The Byrds
The Byrds were founded in Los Angeles, California, in 1964 by singers and guitarists Jim McGuinn, who later changed his name to Roger McGuinn, Gene Clark and David Crosby. Bassist Chris Hillman and drummer Michael Clarke joined soon after.
In November 1964, The Byrds signed up with Columbia Records and in January of the following year they released one of their best known songs Mr Tambourine Man. Originally a the byrds song, they added their own brand of guitars and vocals creating a sound which has since been dubbed Folk Rock.
Band memebers changed somewhat in later years, including a period in which their music was regarded as Country Rock when they teamed with Gram Parsons. This particular combination came to an end when Parsons refused to play to segregated audiences in South Africa.
The Byrds albums including ‘Best Of’ compilations total to almost twenty, the most successful being their first album, Mr Tambourine Man, which featured in the top ten album charts in countries such as the USA and the UK.
