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Inside Keith Richards’ surprising closest vocal partnership: “We lived together”
The article highlights Keith Richards’ close musical relationship with Gram Parsons, saying Richards believed he had sung with Parsons more than with any other singer. It matters because it underlines Parsons’ influence on Richards’ vocal style and on the country elements that entered The Rolling Stones’ music.
Richards said Parsons taught him Everly Brothers-style harmonies and that they spent days singing together at the piano. Parsons lived with Richards during the recording of 1972’s Exile on Main St., for around two or three months, and Richards later described him as an exceptionally prolific songwriter.
In short
- Gram Parsons strongly influenced Keith Richards’ singing and harmonies.
- They lived together during Exile on Main St.
- Richards said he sang with Parsons more than with the Stones.
Explained simply
Keith Richards is the guitarist and singer in the Rolling Stones, a British band whose music drew on blues, rock and country. Gram Parsons was an American singer and songwriter who helped bring country influences into rock music, including through his work with the bands the Byrds and the Flying Burrito Brothers.
The Everly Brothers were an American duo known for close, blended harmonies, a style that influenced many later singers. Richards and Parsons shared an interest in country music, and their musical connection helps explain some of the country sounds in the Rolling Stones’ work.
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