Country Rock

Country rock is mostly the result of the vision of one man, Gram Parsons, although others, such as Chris Hillman of the Byrds and Flying Burrito Brothers also made great contributions. Starting with his time in the Byrds, then the Flying Burrito Brothers, and finally his solo albums, Parsons brought roots back into rock.

Gram Parsons
GP/Grievous Angel

This CD contains both of the solo albums Parsons cut before his death in 1973. It's utterly essential, for the beautiful, haunting original songs and for the inspired picking courtesy of Nashville A-teamers like James Burton. Emmylous Harris's crystalline harmony vocals add a sweet touch.

Further Listening: The Byrds' Sweetheart of the Rodeo has been reissued by Columbia. It contains all of the original album, plus many of the alternate tracks with Parsons on lead vocals that were kept in the vaults due to a contract dispute. Also, Farther Along: The Best of the Flying Burrito Brothers is uneven, but the best of it is brilliant.

Link: There's a bunch of information about Gram at gramparsons.com.

Emmylou Harris
The Very Best of Emmylou Harris: Heartaches & Highways

Emmylou Harris was the harmony singer on Parsons' solo recordings, and a huge contributor to the sound of those records. Her solo material continued and further developed the country rock sound, and her band functioned as sort of a proving ground for great musicians and future stars such as Albert Lee, James Burton, Vince Gill, Rodney Crowell, Ricky Skaggs and others. Harris' crystal-clear, folky voice and adventurous song selection make her music utterly distinctive.