Gram Parsons: God's Own Singer

by Jason Walker

This book is the definitive biography of country star Gram Parsons and was published to very positive reviews in 2002, written by a fan who is also a successful musician in his own right. Soundcheck Books has licensed the work from Helter Skelter on a worldwide basis and is re-publishing it in an accessible B-format edition for a new audience.

Had Parsons lived he would have been 65 on November 5th, so Soundcheck Books will be publishing the new edition in time to mark that important anniversary, which will help generate publicity.

Parsons was a contradiction in some respects. Most country stars are born into poverty, but Parsons was born to a wealthy family. He briefly studied Theology at Harvard, but embarked on a life of drink and drugs that was to destroy him. Although he died aged only 26 in 1973 his influence has been enormous, with U2, Elvis Costello, Tom Petty and the Rolling Stones amongst his biggest fans. This book looks at the man and his music, including his relationship with Emmylou Harris and the bizarre events surrounding his death when his body was stolen and cremated at the Joshua Tree. Publishing the book in a B-format paperback will help to take the work to a new audience.

This revised edition is updated by the author and contains

* Uncut magazine's Book of the Month, 2002

* Parson's 65th birthday year

Genres: Music, Biography, Nonfiction

304 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 2002

Reviews

[Charles James · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read because I wanted to now more about Gram Parsons. I had been aware of his work with the Byrds and his two solo albums . Found the book heavy going . Parsons on the basis of this book appears to have been a rich kid with self destructive tendencies with little regard with those he interacted with .Difficult to have empathy with someone who is described as having so few redeeming features other than producing some very good music , albeit it limited by his inability to finish projects . The book likens him to Elvis , however the book ignores the fact Elvis Presley was successful for twenty years prior to his severe decline . On the plus side i listened to some good tracks by the Flying Burrito Brothers I would not have otherwise heard .

[Marianne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very well written, thorough narrative of Gram Parson's life. Answers the questions other writers may not realize are generated in a reader's mind. Although the writer was in diapers when Gram first came onto the scene, he knows how to write like only a diehard fan can about his favorite subject. This is a new addition with additional interviews of one who was there at the scene. Definitely recommend this book!

[David Melbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is probably nowhere a better biography. . . One of a handful of musicians of that era that 'mellowed' my opinion of country music.

Today's country is nothing more than 'rock 'n' roll singin' outa the side of yer mouth!'

Sorry. I will always be a rocker. . . --From A Reader's Journal, by d r melbie.