Gram Parsons: The Turbulent Life And Legacy Of A Country Music Icon

Gram Parsons died on Sept. 19, 1973, bringing an end to the short, turbulent life of one of country music's most gifted artists. But the craziness was just beginning. His legacy, though marked by tragedy, continues to influence countless musicians today. Parsons is remembered as one of the most influential musicians of his generation, but as with many great artists, the true extent of his influence was not recognized until years after his death.

In retrospect, Parsons' early work was crucial in the subsequent cross-pollination of rock and country music that took root in the '70s and still resonates today. His unique ability to blend genres brought a fresh sound to the music industry, one that would pave the way for future artists and movements.

The Byrds' seminal 1968 album, Sweethearts of the Rodeo, owed a huge debt to Parsons' unique juxtaposition of genres. He and fellow Byrds veteran Chris Hillman founded the Flying Burrito Brothers in 1969, releasing their debut album, The Gilded Palace of Sin, that same year. Despite his contributions, Parsons faced significant challenges, including personal struggles with addiction, which ultimately led to his dismissal from the group before the release of their second album, Burrito Deluxe.

Detail	Information
Name	Gram Parsons
Date of Birth	November 5, 1946
Date of Death	September 19, 1973
Age at Death	26 years
Notable Bands	The Byrds, Flying Burrito Brothers
Key Albums	Sweethearts of the Rodeo, GP, Grievous Angel

Parsons released his debut solo album, GP, in 1973, introducing the world to the talents of an unknown singer named Emmylou Harris. His second solo album, Grievous Angel, was released posthumously in 1974 and became one of the key albums of the emerging country-rock scene that gave rise to more commercially successful artists, including the Eagles.

Gram Parsons died from an overdose of drugs and alcohol on Sept. 19, 1973, at the age of 26. Most accounts agree that he probably died on Sept. 18, but he was declared dead upon arrival at a local hospital. His close friend and tour manager, Phil Kaufman, whose legendary exploits earned him the nickname “the Road Mangler,” stole Parsons’ body from Los Angeles International Airport while it was being readied to ship to Parsons' home state of Louisiana against the singer’s stated wishes.

Kaufman and a friend drove Parsons’ body out to Joshua Tree National Park, where Kaufman and Parsons had previously agreed that they would each burn the other’s body in the event of their deaths. Kaufman kept his promise by pouring gasoline into Parsons' casket and throwing in a match. This bizarre act of friendship led to Kaufman’s arrest, though there was no law against stealing a body at that time, so they only faced fines of $750.

Parsons was eventually buried in the Garden of Memories of Metairie, Louisiana, while Kaufman raised the money to pay his fine and for Parsons' funeral by throwing a party he dubbed Kaufman’s Koffin Kaper Koncert. In 2003, a movie titled Grand Theft Parsons chronicled this bizarre episode, casting Jackass star Johnny Knoxville as Kaufman and Gabriel Macht as Parsons.

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Gallery Credit: Billy Dukes

Sterling Whitaker is a Senior Writer and Senior Editor for Taste of Country. He focuses on celebrity real estate, as well as coverage of Yellowstone and related shows like 1883 and 1923. He has interviewed cast members including Cole Hauser, Kelly Reilly, Sam Elliott, and Harrison Ford, and Whitaker is also known for his in-depth interviews with country legends including Don Henley, Rodney Crowell, Trace Adkins, Ronnie Milsap, Ricky Skaggs, and more.