cd The country-based awe shown to Gram parsons sometimes makes us ignore the influence of R&B and blues on his writing, even though his choice of cover songs proves James Carr touched him as deeply as George Jones. Despite his lethal habits, the temporary Byrd and Flying Burrito Brother leader was smart enough to sense a convergence of the agonies of truckers and the Delta weariness of black sharecroppers—a connection so unnerving to ’60s country fans their attitude to Parsons was often hostile.
Country music’s grievous angel, remembered through tunes handpicked by country music’s best backup vocalist, Emmylou Harris.
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This box set of his complete Reprise recordings comes with many alternate tracks and radio interviews, respectfully assembled by his singing partner Emmylou Harris, another country artist who knows this genre gains greater depth when it acknowledges its kinship with all the traditions of the South.