Born 80 Years Ago Today in Florida, the “Cosmic Cowboy” Who Pioneered Country-Rock and Toured With Emmylou Harris

Gram Parsons, born on 5 November 1946 in Florida, helped shape country-rock by blending country with rock, soul, folk and other styles. A member of the Byrds and co-founder of the Flying Burrito Brothers, he influenced musicians including Emmylou Harris and Linda Ronstadt; his career ended when he died aged 26 in 1973.

Parsons first played in rock and folk groups before forming the International Submarine Band, whose album *Safe at Home* is widely regarded as an early country-rock record. He helped steer the Byrds towards the genre on *Sweetheart of the Rodeo*, then formed the Flying Burrito Brothers with Chris Hillman; their 1969 debut later gained a cult following. In 1972 he began working with Harris, releasing his solo debut *GP* in 1973 and touring with her.