Gram Parsons on Facebook

[Richard Wilhelm]

On Facebook there is a Gram Parsons site that worth checking out. I first saw the Flying Burrito's at the Whisky in Hollywood before 'The Gilded Palace of Sin' came out. I can still remember Gram on the organ playing Hot Burrito #2. Van Morrison came on first.
I've run in Chris Hillman a few times in Ventura, usually at the local western wear store. One time I crossed paths with him was outside the Barnes & Noble. I had just purchased the Reprise reissue of Gram's GP and Grevious Angel that had just came out and put it on my car's CD player. And I saw Chris standing in the parking lot. I drove over with the music playing and told him about the cd. He said he had given up on Gram a long time ago. I asked him if he caught the Mark Knofler/Emmylou Harris show the week before in Santa Barbara, he said no. But said he was invited to join them and pulled out the back stage pass in his pocket. Then we talked about dogs.

[Joachim Kettner]

Somehow I can understand him. Compared to the Byrds, Dire Straits were below. Maybe this thought ran through his mind, also he introduced Gram to her, it was her big chance. Nice gesture that she invited him.

[chris ivey]

as much as chris has been in and responsible for many great bands, he always looks a little too serious to me. does anyone know if he is a happy fun guy?

[Geoff Watkinson]

With many years of experience behind him and weathering the ups and downs of the so called music business he can look as serious as he wants. And anyway who cares if he is a fun guy or not ?.

[Richard Wilhelm]

David Crosby might be the best one to anwser that. But for his devotion to music, few can compare. He still tours with Herb Peterson and occasionally resurrects the Desert Rose Band. Chris is also a devoted member of the Greek Orthodox choir in Santa Barbara. He is also a valuable resource of knowledge of the California music scene. Whenever someone of importance dies, Chris is the first person the L.A. Times calls to contribute to the orbituary. When a book was written about the Laurel Canyon music scene, his insightful recollections are thru out. Also being credited with being the first renter in the canyon to practically birth the 60's counter culture. His interview with the Libary of Congress is well worth the visit. His musical talent, intelligence and memory are national treasures, though he couldn't remember the Byrds playing at my high school.

[Skip Edwards]

Chris and I have been friends for 40 years, and I never tire of his sense of humor.

[Joachim Kettner]

Skip plays keyboards on Chris Hillman's "Clear Sailing".
Skip was it you who played on "Three Byrds Land In London" or was it another keyboard player?

[Skip Edwards]

That was me...guilty as charged.
I don't remember if there was anyone else playing keys or steel in Gene's or Roger's band. Don't think so.

[Joachim Kettner]

Thanks! And who was the steel player?
The other two bands had no keyboard/steel.
Shouldn't the tour go on longer but was cancelled because of some problems?

[Skip Edwards]

Yeah, the tour was supposed to go on for quite a bit longer, as I remember. Don't remember exactly what happened to cancel the remainder. We played about a dozen dates in the UK, and then it was over.
I did double duty...keys & steel.

[Joachim Kettner]

And I always thought it was Al Perkins.
And for Chris if he reads this: I was lucky to see the Desert Rose Band with Tom Brumley in Hanau playing for mostly members and relatives of the armed forces at an outdoor concert. Nobody was really listening except a few in front of the stage. Most were busy doing something else. Chris Hillman, understandable very angry, said that they were brought here by the strange ways of show business. I never forgot that.

[b0b]

I love Chris' surprise vocal cameo on Jay Dee's new album. He has one of the best country voices in the world, in my opinion. Better than any of those Nashville guys, except maybe Vince Gill.

[Richard Wilhelm]

My dog Daisy loved Chris's singing. I have a tape of her barking in time with the applause after every song from this little place in Ventura. I think Chris appreciated her input.