Saturday, September 12, 2026
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Sunday, September 17, 2023
50 Years Ago Today: Gram Parsons: The Desert, the Legend, and a Lasting Legacy
A Fateful Journey to Joshua Tree
It was September 1973, and Parsons, seeking solace and inspiration, decided to head out to Joshua Tree, a place he had visited and loved multiple times before. The desert, with its vast landscapes and surreal beauty, had a spiritual pull on Parsons, much like it does on countless artists and wanderers.
The trip that was meant to be a peaceful retreat soon transformed into a private party. Parsons was accompanied by a small group of friends, and what followed was a two-day binge of alcohol and drugs. Less than 48 hours after his arrival, on September 19, 1973, Gram Parsons was found dead in Room 8 of the Joshua Tree Inn. The cause of death: a lethal combination of morphine and alcohol. He was only 26 years old.
Gram Parsons: The Maestro Before the Desert
Before that tragic day, Parsons had already made an indelible mark on the music scene. Starting off in folk music, he quickly evolved, weaving together rock and country to create a sound that was both fresh and familiar. His work with The International Submarine Band, The Byrds, and The Flying Burrito Brothers had effectively laid the foundation for what would become known as country rock.
His ability to blend genres was revolutionary. Albums like "Sweetheart of the Rodeo" with The Byrds and "The Gilded Palace of Sin" with The Flying Burrito Brothers showcased his gift for storytelling, rich harmonies, and an authentic embrace of country music traditions. Yet, it wasn't just the fusion of styles that made Parsons special; it was his raw emotion, his vulnerability, and the way he wore his heart on his sleeve.
The Aftermath of a Tragedy
Parsons' death sent shockwaves through the music community. However, the drama did not end there. Famously, in a move to fulfill what they believed to be Parsons’ wish, his friends Phil Kaufman and Michael Martin stole his body from the Los Angeles International Airport. They drove it back to Joshua Tree and, in a surreal and cinematic scene, set it alight in the desert night. While the authorities were eventually alerted, and the makeshift cremation was incomplete, the event added to the mythology and lore surrounding Parsons’ life and death.
Echoes in the Sands: Parsons’ Posthumous Impact
While Parsons' life was cut short, his musical legacy only grew in stature. Artists from various genres, ranging from country to rock to indie, have cited him as a significant influence. Legends like Emmylou Harris, who was a close collaborator and friend of Parsons, continue to honor his memory and keep his songs alive.
In recent years, many contemporary country and rock artists have stepped forward to acknowledge the profound impact of Gram Parsons on their musical journey. Keith Urban, for one, has frequently cited Parsons as a foundational influence, highlighting the authenticity of his songwriting and his seamless blending of rock and country. Similarly, Wilco's Jeff Tweedy has often spoken of Parsons’ artistry, emphasizing the raw emotional depth of his music. Artists like Ryan Adams, Sturgill Simpson, and Kacey Musgraves have all, at various points, drawn parallels between their own works and the pioneering spirit of Parsons. Even beyond the realm of country, bands like The Black Crowes and My Morning Jacket have lauded his fearless genre-blending and soulful lyricism. It's evident that even decades after his passing, the ripples of Gram Parsons' musical genius continue to influence and inspire, bridging the gap between the old and the new, and proving that genuine artistry is indeed timeless.
In the decades that followed, the Gram Parsons Foundation was established, aiming to support artists battling addiction, further intertwining his legacy with the cause of aiding those facing the same demons he did.
Additionally, Joshua Tree has become a pilgrimage site for many of his fans. The Joshua Tree Inn, where he spent his last moments, has become iconic, with Room 8 often booked by fans wanting to pay homage.
In Conclusion
Fifty years have passed since Gram Parsons drove to Joshua Tree, but his spirit, music, and legacy remain very much alive. His journey from Los Angeles to the desert is not just a tale of tragedy, but also a reminder of the profound impact one artist can have, both in life and in memory. As the sun sets over Joshua Tree, one can almost hear the echoes of Parsons' voice, singing tales of love, loss, and the timeless allure of the open road.
Saturday, October 24, 2020
Margo Price Readies New Live Album Release Recorded At The Ryman For Release In December
Friday, October 16, 2020
Sturgill Simpson Releases Surprise 20-Song Bluegrass Album Today
Sunday, June 7, 2020
Hear It Here: Sturgill Simpson - Live At The Ryman Auditorium
SPECIAL FORCES FOUNDATION (https://www.specialforcesfoundation.org)
The Special Forces Foundation is dedicated to bringing support to the Special Forces community and their families in whatever way necessary. Services include operator and family support, tragedy assistance and survivor support, veteran support and more. All projects directly benefit individuals and their families. Text SFF to 91999 to donate instantly.
THE EQUITY ALLIANCE (https://theequityalliance.org)
The Equity Alliance proactively advocates for African Americans and other communities of color to have a fair and just opportunity at realizing the American dream. They are a Nashville-based grassroots non-profit advocacy group that seeks to equip citizens with tools and strategies to engage in the civic process and empower them to take action on issues affecting their daily lives.
MUSICARES (https://www.grammy.com/musicares)
The Recording Academy and MusiCares established the COVID-19 Relief Fund to help people in the music industry affected by the coronavirus disease outbreak and subsequent cancellation of multiple music events. From hotel and bar gigs to major music festivals, COVID-19 is deeply impacting live music events, and the creative community behind it all.
Saturday, March 14, 2020
That Nashville Sound Saturday Newsbytes - New Albums & Music Videos Galore
~ Lee Ann Womack, Jason Isbell and Brett Eldredge are among the ten different artists that have contributed to the new album Music Moments, which will raise money and awareness for the
Alzheimer’s Association, a health organization in Alzheimer's care, support and research. The songs "honor the personal, emotional connection between music and the most important moments in life that we never want to lose."
~ Country music vlogger Grady Smith discusses the impact that Covid-19 is having on the country music scene and interviews Jamie Lin Wilson about real world hits that country artists are taking with event cancellations.
~ New music videos:
Wednesday, August 21, 2019
Monday, April 1, 2019
Dave Cobb Produces Upcoming 5/31 Release For Robert Randolph & The Family Band
Album: Brighter Days
The first three songs of Brighter Days are a full dive back to Randolph’s gospel roots, starting with lead track “Baptise Me”, a joyous romp of a song that makes a direct connection between religious and musical ecstasy and salvation. “We wrote ‘Baptize Me’ the first day in the studio. It’s really a love story, about an all-round love: for each other, for our audience, for our church background, for the music we love and for our fans. All of these songs kind of harken back to how we started, to being known as this musical family band that comes from the church and appeals to rock, blues, gospel and soul music audiences. We wanted that good gospel, blues, R&B feel, because that’s where we started and it’s good to not only remind people of that but to actively remember it ourselves.”
“Dave Cobb is just a guy who likes to record good music and good songs,” says Randolph. “He wanted to do something that was fun but it also gives you a gospel feeling. He knows the history of our band, coming from church and giving that fun church feeling to people.
“The Family Band” Is not just a name meant to evoke connections of togetherness. They are an actual family; the group that supports Randolph is anchored by his cousins, bassist Danyel Morgan and drummer Marcus Randolph and his sister, vocalist Lenesha Randolph. Given his goals for the album, it’s fitting that the lone cover song Robert selected for the collection comes from Pops Staples and the Staples Singers, one of gospel’s greatest musical families, who seamlessly crossed over to secular R&B success with inspirational songs like “Respect Yourself” and “I’ll Take You There.” Their “Simple Man” is a deep, contemplative blues, its pensive nature amplified by Randolph’s signature weeping pedal steel guitar lines.
“When you think about Stax music and a lot of music from the 70s, especially like the Staples Singers, it was inspirational and you danced you had a good time. That’s what we really wanted to hone in on here: let’s sound good and have a natural good time that will bring listeners along. All of the music that we played in the beginning was what we would play in church. We just turned it into long jams.
Producer Cobb is renowned for his vocal work and has often said that the voice comes first for him so it’s no surprise that he helped coax out some of Randolph’s best, deepest, most nuanced singing on the nine songs where he takes the lead. It is a little surprising, however just how simple Cobb’s “secret” really was: just be yourself.
“Over the years I’ve learned how to write these songs that make you feel kind of spiritual and have the gospel roots, just like the great music of people like the Four Tops, Temptations and Ray Charles. It all comes from the same place. We don’t want to sound like them – or like anybody – but that’s the feeling we want to evoke.”
Sunday, September 23, 2018
Hear It Here: The Farm Aid 2018 Concert In Entirety - Featuring Willie Nelson, Jamey Johnson, Chris Stapleton, Sturgill Simpson and More
Now it can be 24,001. For the first time, Farm Aid partnered with YouTube and has the concert in entirety from start to finish in one video for fans to be able to enjoy around the world. You can share this once-in-a-lifetime experience from home. Watch and listen to the legendary artists who came together to support Farm Aid’s mission of building a vibrant, family farm-centered system of agriculture in America.
The Farm Aid 2018 Webcast Lineup:
- Jamey Johnson – 3:00pm
- Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats – 3:31pm
- Kacey Musgraves – 4:18pm
- Sturgill Simpson – 5:13pm
- Chris Stapleton – 6:08pm
- Dave Matthews & Tim Reynolds – 7:03pm
- John Mellencamp – 8:03pm
- Neil Young & Promise of the Real – 9:03pm
- Willie Nelson & Family – 10:03pm
Monday, January 29, 2018
Thursday, September 14, 2017
That Nashville Sound Thursday Newsbyte- New Music Videos & Americana Music Award-Winners
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| Marty Stuart & His Fabulous Superlatives Took Home Group of the Year at the Americana Music Honors Last Night |
- New music video from the Randy Rogers Band - "Meet Me Tonight"
- Mickey Guyton covered Patsy Cline's "I Fall To Pieces" backstage at the Grand Ole Opry.
- Michael Logen did an acoustic version of "Time Time Time" for Naked Sessions.
- The lovely Miss Hannah Blaylock (formerly of Eden's Edge) covered Dwight Yoakam's "Fast As You" at Eddie's Attic.
- Entertainment Weekly premiered Nikki Lane's new video for "Send the Sun."
- Album of the Year: A Sailor’s Guide to Earth, Sturgill Simpson (Simpson, producer)
- Artist of the Year: John Prine
- Group/Duo of the Year: Marty Stuart & His Fabulous Superlatives
- Song of the Year: “It Ain’t Over Yet” Rodney Crowell feat. Rosanne Cash and John Paul White Crowell, songwriter)
- Emerging Artist of the Year: Amanda Shires
- Instrumentalist of the Year: Charlie Sexton
- Spirit of Americana/Free Speech in Music Award: Graham Nash
- Lifetime Achievement Award, Trailblazer: Iris Dement
- Lifetime Achievement Award, Songwriting: Van Morrison
- Lifetime Achievement Award, Performance: Robert Cray
- Lifetime Achievement Award, Instrumentalist: Hi Rhythm Section
- Lifetime Achievement Award, Executive: Larry Sloven and Bruce Bromberg
Thursday, March 2, 2017
Friday, February 17, 2017
Thursday, May 5, 2016
Sunday, April 24, 2016
Friday, March 11, 2016
Friday, March 4, 2016
Sturgill Simpson Readies A Sailor's Guide To Earth For April 15 Release
Artist: Sturgill SimpsonLabel: Atlantic
Release date: April 15, 2016
With two critically acclaimed album releases under his belt already, Sturgill Simpson is back with another album release produced entirely by himself entitled A Sailor's Guide To Earth. He also unveiled the first song off of the project called "Brace for Impact" in which you can stream below. Rolling Stone says, "Sonically it has much more in common with the fuzzed-out blues rock of "Sugar Daddy," Simpson's theme for HBO's Vinyl, than the space-cowboy odysseys of Metamodern. Supported by funky splashes of electric piano and organ, Simpson lays out a simple, live-for-today message of kindness that closes with an extended instrumental coda of cascading electric guitars and a throbbing, synthetic bass groove."
In a exclusive 3-minute interview on Beats 1 Radio with Zane Lowe, Simpson discussed the new album and his mindset going in and doing the new recording.
"Well I approached the last record when it was finished, I kind of had this feeling that it might possibly destroy my career, and it did just the opposite. So I figured if anything I had to sort of take the same fearlessness into the studio on this one as well. But really, there’s nothing intentional, it’s just a representation of where my heart and where my head were at the time when we went into the studio.”
"Like I’ve always said, I wanted to express a lot of other influences that are outside of country music, that I think there’s a lot of room to explore, in certain terms of sonic templates in the genre. If there was any intentional approach, I wanted to reverse engineer the songcraft. Country music especially can get very formulaic. You know, you have to have your verses and a bridge and a chorus, and a lot of the songs are written as just plain and simple poetry on the road. Then I decided I was going to frame those poems to music while in the studio.”
“If you take a chance, and try to progess a little bit, which for me is what it’s all about you know. I had already made ‘Metamodern [Sounds in Country Music]’ so I didn’t want to make another psychedelic country record. But I’ve said it before: As soon as I open my mouth, it’s always going to be a country record … A lot of this record came from me figuring out my place in that world while it was all happening because it was such a sudden and intense transition around the same time that my son was born. I just wanted to do something really beautiful for him.”
Track List:
1. Welcome To Earth (Polywog)
2. Breakers Roar
3. Keep It Between The Lines
4. Sea Stories
5. In Bloom
6. Brace for Impact (Live a Little)
7. All Around You
8. Oh Sarah
9. Call to Arms