Gram Parsons

Gram Parsons
Parsons in 1972
Born	Ingram Cecil Connor III (1946-11-05)November 5, 1946 Winter Haven, Florida, U.S.
Died	September 19, 1973(1973-09-19) (aged 26) Joshua Tree, California, U.S.
Spouse	Gretchen Burrell ​ ​ (m. 1971; sep 1973)​
Children	Polly Parsons
Musical career
Genres	Country rock progressive country
Occupation(s)	Singer-songwriter, musician
Instrument(s)	Vocals guitar piano organ
Years active	1963–1973
Labels	Reprise
Formerly of	International Submarine Band
Website	gramparsons.com

Ingram Cecil Connor III (November 5, 1946 – September 19, 1973), known as Gram Parsons, was an American singer-songwriter and musician. He blended country, rock, folk, and soul into what he dubbed "Cosmic American Music," influencing country rock and progressive country. Parsons recorded with International Submarine Band, The Byrds, and The Flying Burrito Brothers, and died of a drug overdose at 26. He ranks No. 87 on Rolling Stone’s 100 Greatest Artists.

Early Life

Born in Winter Haven, Florida, to Ingram Cecil "Coon Dog" Connor II and Avis Snively, Parsons grew up in Waycross, Georgia. His father, a WWII pilot, died by suicide in 1958; his mother, from a citrus magnate family, died of alcoholism in 1965. Adopted by stepfather Robert Parsons, he attended The Bolles School and briefly Harvard University, leaving after one semester with a trust fund.

Career

1963–1967

Inspired by Elvis Presley’s 1956 show, Parsons played in rock and folk bands like the Shilohs. In 1966, he formed International Submarine Band in Boston, moving to Los Angeles to record Safe at Home (1968, LHI), featuring "Luxury Liner." The band split before its release.

The Byrds (1968)

Joining The Byrds in 1968, Parsons shaped Sweetheart of the Rodeo (Columbia), pushing the band toward country. He left after refusing a South Africa tour, citing apartheid opposition, and bonded with The Rolling Stones in England.

The Flying Burrito Brothers (1969–1970)

With Chris Hillman, Parsons co-founded The Flying Burrito Brothers. Their debut, The Gilded Palace of Sin (1969, A&M), hit #164 on Billboard, mixing country and soul. Drug use strained his tenure; he left after Burrito Deluxe (1970).

Solo Career (1971–1973)

Signing with Reprise, Parsons released GP (1973) and Grievous Angel (1974, posthumous, #195 Billboard) with Emmylou Harris. Touring as Gram Parsons and the Fallen Angels, he curbed substance use during recording but died before a planned 1973 tour.

Personal Life

Parsons married Gretchen Burrell in 1971; they separated in 1973. He had a daughter, Polly, with Nancy Ross in 1967. His Topanga home burned down in 1973, prompting a move to Phil Kaufman’s house.

Death

On September 19, 1973, Parsons overdosed on morphine and alcohol at Joshua Tree Inn. Kaufman stole his body, cremating it at Joshua Tree National Park per Parsons’ wishes. Remains were later buried in Metairie, Louisiana.

Legacy

Parsons’ fusion of genres shaped modern music. Harris, Eagles, and Poco paid tribute through songs. The 2023 release The Last Roundup (Amoeba) revived his live work. Despite Americana Awards recognition (2003), he’s not in the Rock or Country Halls of Fame.

Discography

• GP (1973, Reprise)
• Grievous Angel (1974, Reprise) – US #195
• The Last Roundup: Live 3/16/73 (2023, Amoeba)

External links

• Official website