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The Byrds

Musical Group

American rock band formed in Los Angeles in 1964. Pioneers of folk rock with a signature 12-string Rickenbacker jangle; later explored psychedelia and helped originate country-rock (notably via Gram Parsons' participation on Sweetheart of the Rodeo). Key early hits include "Mr. Tambourine Man" and "Turn! Turn! Turn!".

Formed c.1964 in Los Angeles. Original core lineup included Roger McGuinn (born Jim McGuinn), Gene Clark, David Crosby, Chris Hillman and Michael Clarke. Breakthrough with 1965 single "Mr. Tambourine Man". Significant albums highlighted in reviews: Mr. Tambourine Man (1965), Turn! Turn! Turn! (1965), Younger Than Yesterday (1967), The Notorious Byrd Brothers (1968), Sweetheart of the Rodeo (1968). Gram Parsons joined for the Sweetheart of the Rodeo sessions and influenced the band's country-rock direction. David Crosby and Gene Clark departed at different times; Clarence White is noted as a later guitarist. The Byrds are widely cited as influential on subsequent bands and genres (folk-rock, jangle pop, country-rock).

DeBaser reviews present The Byrds as pioneers of folk rock (the jingle-jangle Rickenbacker sound) who evolved into psychedelia and then country-rock. Critics highlight landmark albums such as Mr. Tambourine Man, Younger Than Yesterday and Sweetheart of the Rodeo. Reviews discuss major lineup changes (Gene Clark, David Crosby, Gram Parsons) and the band's influence on later rock. Reception across albums ranges from high praise for early/mid 60s work to mixed critiques of some later/post-reunion records.

For:Fans of 1960s folk-rock, country-rock and psychedelic rock; music historians and record collectors.

 The result was "Sweetheart of the Rodeo," probably the most important country-rock album of all time, as well as the swan song of the Byrds themselves.

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 The Byrds, historically, are the inventors of folk rock, the genre that was trendy in the 60s, drawing inspiration a bit from electric Dylan and a bit from traditional American music.

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