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Time Between
As a co-founder of The Byrds and The Flying Burrito Brothers, Chris Hillman is arguably the primary architect of what’s come to be known as country rock. He went on to record and perform in various configurations, including as a member of Stephen Stills’s Manassas and as a co-founder of The Souther-Hillman-Furay Band. In the 1980s he formed The Desert Rose Band, scoring eight Top 10 Billboard country hits. He’s released a number of solo efforts, including 2017’s highly acclaimed Bidin’ My Time—the final album produced by the late Tom Petty. In Time Between, Hillman shares his quintessentially Southern Californian experience, from an idyllic, rural 1950s childhood; to achieving worldwide fame thanks to hits such as “Mr. Tambourine Man,” “Turn! Turn! Turn!” and “Eight Miles High”; to becoming the first musician to move to Laurel Canyon. Featuring behind-the-scenes insights on his time in The Byrds, his productive but sometimes complicated relationship with Gram Parsons, his role in launching the careers of Buffalo Springfield and Emmylou Harris, and the ups and downs of life in various bands, music is only part of his story. Within the pages of Time Between, Hillman reveals the details of his personal life with candor and vulnerability, writing honestly about the shocking tragedy that struck his family when he was a teenager, his subsequent struggles with anger, and how his spiritual journey led him to a place of deep faith that allowed him to extend forgiveness and experience wholeness. Chris Hillman is much more than a rock star. He is truly a founding father of American music and a man who has faced down the challenges of life to discover what really matters.
315 pages, Hardcover
Published November 17, 2020
86 people are currently reading
296 people want to read
About the author
Chris Hillman
2 books7 followers“Chris Hillman has been a well-kept secret in the history of rock. Yeah, we all know how great he was in The Byrds, but his contributions go well beyond that. Chris was a true innovator—the man who invented country rock. Every time the Eagles board their private jet Chris at least paid for the fuel.”
—Tom Petty
“A bona fide pioneering godfather to generations of musical souls who’ve sought inspiration at that divine crossroads where rock & roll, country, bluegrass, folk, honky tonk, and gospel music intersect and harmonize. He’s a national treasure, truly a statesman.”
—Marty Stuart
“Chris Hillman [is] the unvarnished gem of every band he has inhabited. It’s time to applaud his legacy.”
—Bernie Taupin
Rock and Roll Hall of Famer and Country Rock pioneer, Chris Hillman has never stopped making music, but these last few years have seen the music, the milestones, the special events and the live performances happening at an exceptional pace.
The first musician to move to the artistic enclave of Laurel Canyon, Hillman is among the many famous musicians featured in Epix’s two-part docuseries Laurel Canyon that premiered in summer 2019. In 2018, the 50th Anniversary of The Byrds’ groundbreaking Sweetheart of the Rodeo album was celebrated with a special tour featuring Hillman and fellow Byrds alum Roger McGuinn, joined by country legends Marty Stuart and His Fabulous Superlatives. From the Troubadour in Los Angeles to the famed Ryman in Nashville and many cities in between, there have been sold-out concerts and a variety of tour line-ups. In 2017 he released the acclaimed Bidin’ My Time, his first solo album in twelve years, produced by the late Tom Petty and executive-produced by Herb Pedersen.
2021 dates are being planned for Hillman’s live show Time Between: An Evening of Stories and Songs, featuring Herb Pedersen and John Jorgenson, a night of songs and stories that dovetails with this memoir.
The 2018 Sweetheart of the Rodeo anniversary kicked off a multi-city tour at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, where the album was originally recorded. In 1968, the Sweetheart album literally launched the country rock movement and is widely considered to be one of the most influential albums in this genre. In fact, in 2003, the album was ranked #120 on Rolling Stone’s list of “The 500 Greatest Albums.” Described as “two hours of splendid American music that transcended time, place and genre,” the tour more than lived up to its stature and earned outstanding concert reviews.
Tom Petty’s admiration for the Byrds was well known, proclaiming they were the “original blueprint for the Heartbreakers.” Petty documented his inspiration in a tribute he penned about the group for Rolling Stone’s “100 Greatest Artists,” writing “The Byrds are immortal because they flew so high. They’re still way, way up there. They left a huge mark.”
In 2016, that long-standing appreciation and a little synchronicity became the foundation for the Bidin’ My Time project (Rounder Records). Hillman wasn’t even planning to make a new album, but all that changed when Pedersen, long-time friend and band mate, went on the road with Tom Petty. Petty and Pedersen had the idea of producing Chris and the project began a few months later. Originally planned as an acoustic album, it grew into much more. Collaborators and admirers from Hillman’s long career appear throughout the record. In addition to Petty and Pedersen, Bidin’ My Time features Byrds bandmates David Crosby and Roger McGuinn; the Heartbreakers’ Benmont Tench, Mike Campbell, and Steve Ferrone; Desert Rose Band’s John Jorgenson and Jay Dee Maness; upright bassist Mark Fain; singer/guitarist Josh Jove and the Punch Brothers’ fiddler, Gabe Witcher. Praised as “an understated masterpiece,” the richly layered Bidin’ My Time successfully comprises all of the influences that contributed to Hillman’s music – folk, rock and roll, bluegrass and country. Collectively, the album reflec
—Tom Petty
“A bona fide pioneering godfather to generations of musical souls who’ve sought inspiration at that divine crossroads where rock & roll, country, bluegrass, folk, honky tonk, and gospel music intersect and harmonize. He’s a national treasure, truly a statesman.”
—Marty Stuart
“Chris Hillman [is] the unvarnished gem of every band he has inhabited. It’s time to applaud his legacy.”
—Bernie Taupin
Rock and Roll Hall of Famer and Country Rock pioneer, Chris Hillman has never stopped making music, but these last few years have seen the music, the milestones, the special events and the live performances happening at an exceptional pace.
The first musician to move to the artistic enclave of Laurel Canyon, Hillman is among the many famous musicians featured in Epix’s two-part docuseries Laurel Canyon that premiered in summer 2019. In 2018, the 50th Anniversary of The Byrds’ groundbreaking Sweetheart of the Rodeo album was celebrated with a special tour featuring Hillman and fellow Byrds alum Roger McGuinn, joined by country legends Marty Stuart and His Fabulous Superlatives. From the Troubadour in Los Angeles to the famed Ryman in Nashville and many cities in between, there have been sold-out concerts and a variety of tour line-ups. In 2017 he released the acclaimed Bidin’ My Time, his first solo album in twelve years, produced by the late Tom Petty and executive-produced by Herb Pedersen.
2021 dates are being planned for Hillman’s live show Time Between: An Evening of Stories and Songs, featuring Herb Pedersen and John Jorgenson, a night of songs and stories that dovetails with this memoir.
The 2018 Sweetheart of the Rodeo anniversary kicked off a multi-city tour at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, where the album was originally recorded. In 1968, the Sweetheart album literally launched the country rock movement and is widely considered to be one of the most influential albums in this genre. In fact, in 2003, the album was ranked #120 on Rolling Stone’s list of “The 500 Greatest Albums.” Described as “two hours of splendid American music that transcended time, place and genre,” the tour more than lived up to its stature and earned outstanding concert reviews.
Tom Petty’s admiration for the Byrds was well known, proclaiming they were the “original blueprint for the Heartbreakers.” Petty documented his inspiration in a tribute he penned about the group for Rolling Stone’s “100 Greatest Artists,” writing “The Byrds are immortal because they flew so high. They’re still way, way up there. They left a huge mark.”
In 2016, that long-standing appreciation and a little synchronicity became the foundation for the Bidin’ My Time project (Rounder Records). Hillman wasn’t even planning to make a new album, but all that changed when Pedersen, long-time friend and band mate, went on the road with Tom Petty. Petty and Pedersen had the idea of producing Chris and the project began a few months later. Originally planned as an acoustic album, it grew into much more. Collaborators and admirers from Hillman’s long career appear throughout the record. In addition to Petty and Pedersen, Bidin’ My Time features Byrds bandmates David Crosby and Roger McGuinn; the Heartbreakers’ Benmont Tench, Mike Campbell, and Steve Ferrone; Desert Rose Band’s John Jorgenson and Jay Dee Maness; upright bassist Mark Fain; singer/guitarist Josh Jove and the Punch Brothers’ fiddler, Gabe Witcher. Praised as “an understated masterpiece,” the richly layered Bidin’ My Time successfully comprises all of the influences that contributed to Hillman’s music – folk, rock and roll, bluegrass and country. Collectively, the album reflec
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews
April 4, 2021
Although Hillman's evangelical tone is a little irritating to this confirmed atheist, I still enjoyed this memoir of his time in some of the most influential bands of the last 60 years such as the Byrds, Flying Burrito Brothers and Manassas. Who knew David Crosby sang harmony on the chorus of 'Do right woman ' from 'The Guilded Palace of Sin'? (Actually, a quick
piece of research on Wikipedia proved this to be a commonly known fact!) Overall, a decent, compact history of Hillman's part in country rock which more than makes up for the rather "holier than thou" narration of the second half of the book.
piece of research on Wikipedia proved this to be a commonly known fact!) Overall, a decent, compact history of Hillman's part in country rock which more than makes up for the rather "holier than thou" narration of the second half of the book.
December 27, 2020
Does the name Chris Hillman ring a bell? How about the band the Byrds? In his enjoyable memoir, Time Between: My Life As A Byrd, Burrito Brother & Beyond, Hillman looks back at his life and impressive musical career. If you know who he is and have started humming the song “Turn! Turn! Turn!” or "Mr. Tambourine Man," this is a book you’ll want to check out.
Chris Hillman was born and raised in Southern California and became one of the founders of what is known today as country rock. He was one of the original members of the Byrds, along with Roger McGuinn, David Crosby, Gene Clark and Michael Clarke, and a co-founder of the Flying Burrito Brothers with Gram Parsons. He was a member of the band Manassas fronted by Stephen Stills. His bands included collaborations with J.D. Souther, Richie Furay and others. This memoir tells of musicians coming together to make great music, touring, breaking up, and for the most part, supporting one another. It was a special time in music and the influence of Hillman and his fellow musicians can be heard more than fifty years later. Much of the book takes place in the 60s and 70s. Some of the musicians fell victim to substance abuse yet recovered. Some, like the tragic Gram Parsons, did not.
Hillman served as the number-two man in many of his bands so he isn’t the most famous of his peers but he was part of an incredible music scene and his stories are good ones. Years after not being able to deal with a family tragedy, Hillman was able to find healing through faith. The book doesn’t dwell on his religious awakening but it’s an important part of his journey. What we have is a compelling behind-the-scenes story of a musician who tells of a magical time in musical history and his role in it. An important role.
Review posted on MicheleReader.com.
Chris Hillman was born and raised in Southern California and became one of the founders of what is known today as country rock. He was one of the original members of the Byrds, along with Roger McGuinn, David Crosby, Gene Clark and Michael Clarke, and a co-founder of the Flying Burrito Brothers with Gram Parsons. He was a member of the band Manassas fronted by Stephen Stills. His bands included collaborations with J.D. Souther, Richie Furay and others. This memoir tells of musicians coming together to make great music, touring, breaking up, and for the most part, supporting one another. It was a special time in music and the influence of Hillman and his fellow musicians can be heard more than fifty years later. Much of the book takes place in the 60s and 70s. Some of the musicians fell victim to substance abuse yet recovered. Some, like the tragic Gram Parsons, did not.
Hillman served as the number-two man in many of his bands so he isn’t the most famous of his peers but he was part of an incredible music scene and his stories are good ones. Years after not being able to deal with a family tragedy, Hillman was able to find healing through faith. The book doesn’t dwell on his religious awakening but it’s an important part of his journey. What we have is a compelling behind-the-scenes story of a musician who tells of a magical time in musical history and his role in it. An important role.
Review posted on MicheleReader.com.
December 14, 2020
An apparent effort not to tell tales out of school or offend leaves what could have been a really interesting read a really dull one.
September 15, 2025
Decent audiobook. Too many references to God for my taste.
November 28, 2020
I have to be honest; I have never been a fan of autobiographies. I find the writers often self absorbed and I am always left wondering, is that how others would have viewed the story? Chris Hillman's new book kind of left me that way. I am a huge fan of the Byrds, Flying Burrito Brothers and the entire "country rock" genre that came out of the mid '60's by bands such as the Byrds, Buffalo Springfield, Crosby, Stills and Nash and the list goes on. Chris Hillman was right there in the middle of all the action; he performed with seemingly everyone, and he knew all of the key music players he didn't perform with. It is an astonishing tale and an amazing legacy. I loved the stories, the musicology and the back stories behind so much great music. I learned so much, and immediately upon finishing the book I went out and bought a bunch of albums that I was previously unfamiliar with. All that said, I did not think Hillman's writing is strong, but his stories made up for it.
December 8, 2020
Thanks Chris for all the music you have made over the years and thanks for writing this wonderful book.
July 11, 2021
An interesting book, I enjoyed learning more about Hillman's music and background, though at times it felt like I was reading a list of bands and performers without a lot of introspection by the author or maybe more accurately, without his getting really into what made these artists good, bad, or in between. I can understand his desire to not do a tell-all, but it does wear a bit thin that time after time he says there were problems but that really so and so was such a good/great artist anyway....
This is maybe, just me. I don't regret reading the book but all in all it did not stack up as well as some of the other books I have been reading about music and musicians.
This is maybe, just me. I don't regret reading the book but all in all it did not stack up as well as some of the other books I have been reading about music and musicians.
December 27, 2020
This memoir lives up to its title as a thorough account of Hillman’s musical and personal journeys. I was most interested in The Byrds and the Flying Burrito Brothers, and both get an appropriate level of attention for such groundbreaking and influential bands. Roger McGuinn, Gram Parsons, Gene Clarke, Sneaky Pete Kleinow, Michael Clarke, and others are covered extensively and unflinchingly, though never does the criticism of certain behaviors (think Gram and David Crosby) outweigh the love and appreciation Hillman feels for this collaborators.
He writes about his collaboration with Stephen stills and other gifted musicians in the band Manassas. He found this band a joy to play with, and among the best musicians he ever encountered. He also relates the kindness of Stephen stills in presenting him with an antique mandolin, an exquisite instrument that he treasures to this day.
I learned a lot about Hillman’s early life and enthusiasm for surfing and other pursuits, but mainly his early and lifelong love of bluegrass. He also covers his early family life and the love he felt for his parents and sister. He discusses his father’s professional successes, lessons on integrity and responsibility, and subsequent financial troubles and suicide when Hillman was 12 years old.
Hillman gives a thorough treatment to the love he found in his wife Connie and their children and grandchildren. He discusses his conversion from an evangelical Christian to a devout member of the Greek Orthodox Church.
He spends considerable time on the Desert Rose Band. This was a project with which I was unfamiliar for the most part. I did not even know that Chris Hillman was in the Desert Rose Band, nor did I know that they had achieved so much success on the country charts. And I certainly did not know that Hillman’s association with this group was the longest time he spent in a single band in his long career.
This is well worth a read for anyone interested in Bluegrass, 60s folk rock, country, and “country rock,” now known variously as Americana, roots music, or alt-country.
He writes about his collaboration with Stephen stills and other gifted musicians in the band Manassas. He found this band a joy to play with, and among the best musicians he ever encountered. He also relates the kindness of Stephen stills in presenting him with an antique mandolin, an exquisite instrument that he treasures to this day.
I learned a lot about Hillman’s early life and enthusiasm for surfing and other pursuits, but mainly his early and lifelong love of bluegrass. He also covers his early family life and the love he felt for his parents and sister. He discusses his father’s professional successes, lessons on integrity and responsibility, and subsequent financial troubles and suicide when Hillman was 12 years old.
Hillman gives a thorough treatment to the love he found in his wife Connie and their children and grandchildren. He discusses his conversion from an evangelical Christian to a devout member of the Greek Orthodox Church.
He spends considerable time on the Desert Rose Band. This was a project with which I was unfamiliar for the most part. I did not even know that Chris Hillman was in the Desert Rose Band, nor did I know that they had achieved so much success on the country charts. And I certainly did not know that Hillman’s association with this group was the longest time he spent in a single band in his long career.
This is well worth a read for anyone interested in Bluegrass, 60s folk rock, country, and “country rock,” now known variously as Americana, roots music, or alt-country.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 24, 2021
I was a fan of and saw the Byrds perform a few times in its original configuration. I've followed the founders and tried to go to their shows in the years since. Hillman's included. Chris Hillman was repeatedly at Ground Zero when significantly innovative bands of uber talented individuals (himself included) caused influential shifts in the music scene. Over and over again.
While he's a person who knew hard times and personal tragedies in his life (many of which he describes) he also has had a lot of success and personal fulfillment. If his words are to be believed (and I think they should be) he's remained a humble person who's mostly a loyal friend, a loving family man, and a wonderful performer. And a most likeable person. Also as others have commented, not that I was hoping for or expectation salacious tales of sex, drugs and rock and roll, the complete absence of same from this book suggests many obvious things were left out. For whatever reason.
I too could have done without some of the mentions of specific religious experiences he had that he felt either reflected a divine intervention into his life or his opportunity to do something similar for someone else. Maybe it was his way of being caring but as someone who thinks believing in a religion is a personal and private matter, I think so too should such experiences be kept personal and private unless being discussed with others known to share the same beliefs. Like at a church or other religious meeting. I was more bored than offended but I was slightly offended.
He performed the audiobook himself and listening to him read back his own words was an added treat. Especially with autobiographies, the performance of the book by the author themselves provides an added dimension to the the book "reading" experience.
All the best to you, Mr Hillman. Thank you for everything and for writing the book to share your life with people who care about you.
While he's a person who knew hard times and personal tragedies in his life (many of which he describes) he also has had a lot of success and personal fulfillment. If his words are to be believed (and I think they should be) he's remained a humble person who's mostly a loyal friend, a loving family man, and a wonderful performer. And a most likeable person. Also as others have commented, not that I was hoping for or expectation salacious tales of sex, drugs and rock and roll, the complete absence of same from this book suggests many obvious things were left out. For whatever reason.
I too could have done without some of the mentions of specific religious experiences he had that he felt either reflected a divine intervention into his life or his opportunity to do something similar for someone else. Maybe it was his way of being caring but as someone who thinks believing in a religion is a personal and private matter, I think so too should such experiences be kept personal and private unless being discussed with others known to share the same beliefs. Like at a church or other religious meeting. I was more bored than offended but I was slightly offended.
He performed the audiobook himself and listening to him read back his own words was an added treat. Especially with autobiographies, the performance of the book by the author themselves provides an added dimension to the the book "reading" experience.
All the best to you, Mr Hillman. Thank you for everything and for writing the book to share your life with people who care about you.
August 17, 2021
Chris Hillman is one of the most underrated singer songwriters in contemporary music. Usually working in the background of groups with more famous front men, such as Roger McGuinn and David Crosby in The Byrds or Stephen Stills in Manassas, Hillman should have received much more acclaim than he has... but he's not complaining. Here, he writes of his younger days, the tragedies that helped shape his life, and the influences that brought him peace and happiness, including his wife and his acceptance of Jesus. Readers looking for details of the days of sex, drugs, and rock n' roll in the 1960s and 1970s will be disappointed but anyone who's a fan of Hillman and would like a deeper, fuller understanding of the man will be satisfied to read about his struggles... his wins, his losses, his good and bad decisions, and the contentment he's found in his music, his family, his friends, and his faith.
April 4, 2021
Chris Hillman is one of my favorite figures in all of rock and country music, and even those who know those genres well tend to not know who he is. Those of us in the know are aware that he's the secret weapon in major groups like The Byrds, The Flying Burrito Brothers, Manassas, and The Desert Rose Band. Hillman is no less than a hero of California music. The diversity of his catalog over the past nearly six decades is astonishing. Bluegrass, folk-rock, psychedelia, country-rock, Bakersfield country, and jam band music are all a part of his DNA.. and that's without being a member of the Grateful Dead!
If you're a fan of The Byrds or The Flying Burrito Brothers, this book is a no-brainer. If you're a fan in general of California music, Chris covers so much ground in that terrain you'll find this book of interest. His writing style is very clear and it seems he remembers a great deal of detail that makes for a fresh read even if you know a good deal on this subject.
If you're a fan of The Byrds or The Flying Burrito Brothers, this book is a no-brainer. If you're a fan in general of California music, Chris covers so much ground in that terrain you'll find this book of interest. His writing style is very clear and it seems he remembers a great deal of detail that makes for a fresh read even if you know a good deal on this subject.
September 17, 2021
I have been a fan of Chris Hillman from back in the days of the Byrds, so getting his memoir was a no brainer. When I discovered a signed copy for just a little bit more than the going price, it was clear that now was the time to get it. I like Chris Hillman, and after reading his book, I still like Chris Hillman. Although he talks about ager issues he dealt with throughout his life, I feel that he is both a gentleman, and a gentle man. This is not the book to read if you are looking for a rock-star-glam-drug-orgy tell all. Mr. Hillman is sometimes very understated. This is a book about a man and his relationship with his music, his bandmates, his family, and ultimately, his Maker. Would I have liked more about his songs and how and why they were written, sure. I definitely would have. But that's not the story he wanted to tell. I enjoyed the one he did tell. And what a treat, listening to all his great music as a background to his story.
January 16, 2021
Wonderful read. I’ve met Chris Hillman several times over the years and this book reflects the person that I’ve had the pleasure to see live and work with on several fundraisers her has done.
This is not a salacious tell all book, but a reflective look back on an interesting life—with ups and downs.
Highly recommended.
This is not a salacious tell all book, but a reflective look back on an interesting life—with ups and downs.
Highly recommended.
September 16, 2025
Chris Hillman is a national treasure.
August 13, 2022
The Byrds' Wingman
The Byrds were one of the pivotal bands of the mid-1960’s, the perfect blend of the intellectual content of Bob Dylan plus the melodic substance of the Beatles. The perfect next musical step at exactly the right time. The twelve-string guitar sound mixed with excellent vocal harmony bounced some inspiration back to the Beatles. Each band greatly admired the other.
The last member to be asked to join the Byrds was the young bluegrass musician Chris Hillman. Chris grew up in what he terms the ‘Leave it to Beaver’/Ozzie & Harriett’ world of the 1950’s. He became enamored of rock’n’roll when Elvis Presley, Chuck Berry, Little Richard, and many others started a new musical revolution. After rock’n’roll went through a stale patch, he grew interested in bluegrass, country, and folk. By the early 60’s, he was playing all of these styles, currently with a band managed by Jim Dickson, who also managed Roger (then Jim) McGuinn, Gene Clark, and David Crosby, who were just then forming their new band The Byrds. They had an opening for a bass player and asked Chris if he was interested. Despite never having held a bass guitar, Chris said he could handle it, so he joined the band.
Immediately, his life changed drastically, including rapidly becoming an excellent bass player. The Byrds experienced their own smaller scale version of Beatlemania and had a rough time dealing with it. First to leave was Gene Clark, who wrote most of the original material of the band and had emotional difficulties dealing with panic disorder, manic depression, and substance abuse and left the band after two albums, leaving the Byrds a four-man group. Chris now stepped up to fill in the third part of the three-part harmony. With the third Byrds album, Chris came into his own as a songwriter.
The Byrds were already embracing not just the folk rock styling of Dylan but country (“Satisfied Mind”, “Time Between”), psychedelia (“Eight Miles High”, “5D”), and Beatlesque rock (“Have You Seen Her Face”). By 1967, with their fifth album, ‘The Notorious Byrd Brothers’, David Crosby bucked against the direction of the group and became so difficult to deal with that Chris and Roger McGunn threw him out of the band, asked Gene Clark back (he lasted three weeks), and lost their drummer Mike Clarke by the end of the album.
By the following album, ‘Sweetheart of the Rodeo’, they were heading full speed ahead into country. Their country styling was not well received by the Grand Ole Opry audience, their management was mismanaged, and Chris and new guest member, country pioneer Gram Parsons, left the band to form a new country rock band, The Flying Burrito Brothers.
Within four short years, Chris Hillman flew through massive stylistic changes and back into country. What began as an idyllic 50’s life in California became nightmarish when his father killed himself in the early 60’s. Chris did not process his grief well and became an angry young man throughout the rest of the 60’s and 70’s. The Byrds had been a combination of five combustible personalities who, despite their musical chemistry, could not keep the interpersonal harmony gelling. Gram Parsons, his new partner in his new band, was another difficult personality much like Crosby, who Chris had to evict from the band. Due to spiraling drug abuse, Gram Parsons passed on in 1973. The Burrito Brothers then disintegrated.
Another fortuitous offer came from Stephen Stills, who invited Chris to be yet another musical sidekick in his band Manassas, which lasted a little over a year. When it disbanded, however, Chris parted on friendly terms with Stills, and continued to play with a few other former members, from that group eventually taking the lead in his longest lasting group, the Desert Rose Band.
Throughout the decades, Chris Hillman has formed various musical partnerships with many people that moved on to later versions of the Byrds (Clarence White) and the Eagles (Bernie Leadon), formed a brief band with J.D. Souther and Richie Furay (originally from Buffalo Springfield with Stills and Neil Young), and later in a country band called the Desert Rose Band. Due to all of these various partnerships, Chris Hillman has become one of the most influential musicians in folk and country rock and the various musical movements from Laurel Canyon/southern California.
Chris seems to have tamed his demons by this point of his life and he has written a non-characteristic music memoir. This not a typical tell-all sex, drugs, and rock’n’roll memoir. Chris even has a very forgiving attitude with firecrackers such as David Crosby and Gram Parsons.
His born again Christianity infuses most of the book. However, he does not use it as a gavel of judgment. I don’t know if he used a ghost writer but none is mentioned so it’s possible he wrote it all himself.
I don’t know if he will produce any more albums or be in a band dedicated to recording and touring. If not, he can be satisfied with his legacy. He planned to make the solo album that he made in 2017 his last. It was produced by Byrds fanatic Tom Petty, and it was the last album that HE worked on as he passed away just a few weeks after completion. If Chris has ended his career he can be satisfied with what he has accomplished.
The Byrds were one of the pivotal bands of the mid-1960’s, the perfect blend of the intellectual content of Bob Dylan plus the melodic substance of the Beatles. The perfect next musical step at exactly the right time. The twelve-string guitar sound mixed with excellent vocal harmony bounced some inspiration back to the Beatles. Each band greatly admired the other.
The last member to be asked to join the Byrds was the young bluegrass musician Chris Hillman. Chris grew up in what he terms the ‘Leave it to Beaver’/Ozzie & Harriett’ world of the 1950’s. He became enamored of rock’n’roll when Elvis Presley, Chuck Berry, Little Richard, and many others started a new musical revolution. After rock’n’roll went through a stale patch, he grew interested in bluegrass, country, and folk. By the early 60’s, he was playing all of these styles, currently with a band managed by Jim Dickson, who also managed Roger (then Jim) McGuinn, Gene Clark, and David Crosby, who were just then forming their new band The Byrds. They had an opening for a bass player and asked Chris if he was interested. Despite never having held a bass guitar, Chris said he could handle it, so he joined the band.
Immediately, his life changed drastically, including rapidly becoming an excellent bass player. The Byrds experienced their own smaller scale version of Beatlemania and had a rough time dealing with it. First to leave was Gene Clark, who wrote most of the original material of the band and had emotional difficulties dealing with panic disorder, manic depression, and substance abuse and left the band after two albums, leaving the Byrds a four-man group. Chris now stepped up to fill in the third part of the three-part harmony. With the third Byrds album, Chris came into his own as a songwriter.
The Byrds were already embracing not just the folk rock styling of Dylan but country (“Satisfied Mind”, “Time Between”), psychedelia (“Eight Miles High”, “5D”), and Beatlesque rock (“Have You Seen Her Face”). By 1967, with their fifth album, ‘The Notorious Byrd Brothers’, David Crosby bucked against the direction of the group and became so difficult to deal with that Chris and Roger McGunn threw him out of the band, asked Gene Clark back (he lasted three weeks), and lost their drummer Mike Clarke by the end of the album.
By the following album, ‘Sweetheart of the Rodeo’, they were heading full speed ahead into country. Their country styling was not well received by the Grand Ole Opry audience, their management was mismanaged, and Chris and new guest member, country pioneer Gram Parsons, left the band to form a new country rock band, The Flying Burrito Brothers.
Within four short years, Chris Hillman flew through massive stylistic changes and back into country. What began as an idyllic 50’s life in California became nightmarish when his father killed himself in the early 60’s. Chris did not process his grief well and became an angry young man throughout the rest of the 60’s and 70’s. The Byrds had been a combination of five combustible personalities who, despite their musical chemistry, could not keep the interpersonal harmony gelling. Gram Parsons, his new partner in his new band, was another difficult personality much like Crosby, who Chris had to evict from the band. Due to spiraling drug abuse, Gram Parsons passed on in 1973. The Burrito Brothers then disintegrated.
Another fortuitous offer came from Stephen Stills, who invited Chris to be yet another musical sidekick in his band Manassas, which lasted a little over a year. When it disbanded, however, Chris parted on friendly terms with Stills, and continued to play with a few other former members, from that group eventually taking the lead in his longest lasting group, the Desert Rose Band.
Throughout the decades, Chris Hillman has formed various musical partnerships with many people that moved on to later versions of the Byrds (Clarence White) and the Eagles (Bernie Leadon), formed a brief band with J.D. Souther and Richie Furay (originally from Buffalo Springfield with Stills and Neil Young), and later in a country band called the Desert Rose Band. Due to all of these various partnerships, Chris Hillman has become one of the most influential musicians in folk and country rock and the various musical movements from Laurel Canyon/southern California.
Chris seems to have tamed his demons by this point of his life and he has written a non-characteristic music memoir. This not a typical tell-all sex, drugs, and rock’n’roll memoir. Chris even has a very forgiving attitude with firecrackers such as David Crosby and Gram Parsons.
His born again Christianity infuses most of the book. However, he does not use it as a gavel of judgment. I don’t know if he used a ghost writer but none is mentioned so it’s possible he wrote it all himself.
I don’t know if he will produce any more albums or be in a band dedicated to recording and touring. If not, he can be satisfied with his legacy. He planned to make the solo album that he made in 2017 his last. It was produced by Byrds fanatic Tom Petty, and it was the last album that HE worked on as he passed away just a few weeks after completion. If Chris has ended his career he can be satisfied with what he has accomplished.
November 24, 2020
As a big fan of the Byrds and other groups Hillman was involved with, The Flying Burrito Brothers, Manassas and others, I was overjoyed to see that one of the Byrds had finally written a book about their time in the group.
Musically, Chris Hillman has had an interesting life filled with a lot of the pitfalls one finds in the world of music, but not nearly as many as some other groups and members of them. Eventually, he has gone full circle to his first love which isn't rock music, but in-between there were forays into Country with the Desert Rose Band and now he's at an age where he can do what he wants. If he wants to do a bluegrass album, he can do that. He even admits that everything he's done hasn't been all that great, although I'm sure there are music fans who would argue that point with him.
And, some reviewers have even gone so far as to declare him as being the person who founded what has become known as Country-Rock. We don't even want to go there since there are many who could lay claim to that title, so let's just say he was at the forefront when the Byrds, a much loved rock group that was really more folk-rock than rock, came out with their Sweethearts Of The Rodeo album and confused radio programmers around the country, not to mention the Grand Ole Opry.
Sometimes sad, sometimes funny, and sometimes in-between Hillman takes the reader on a ride through the '60's, the '70's, '80's and '90's and we're along for the ride as we follow him into the 2000's.
So you won't be shocked when you read it - Hillman is a religious type of person these days and the last 50 pages or so are kind of preachy at times, so if you're put off by that type of thing, this probably isn't a book you'll enjoy. If you can overlook the preachiness (is there such a word?), it's an enjoyable read by, and about, someone who survived the '60's rock explosion and is still around to tell the story.
Musically, Chris Hillman has had an interesting life filled with a lot of the pitfalls one finds in the world of music, but not nearly as many as some other groups and members of them. Eventually, he has gone full circle to his first love which isn't rock music, but in-between there were forays into Country with the Desert Rose Band and now he's at an age where he can do what he wants. If he wants to do a bluegrass album, he can do that. He even admits that everything he's done hasn't been all that great, although I'm sure there are music fans who would argue that point with him.
And, some reviewers have even gone so far as to declare him as being the person who founded what has become known as Country-Rock. We don't even want to go there since there are many who could lay claim to that title, so let's just say he was at the forefront when the Byrds, a much loved rock group that was really more folk-rock than rock, came out with their Sweethearts Of The Rodeo album and confused radio programmers around the country, not to mention the Grand Ole Opry.
Sometimes sad, sometimes funny, and sometimes in-between Hillman takes the reader on a ride through the '60's, the '70's, '80's and '90's and we're along for the ride as we follow him into the 2000's.
So you won't be shocked when you read it - Hillman is a religious type of person these days and the last 50 pages or so are kind of preachy at times, so if you're put off by that type of thing, this probably isn't a book you'll enjoy. If you can overlook the preachiness (is there such a word?), it's an enjoyable read by, and about, someone who survived the '60's rock explosion and is still around to tell the story.
March 13, 2021
(3 1/2). I am a sucker for a good music memoir, especially one that relates to a prominent band from the 60's. Chris Hillman was always the quiet one, but the Byrds were such a phenomenon. And as time has passed, the power of their influence on music has grown and grown. Hillman has had an incredible musical (and life) journey. Made album after album, been with some of the finest musicians anywhere, been on and off the road for over 60 years, and luckily, is still in one piece to tell us about it. I saw him perform twice. Once with the Byrds (in the 60's, when I was in college) on one of the tours he talks about where they played with Paul Revere and the Raiders and a bunch of other bands, and then with the Burrito Brothers in their last lineup after Bernie Leadon and Gram Parsons had left and Rick Roberts was the lead vocalist. This book is nothing but a history lesson for the true fanatic, and I certainly qualify. Really fun stuff (for me).
March 22, 2025
Chris has written an easy-to-read chronicle of his life - not just the musical aspect although that is certainly a large part of it. He has a gift for gab as they say and writes in an almost conversational manner.
For this reviewer the primary focus is the musical aspect; the personal minutia, while important, did not hold as much interest.
The large number of band and personnel changes eventually became too much to digest and keep straight. It seems like nearly everyone joining the bands he was in would stay a while, leave or get fired, re-join, fill in, or guest star in the same band, a later iteration of the same band, or in a completely 'new' band configuration. Writing and/or co-writing tunes showed a similar complex inter-mixing of talent.
While giving us a glimpse into the personalities of many famous musicians, Hillman also records the sad self-destruction of several band mates
There are a fair number of pictures - enough to satisfy this picky reviewer.
September 7, 2021
Trying to separate my thoughts about Chris Hillman's work (total admiration) from my thoughts about the book's content. I enjoyed the chapters on his early life the most: sun, surf, horses, ranch... everything that, to a UK city girl like me, screamed sixties' California. And tragedies, of course. He had those too. But then, although I was pleased to see names I knew pop up on every paragraph and page, I felt that I was reading extended notes from the back of a vinyl LP cover. To me, this is an important book, written by a man who was crucial to music - can't stress how crucial - but I shan't read it again. Once was enough.
One thing though. Love the title and Chris's explanation of the reason he chose it. Between birth and death, the time between... Can't get the song out of my head now!
One thing though. Love the title and Chris's explanation of the reason he chose it. Between birth and death, the time between... Can't get the song out of my head now!
May 19, 2025
I'm trying to read up on the history of the kind of music I love--Americana/folk/whatever you call it. I never experienced the Flying Burrito Brothers until I watched the PBS documentary about country music years ago, and then I fell in love. I had no idea that a band back then could have such a contemporary sound. I didn't know much about Chris Hillman at all, but this memoir is good enough that I kept reading. Name after name is dropped by Hillman--he knew everyone in the music business then and now, it seems! Some reviewers didn't like his evangelical tone, but I appreciate anyone making their life better. If that means finding Jesus and letting others know about it, then I'm happy for him. I need to check out some of the other bands that he has been in now. And re-watch the PBS special!
January 22, 2021
Being a fan of both the Byrds and the Flying Burrito Brothers, checking out Chris Hillman’s book was a no-brainer (didn’t hurt that it was named after one of my favorite Byrds songs either). This book was a breezy, enjoyable read—Hillman seems in a good place and it was nice that the whole thing wasn’t tainted by any bitterness or petty grudges with former band members. That being said, I could’ve used a lot more info on the Byrds/FBB era—his time with each of those bands could’ve easily filled separate books, which I would’ve been more than eager to read. Overall, this book was solid and understated, much like the man himself.
January 24, 2021
When I first started reading this book I thought, This needed an editor. The beginning is full of so many childhood memories--well, it just felt like too much. But when it gets to the greatest tragedy of Hillman's life and his entry into the music world, it really takes off. After that, I didn't want to put it down! There was an awful lot about him I didn't know, including all kinds of interesting bluegrass albums and such. He ends with the Sweetheart of the Rodeo tour which I was blessed to see, and which solidified me as a Byrds fan forever. All lovers of music from the 60s and beyond will love this book.
October 28, 2021
I bought this book thinking it would be a history of The Byrds rock group, and it does have a significant description of that band. But, this book is first and foremost an autobiography of Chris Hillman, a co-founder of The Byrds. Chris is credited with being an integral architect of the country-rock musical genre. I considered giving this book a four-star rating, but compared it to Clapton's autobiography and Time Between is definitely not as good as Clapton's book. It is, however, a well-written history of a significant musician and a close look at The Byrds, which might have been America's best counter to the British invasion.
February 17, 2022
Always a sucker for autobiographies, I snatched this book up the first time I saw it. Being a huge Flying Burritos Brothers, Desert Rose Band, and Byrds fan I immediately dived in. Hillman does an ok job recalling his day in the bands, but I was disappointed in the lack of details. Although he would mention difficulties, demons, or beautiful times , he never delves very intimately in the details. Wild times with Gram Parsons, but that is about of far as he goes, for example. If you're a fan of the bands, or Hillman, pick this one up used. Interesting, but if you're looking for the wild sixties, tumultuous seventies, or polished country eighties ditties, you won't find them here.
July 1, 2022
I always was a Byrds fan, so the story of their beginning was very enjoyable. I also learned how many off shoots and splinter groups were formed off of their legacy. Chris Hillman was a much loved member and the number of associated musicians and producers was truly impressive as he named them all. Amazing memory! I found it interesting that he never mentioned or lightly the drug use of the bands. He avoided almost any wild stories or mention of on the road craziness. It was a bit bland at times with just the facts of each band and their album recordings. A nice story nonetheless, if not a bit sterile.
November 7, 2022
The focus in Hillman's book on his own personal growth is engaging and refreshingly sincere even when there are moments when a digger deep into his creative process or critical assessment might have been more welcome. As someone who grew up listening to the music he developed, I appreciate the efforts he takes to be honest and fair and (at least intermittently) generous in what he shares of his experience. Loved the anecdote about early meeting with John Lennon, for instance: "Does this guy ever talk?" For reasons that become apparent in the book, this may not come easily for Hillman but as a lifelong fan, I'm grateful for the effort he's made.
March 5, 2022
Förutsättningarna för att Chris Hillmans självbiografi ska vara en kanonbok är lysande. Skuggfigur i poppionjärerna The Byrds och drivande kreativ kraft i countryrockpionjärerna The Flying Burrito Brothers. Men samtidigt är det just dessa delar i boken som känns genomstressade, detaljfattiga och oinspirerade. Allt mörkt och saftigt och avslöjande täcks över med att ”x hade sina demoner”, etc. Vadå??? Om du ska skriva en bok kan du väl utveckla lite. Jag är trots allt väldigt förtjust i Chris som musiker och det är alltid underhållande att läsa en hyfsat kort rockbok. Därav 2/5.
November 30, 2022
I enjoyed Chris's book. I have met him several times....I went out with a member of Manassas and SHF for a bit. Wild times.....I liked reading about his youth. I'm a huge Burritos fan. Desert Rose was a bit too country for me, I'm more of a garage rock girl, but I admire his contributions to country rock. I saw Manassas 3 times, SHF twice and then I saw him with Herb, and with Herb and John Jorgenson, so pretty well rounded, but I was just a bit too young to have seen The Byrds, or Burritos, mores the pity!
February 18, 2021
This was an amazing replay of one of the most prolific musicians! From his early days, finding his way to The Byrds and beyond, Chris weaves a tale of talented musicians he played with and respected through his career. Interlaced with personal issues, his dealing with the loss of his dad at a young age, disreputable business managers and promoters...his friendships with so many great musicians...this was just a wonderful journey...A joy to read!!
March 9, 2021
Great read!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Two things distracting for me were trying to keep the chronolgy straight and trying to keep track of all of the band members, some of whom I had not heard of, took a little bit of enjoyment away from the book. Overall, it was fascinating to follow Chris’s journey, and here the inside story of how the music world works. I highly recommend this!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Two things distracting for me were trying to keep the chronolgy straight and trying to keep track of all of the band members, some of whom I had not heard of, took a little bit of enjoyment away from the book. Overall, it was fascinating to follow Chris’s journey, and here the inside story of how the music world works. I highly recommend this!
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