The Byrds’ 1968 album *Sweetheart of the Rodeo* marked a sharp move into country rock, largely driven by new member Gram Parsons and bassist Chris Hillman. Although Roger McGuinn initially viewed the project as an interesting experiment, he later said he never intended the band to continue in that musical direction, highlighting tensions over creative control.

McGuinn remained the Byrds’ only constant member and exerted strong influence over their sound, having previously dismissed members who challenged his authority. Parsons left the group roughly six months after joining, following disagreements over its future and a proposed tour of apartheid-era South Africa.