To try and describe the musical contribution of Chris Hillman and Herb Pedersen to the various genres of music that they have encompassed or the number of artists that they have played with over the last 60 years would take far longer than I would be allowed in this article. They will both turn 80 years old this year and have recorded either as a member of various groups (Byrds, Desert Rose Band to name but two out of at least 20), on their own, as session players for major artists (think Linda Ronstadt, Jackson Browne or John Prine in the case of Pedersen) and as a duo. They continue to appear live together though Hillman has retired from touring. Encompassing bluegrass, rock (Hillman was inducted into the Rock’n’Roll Hall of Fame as part of The Byrds in 1991), country rock, folk and folk rock they have both equally pioneered the music we now know as americana. From a slew of performances I’ve picked this beautiful song (written by Pedersen in the early 70s and appearing on his 1976 debut solo album ‘Southwest’ ), because it sounds as fresh now as it did then and it highlights Hillman’s prowess on the mandolin (his favourite instrument) and the guitar-playing of John Jorgenson (a very unsung guitar hero). It’s a timeless classic love song.
This week's Classic Clip is a little piece of history with Chris Hillman revisiting one of his classic tracks with his then very new band, The Desert Rose Band. Chris Hillman is now recognised as one of the legendary architects of country rock and subsequently americana due to his time…
If committing Country Rock was ever to be designated a crime, Chris Hillman would go down in history as one of the great serial offenders. Having been an original member of the Byrds he went on to form The Flying Burrito Brothers with Gram Parsons before joining Steve Stills’ Manassas…
Chris Hillman is now recognised as one of the founding fathers of country rock, and subsequently americana, and has a mantlepiece of awards, including his induction into The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of the Byrds and the Americana Music Association’s Lifetime Achievement Award, to prove…
Lifelong fan of predominantly US (and Canadian) country roots music. Previously an avid concert-goer before wives, kids and dogs got in the way- and although I still try to get to several, my preference for small independent venues often means standing, and that ain't too good for my ancient bones!! Still, a healthy and catholic music collection helps ease the pain
