It was White's innovative string bending techniques, combined with McGuinn's signature sound, that extended the band's explorations of country music within a heavier rock framework. Much credit goes to Roger McGuinn for maintaining a vision for the group and keeping this lineup together, but the secret weapon was guitarist Clarence White. It is no wonder that this occurred, as Roger McGuinn, Clarence White, Gene Parsons,and Skip Battin had indeed become the most enduring lineup of The Byrds, performing and recording together from September of 1969 well into 1972. The group's extensive touring schedule during this era helped develop a new legion of fans and The Byrds would finally gain a deserved reputation as a compelling live band. Containing both live and studio recordings, all four members contributed material, which displayed a solid group effort. By 1970, when many of the band's contemporaries had split up or were nearing the end of their creativity, the double album Untitled, had redefined The Byrds' sound. Over the course of their nearly decade long career and numerous personnel changes, this would gradually reverse itself. Unlike most American rock bands of the era that first established their reputations on stage, The Byrds initially established their reputation in the studio. The Byrds' striking vocal harmonies and the jangly timbre of Roger McGuinn's Rickenbacker guitar would fuel their early hits and become the building blocks of a sound that remains compelling to the present day. Right from the start, the group's music would have an impact, both on their own influences like The Beatles and Bob Dylan, and on subsequent generations of country and alternative rock bands. Roger McGuinn - guitars, vocals Clarence White - guitars, mandolin, vocals Skip Battin - bass, vocals Gene Parsons - drums, banjo, vocals Jim Seiter - congas, percussionĭespite being one of the most unstable American bands of the 1960s, The Byrds were also one of the most creative, innovative and influential. 25 Its Alright Ma (I'm Only Bleeding) 03:30Ĭopyright© Bill Graham Archives and affiliates.

21 So You Want To Be A Rock 'N' Roll Star 03:10.10 Black Mountain Rag / Soldier's Joy 01:18.

Clarence white eight miles high