight Miles High," "Why" is notably influenced by Indian music. Unlike "Eight Miles High" there is no influence of Coltrane.

June 13, 1966: "5D (Fifth Dimension)" backed with "Captain Soul"

The Byrds' second psychedelic single is significantly less path-breaking than their first, but is still radical compared to the vast majority of pop rock being released in June of 1966.

July 18, 1966: Fifth Dimension

September 6, 1966: "Mr. Spaceman" backed with "What's Happening?!?!"

February 6, 1967: Younger Than Yesterday

March 13, 1967: "My Back Pages" backed with "Renaissance Fair"

May 22, 1967: "Have You Seen Her Face" backed with "Don't Make Waves"

July 13, 1967: "Lady Friend" backed with "Old John Robertson"

October 20, 1967: "Goin' Back" backed with "Change Is Now"

January 15, 1968: ''The Notorious Byrd Brothers

Influenced by

Folk Rock Influences

Bob Dylan

Pete Seeger

The Beatles

Psychedelic Influences

Folk rock influences plus

John Coltrane

Country Rock Influences

The Louvin Brothers