Forty five years ago tonight, park rangers at Joshua Tree National Monument - now a national park- noticed a huge fireball on the ridge at Cap Rock. Upon investigation, they found a flaming coffin and the partially burned remains of Gram Parsons, a 26 year old musician who would become a music legend. In his fast and loose life Parsons would blend rock, country, R&B, and gospel into a new sound as he pursued what he called "cosmic American music." If you listen to The International Submarine Band, The Byrds, The Flying Burrito Brothers, and his work with Emmylou Harris, you can hear that sound emerging.
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| Parsons in 1973 |
In a few hours, the pilgrims will make their trek to Cap Rock to pay their respects to Parsons as they have for decades. Rangers may close the area, but that won't make a difference. The faithful will be there.
For more on the Gram Parsons story and the bizarre attempt at his cremation in the desert he loved, read the comprehensive Wikipedia entry with many links to his discography as well as a direct link the the entry on his death.
Photos and Illustrations:
publicity portrait of Gram Parsons for Reprise Records, public domain
Full Moon at Cap Rock, Nikhil's Domain
Full Moon at Cap Rock, Nikhil's Domain
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