Overview
Gram Parons lived hard and died young, and left behind a musical legacy that has influenced generations of rock and country legends. Ben Fong-Torres's moving account of his story—from his poor-little-rich-kid childhood; through his seminal time with the Byrds and his own bands, the Flying Burrito Brothers and the Fallen Angels; to days and nights spent with the likes of Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, and Emmylou Harris—is a classic of rock biography. This newly expanded edition updates the text and discograph, adds rare new photographs, and concludes with an intriguing epilogue that answers some lingering questions about Gram's untimely death—and raised a few more.
Synopsis
Gram Parons lived hard and died young, and left behind a musical legacy that has influenced generations of rock and country legends. Ben Fong-Torres's moving account of his story—from his poor-little-rich-kid childhood; through his seminal time with the Byrds and his own bands, the Flying Burrito Brothers and the Fallen Angels; to days and nights spent with the likes of Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, and Emmylou Harris—is a classic of rock biography. This newly expanded edition updates the text and discograph, adds rare new photographs, and concludes with an intriguing epilogue that answers some lingering questions about Gram's untimely death—and raised a few more.
Publishers Weekly
An entertaining biography of singer/songwriter/guitarist Gram Parsons, a key figure linking country music to rock until his 1973 drug-related death at age 26. Photos. (Sept.)
Editorials
From the Publisher
"The cream of the crop [of rock books]...Fong-Torres writes a fan's appreciation of Parsons that does not skimp on the harsh truth."—Steve Morse, The Boston Globe"A saddening piece of reading, but one which members of Parsons' large cult will find essential."—Musician Magazine
"The first clear picture of a musical genius."—South Bend Tribune (Indiana)