Monday, July 11, 2011
Was the famous Byrds/Gram Parsons appearance on the Grand Ole Opry taped and ever released on DVD or CD?
In March 1968, the rock group the Byrds (who were rapidly becoming a country rock group under the co-leadership of Roger McGuinn and newcomer Gram Parsons) were asked to appear on the Grand Ole Opry and were requested to play two classic country songs by Merle Haggard ("Sing Me Back Home" and "Life In Prison") However, because a number of rude people in the crowd mocked their relatively long hair and who were offended that a hippie ROCK BAND was actually on the stage at the Ryman Auditorium, though the crowd warmed up immediately when they saw the longhairs could actually play!. Parsons (who was, in fact a big Merle Haggard fan)announced after they played "Sing Me Back Home" that he and the band would play a special song for his grandmother,who had been a faithful Opry listener, instead of "Life in Prison". So they played "Hickory Wind", Gram Parsons' great song from The Byrds then current album "Sweethearts of the Rodeo" instead. Apparently, the people in charge were enraged, but several other performers found it amusing and gave the band a warm reception as they left the stage. I've always wanted to see or hear this show. Is there a copy of this on a DVD or a CD of some sort? Parsons left the band shortly thereafter and started the Flying Burrito Brothers, a great and influential band. If someone could help me find it, I'd appreciate it. Thanks.
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