50 years ago today (8/30/68), The Byrds featuring Gram Parsons released their Sweetheart of the Rodeo LP. This sixth album from the Roger McGuinn lead band made a bold statement for its time as it was noted as the first major country rock album by an established act and represented a stylistic move away from the more psychedelic and Rickenbacker sound of their earlier efforts. With Gene Clark, Michael Clarke and David Crosby no longer in the band, Parsons along with Chris Hillman and McGuinn an eleven song jewel that still sounds relevant today. Currently McGuinn is touring in celebration of the album’s 50th Anniversary. Watch “Hickory Wind” live from the current tour in LA in June of 2018…
