Gram Parsons (November 5, 1946 – September 19, 1973) was an American singer, songwriter,
guitarist and
pianist. Parsons was a member of the
International Submarine Band,
The Byrds and
The Flying Burrito Brothers. He was later a solo artist who recorded and performed duets with
Emmylou Harris.
Parsons died of a
drug overdose at the age of 26 in a hotel room in
Joshua Tree, California. Since his death, he has been credited with helping to found both
country rock and
alt-country.
In 2004,
Rolling Stone ranked him #87 on their list of the 100 Most Influential Artists of All Time.