The Byrds were a popular American rock band formed in Los Angeles, California in 1964. They are considered one of the most important and influential bands of the 1960s.

Their music bridged the gap between the socially and spiritually conscious folk music of Bob Dylan and the complex pop of The Beatles. Throughout their career they helped forge such subgenres as folk rock, raga rock, psychedelic rock, jangle pop, and – on their 1968 classic Sweetheart Of The Rodeo – country rock inviting Gram Parsons on rhythm guitar. The original lineup consisted of Chris Hillman, David Crosby, Michael Clarke, Jim (Roger) McGuinn and Gene Clark. After several line-up changes (with lead singer/guitarist McGuinn as the only consistent member), they broke up in 1973.

Some of their trademark songs include pop versions of Bob Dylan's Mr. Tambourine Man and Pete Seeger’s Turn! Turn! Turn! (To Everything There Is a Season), and the originals I'll Feel A Whole Lot Better, and Eight Miles High.

In 1991 they were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and several band members have launched successful solo careers after leaving the group.

www.myspace.com/byrdsthe



User-contributed text is available under the Creative Commons By-SA License and may also be available under the GNU FDL.