Gram the Introduction

A few months back I wrote a paper on Gram Parsons. Here is the Introduction:

Gram Parsons was a pioneer of Country Rock / Alt (Alternative) Country. Like most pioneers he died at young age. On the outside it appeared he had an easy life, born into a wealthy family Gram was never in need of money, but his life was filled with tragedy and missed chances. He played in many bands during his youth, but his first break came when he started The International Submarine Band. Shorty after that he joined The Byrds, and then formed The Flying Burrito Brothers. He was a huge influence on many musicians including The Rolling Stones, The Eagles, Linda Ronstadt, and Emmylou Harris to name a few.

Gram Parsons wrote in a letter to his baby sister Avis saying “The best thing we can do is learn from the past and live our lives the right way so, in time, when we can do something to change things, we will be real people not sick and haunted by what life has done to us. Above all – believe in yourself and other people – they’re the one thing that is real. I’ll try to write as often as I can. Until then – live your life as you see it – as best you can – give it a solid foundation for the future”. There is only one other person who Gram felt could possibly understand his childhood, and that would be his sister.

It has been said the money is the root of all evil, and the tragedy that surrounded Gram Parsons and his family as a result of money and access is further proof. Gram Parsons never achieved commercial success, but was highly influential to many success artists. He is now known at the King of country-rock, but much of his recognition came after his death. There have been a number of biographies written about him as well as tribute albums, annual tribute concerts, and even a BBC documentary. He was a storyteller, and like most raconteurs many parts of his life have three sometimes four different versions depending on who you ask, putting together the pieces of his short life can be difficult, using many different sources to try and accurately portray his life, his faith, and how his love for country music changed rock and roll.