36 Facts About Gram Parsons Death

The Life and Legacy of Gram Parsons

Gram Parsons, a pioneer in the country rock genre, left an indelible mark on music. His untimely death at the age of 26 shocked fans and musicians alike. Here are some intriguing facts about his life and mysterious death.

1. Gram Parsons was born on November 5, 1946, in Winter Haven, Florida. His birth name was Ingram Cecil Connor III.

2. He was a member of several influential bands, including The Byrds and The Flying Burrito Brothers.

3. Parsons is often credited with helping to create the genre known as "Cosmic American Music," blending country, rock, and soul.

4. He had a close friendship with Keith Richards of The Rolling Stones, influencing the band's country-influenced sound on albums like "Sticky Fingers."

5. Parsons struggled with substance abuse throughout his life, which ultimately played a role in his early death.

The Mysterious Death of Gram Parsons

The circumstances surrounding Parsons' death are both tragic and bizarre. Here are some facts that shed light on what happened.

6. Gram Parsons died on September 19, 1973, at the Joshua Tree Inn in Joshua Tree, California.

7. The official cause of death was an overdose of morphine and alcohol.

8. Parsons had a well-known affinity for the Joshua Tree National Park, often visiting to take psychedelic drugs and search for UFOs.

9. His road manager, Phil Kaufman, had promised Parsons that if he died, he would cremate his body in Joshua Tree.

10. After Parsons' death, Kaufman and a friend stole his body from the Los Angeles International Airport to fulfill this promise.

The Infamous Cremation

The story of Parsons' cremation is one of the most unusual in rock history. Here are some facts about this bizarre event.

11. Kaufman and his friend Michael Martin drove Parsons' body to Joshua Tree in a borrowed hearse.

12. They attempted to cremate the body by pouring five gallons of gasoline into the open coffin and setting it on fire.

13. The makeshift cremation was only partially successful, and the charred remains were later found by park rangers.

14. Kaufman and Martin were arrested but only fined $750 each for stealing the body, as there were no laws against stealing a corpse at the time.

15. Parsons' remains were eventually returned to his family and buried in New Orleans.

The Aftermath and Legacy

Parsons' death left a lasting impact on the music world and his fans. Here are some facts about his legacy.

16. His influence can be heard in the music of artists like Emmylou Harris, who was a close collaborator and friend.

17. Parsons' posthumous album, "Grievous Angel," is considered a classic and was released just months after his death.

18. The Joshua Tree Inn, where Parsons died, has become a pilgrimage site for fans.

19. Room 8 at the Joshua Tree Inn, where Parsons stayed, is now a shrine dedicated to his memory.

20. The story of Parsons' death and cremation was the subject of the 2003 film "Grand Theft Parsons," starring Johnny Knoxville.

The Music Lives On

Despite his short life, Gram Parsons' music continues to inspire and influence. Here are some more facts about his enduring legacy.

21. Parsons was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2001.

22. His song "Hickory Wind" is considered one of the greatest country songs of all time.

23. The International Submarine Band, Parsons' first band, is credited with helping to pioneer country rock.

24. Parsons' influence can be seen in the work of contemporary artists like Ryan Adams and Wilco.

25. His distinctive Nudie suits, designed by Nudie Cohn, have become iconic in the world of country music fashion.

Personal Life and Relationships

Parsons' personal life was as tumultuous as his career. Here are some facts about his relationships and family.

26. He was married to Gretchen Burrell, but the marriage was troubled due to his substance abuse issues.

27. Parsons had a daughter, Polly Parsons, who has worked to preserve her father's legacy.

28. His father, Ingram Cecil Connor II, committed suicide when Parsons was 12 years old.

29. Parsons' mother, Avis, remarried Robert Parsons, whose last name Gram adopted.

30. He attended Harvard University for a brief period before dropping out to pursue music.

The Continuing Influence of Gram Parsons

Even decades after his death, Parsons' influence remains strong. Here are some final facts about his lasting impact.

31. The annual Gram Parsons Guitar Pull and Tribute Festival is held in Waycross, Georgia, near his birthplace.

32. His music has been covered by numerous artists, including The Rolling Stones, Elvis Costello, and Lucinda Williams.

33. Parsons' blend of country and rock paved the way for the alt-country movement of the 1990s.

34. He was posthumously awarded the Americana Music Association's President's Award in 2003.

35. Parsons' life and music have been the subject of several biographies, including "Hickory Wind" by Ben Fong-Torres.

36. His influence extends beyond music, impacting fashion, culture, and the way we think about genre-blending in art.

Gram Parsons' Legacy Lives On

Gram Parsons' death remains a topic of intrigue and speculation. His influence on country rock and his tragic end have cemented his place in music history. Despite his short life, Parsons' work with The Byrds and The Flying Burrito Brothers left a lasting impact. His unique blend of rock and country paved the way for future artists. The bizarre circumstances surrounding his death, including the theft of his body and the desert cremation, only add to his mystique. Fans continue to celebrate his contributions and remember him as a pioneer. Parsons' legacy lives on through his music, inspiring new generations. His story serves as a reminder of the fleeting nature of life and the enduring power of art. Gram Parsons may be gone, but his spirit and influence remain strong.