44 years ago today (9/19/73), Gram Parsons of the Byrds and the Flying Burritos Brothers passes away in his motel room in Joshua Tree, CA at the age of 26. First it’s claimed he died of heart failure, then an accidental overdose of drugs and alcohol. His body is stolen and cremated in the desert. Parsons’ influence on the alt-country sound (Ryan Adams) is profound and is considered a pioneer in the melding of country with rock to whom Keith Richards still refers to as a musical hero. Watch Parsons perform “Six Days on The Road” on 2/25/73…..
