Gram Parson’s Corpse Was Stolen After He Died, Then It Got Worse

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Gram Parsons is remembered for being one of the pioneers of the country rock music movement of the late 1960s and early 70s. Parsons recorded as a solo act, but he also was a member of bands like The International Submarine Band, The Flying Burrito Brothers, and The Byrds. He helped popularize a genre of music that he dubbed 'Cosmic American Music' - a hybrid of rock, folk, rhythm and blues, soul, and country music.
▬Contents of this video▬
00:00 - Intro
03:36 - Gram Had A Deep Love For The Desert
05:59 - A Last Minute Change Of Plans
07:58 - Kaufman and Martin Honored Gram's Wishes
09:28 - Outro
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While he achieved a degree of success in his lifetime, Gram never rose to the ranks of being a superstar. That being said, his contributions to the worlds of rock and country music are seen as being enormously influential. Bands such as The Rolling Stones and The Eagles clearly borrowed heavily from Gram's signature sound and since his passing, Gram's music has taken on a life of its own.
Following his passing, Gram's body was shockingly stolen! But that's just the beginning of this wild story because, following the theft of his remains, things got especially weird. Watch this video in full to hear the bizarre yet true story of what happened to Gram Parson's corpse following his untimely death at the age of 26.
Gram Parson’s Corpse Was Stolen After He Died, Then It Got Worse

[@FactsVerse]

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[@plannerfunandinspirationwithme]

Gram was 26 when he died. He was born November 5th 1946. Died September 19th 1973. Less than 2 months shy of the 27 club. He was incredible and could have made so much incredible music had he lived.

[@nannettefreeman7331]

Thanks for clarifying. The narrator says 23 at 2:15, the 26 just a few moments later. I went back to the beginning of the video to hear his birth year ('46), but then thought, "Wait, if they gave two different ages, why should I put any faith in the year they claimed he was born?" Rather than dive down a rabbit hole, I came here to the comments, & here you are! Thanks again! ✌🏼

[@santosmadrigal3702]

I believe . After watching this documentary . It's a good thing there are correct funerals . Or there would be countless stories like this , littering the country ... As if murder wasn't enough . OOf !

[@cheddarcarr720]

Wow they stole the body then burnt it with gas

[@sweettina2]

I thought that, too. He almost made the club.

[@patriciabarkley735]

People are so horrible. What a shame. He was handsome and talented. There are a lot of things that stick with you in life. He could still be here, making great music. 😢

[@wellston2826]

Heard this story before, but never with the details fleshed out so thoroughly. Glad to know that the "corpseknappers" got off with a slap on the wrist. Their hearts were in the right place, anyway. Anyone that crazy and dedicated deserves to be let off. Things were sure different 50 years ago, cops were more like Barney Fife, and airport employees didn't want to give you a full body cavity search to buy a plane ticket. Too bad things have come to such a pass as they have now. Thanks for being a bright spot in my day.

[@FactsVerse]

Thank you too for sharing your message. We'removed. What other types of video would you like to see on our channel?

[@Dumpsterfired]

There is a movie called “. Grand Theft Parsons” starring Johnny Knoxville that depicts the story. I’ve stayed in room 8 at the Joshua Tree Inn (the room Gram died in) twice. It has become a shrine to Gram and people from all over the world make the pilgrimage and leave cd’s of themselves playing Grams music. The Inn leaves a cd player in room 8 so you can listen to them. My first visit there we were loaned guitars that were hanging in the lobby for the duration of our stay. Please visit the Joshua Tree Inn if you’re ever driving from LA to Las Vegas. Robert Plant stayed there often as do many other celebrities. There is a ghost in the room though…❤️😎

[@margaretross9150]

Evan Dando stayed there. Emmylou Harris visited too.

[@margaretross9150]

Gram was a shooting star. His music never ages, and his influence and charm are with us still. Cosmic cowboy!

[@FactsVerse]

Well said, we strongly concur! Thank you for watching our content and for sharing your thoughts. Which of his songs appealed to you the most?

[@margaretross9150]

@@FactsVerse Depends on the mood I'm in. The Gilded Palace of Sin with the Burritos is an amazing album. Love his duets with Emmylou. As far as his compositions, Brass Buttons and $1000 Wedding are high up my list. Even love his old folk stuff. Three years ago I didn't know who he was!

[@plannerfunandinspirationwithme]

His music sounds as fresh today as ever. What a fantastic artist.

[@lyndas2767]

Caitlin Doughty, on her channel Ask A Mortician, relates this story very well, including a visit to the inn.

[@thisisme3238]

The fact that they were able to "steal Gram's body," out of the airport and fulfill Graham's wishes is extremely surprising. 🙏 RIP Gram Parsons 🙏

[@FactsVerse]

Truly, may Gram find peace 🙏

[@jeffkenyon483]

Only those who die in Christ Jesus,truly rest in peace,all others are lost sheep.

[@SFVGIRL]

It wasn't a crime back then to "steal a body" but, it was illegal to steal a casket. Also destruction of it. I mean, it wasn't that weird for the 70's. My father is Glen D. Hardin who was a good friend of Grams, and musical director of Grievous Angel. BTW, Honky Tonk Woman was really Grams song. Gram was a sweet guy, who made bad decisions, sometimes. We miss him too.

[@gerrykeoghan6058]

@@SFVGIRL Glen D of John Denver band as well hope all is well with him a genius of a musician

[@plannerfunandinspirationwithme]

It was meant to be. I truly believe that.

[@dhand34]

I had Phil personally tell me this story once when I lived in Nashville

[@daftbeeswax4439]

What amazes me? Keith Richards is still alive and is still married to the same woman for almost 40 years!

[@FactsVerse]

Fun stuff, thank you for sharing this info! What other types of video would you like to see on our channel?

[@liz3424]

I thought Kieth Richards died several years ago?

[@SweetGypsyRose]

As old as I am ever since I was a little kid I always heard if there ever was a zombie apocalypse or nuclear war the only two things that would survive would be Keith Richards and cockroaches LOL

[@daftbeeswax4439]

@@SweetGypsyRose You made my day, SweetGypsy Rose! I had forgotten all about that comment. I'm still laughing. Thanks for the day brightner!

[@SweetGypsyRose]

@@daftbeeswax4439 awh fanx good to share laughter!

[@Riz2336]

Man those guys had some balls to actually do that

[@SuperAnimelover100]

Agreed 100 %

[@FactsVerse]

Couldn't agree more! Thank you for sharing your views on this. Which of Gram's songs appealed to you the most?

[@bryangermain]

It’s amazing what a lot of alcohol will do…

[@lianefehrle9921]

I’m glad they did what he wanted. Now he can rest where he felt the happiest

[@FactsVerse]

Absolutely, we feel the same way! Thank you for sharing your sentiments and for watching our content. What other types of video would you like to see on our channel?

[@patrickcork7981]

Exactly

[@jeffkenyon483]

Do you really believe that?

[@crystalsanders2403]

Now thats what Loyalty & Love looks like. 💚❤️‍🔥

[@FactsVerse]

Well said, we strongly concur! Thank you for watching our content and for sharing your thoughts. What other types of video would you like to see?

[@Hartlor_Tayley]

I’m glad Grams friends rallied and gave him the funeral he wanted.

[@plannerfunandinspirationwithme]

Me too. He had so much loss and grief in his young life. He deserved that much.

[@Hartlor_Tayley]

@@plannerfunandinspirationwithme absolutely. I’m glad you get it.

[@derekpierkowski7641]

That sort of friendship is surprising.

[@mikebelcher5111]

I mean it's kind of crazy but it's still kind of brought a tear to my eye, No that takes one h*** of a friend.. But he did exactly what he wanted him to do and that's what a true friendship do dude crazy crazy

[@FactsVerse]

True, one of our craziest yet intriguing videos as well. Are you a fan of Gram?

[@kathiparchem6254]

This must have been heartbreaking to his remaining family. So sad.

[@vfountain8223]

Those guys were his family.

[@alittlewheiser521]

It is beautiful in the High Desert. I understand why he would be drawn to the desert. The drunk driving sucks but those are some true friends right there.

[@FactsVerse]

We agree! Thank you for your watching our video. Be on the lookout for the next one!

[@angel4everable]

Graham hated the term "country rock" and preferred to call his sound "Cosmic American Music." Keith Richards has sweet memories of him, saying it would have been impossible for the Stones to have recorded the STICKY FINGERS album (1971) without Graham's musical influence.

[@elizabethbarringer2791]

I have to say the most surprising thing of all was that there was no law against nabbing a corpse But cheers to buddies who will go above and beyond to see that your last wishes are granted Amen to that. Truly a crazy story thank you for sharing

[@plannerfunandinspirationwithme]

I AGREE 👍 💯

[@sandyjohnson6064]

I love Gram Parsons! RIP

[@FactsVerse]

Us too! May Gram find peace 🙏

[@jeffkenyon483]

@@FactsVerseRIP" rest in peace "is only found in Jesus Christ, IF YOUR BORN AGAIN JOHN 3:3. Are you born again?

[@johnlisicich9794]

That’s what best friends do for you even when you pass to the other side

[@graceisamazing5493]

The fact they actually pulled it off was surprising and hilarious, tbt!🤣🤣🤣

[@RockReynolds]

Good video. I'm a big fan of Gram, who just missed the "27 Club", and who resurrected the "Country Sound". The earlier funeral, in which Gram and Kaufman made the pact, was undoubtedly for "Clarence White", another extremely important pioneer in Country Music. Clarence, along with Doc Watson, pretty much invented "flat-picking", turning the acoustic guitar into a lead instrument. Clarence was also the "conceptual inventor" of the "b-bender", enabling a Telecaster to sound like a pedal steel (The "mechanic inventor", who built the "b-bender", was drummer for the Byrds, Gene Parsons, no relation to Gram.). Between Gram and Clarence, those three months in 1973, saw a HUGE LOSS, in Musical Pioneering, still highly present in today's Music. Clarence's b-bender Telecaster, is still being played by Marty Stuart, maybe the top active Country Performer.

[@FactsVerse]

Thanks for watching! We're so glad you enjoyed this video. What other types of video would you like to see?

[@richard51]

Gram Parsons in buried at Garden of Memories Cemetery in Metairie, a suburb of New Orleans Louisiana.

[@stgyt17]

The most surprising was the police officer helping them and not suspecting a thing and them actually taking the body even tho it was a pact

[@FactsVerse]

We absolutely agree! Thank you for your watching our video. Be on the lookout for the next one!

[@lever0811]

most surprising content to this piece is finding out there was no law involving the stealing of a corpse. A legend in music and in death.

[@FactsVerse]

Well said, we strongly concur! Thank you for watching our content and for sharing your thoughts. May Gram find peace 🙏

[@leesashriber5097]

This was very interesting! I'd never heard this! Thank you 😊 Happy Sunday 😊

[@FactsVerse]

You're very much welcome! We're so glad you enjoyed this video. What other types of video would you like to see?

[@plannerfunandinspirationwithme]

BTW. His sister past away in her forties along with her teenage daughter. They were killed in a boat accident. It's all so sad.

[@FactsVerse]

Sad story indeed, may Gram, her sister and sister's daughter find peace 🙏

[@windronner1]

Amazing the stuff you come up with. I actually forgot this episode. Today these guys would be lucky to get short jail sentences.

[@alangolias8628]

His band th e international sub band played my town bayonne nj they were on the bill with the jive 5 and the wmca good guys radio date was July 1966 they played wild thing I didn't know who he was as he was nottta celeb at thre time

[@godetonter4764]

they honored his wishes, which is doing something right not wrong. It's commendable that they risked their lives and freedom to do what was asked of them

[@JTRocks4Ever]

He passed away at 26 not 23. He corrected himself later on.

[@jazziphoto4138]

It was an imperfect cremation. There were still enough remains to inter in the Garden Of Memories Cemetery in Metairie, LA.

[@TundeEszlari]

You are a very good videographer, the video was fantastic, keep it up. ;)

[@FactsVerse]

Thanks for watching! We're so glad you enjoyed this video. What other types of video would you like to see?

[@handbaghound]

Wow , I really thought I'd heard it all. Now I can say. I've heard it all now.

[@Shazzi24]

What an amazing story. I kinda like his friends did that for him ✌️

[@FactsVerse]

Thanks for watching! We're so glad you enjoyed this video. What other types of video would you like to see?

[@rhondabarry4400]

I think the cop letting the drive out after he hit the wall was the most surprising. But I'm glad they did what he wanted and gave him the funeral he wanted. I stole my dad's ashes so I could spread them in the redwoods as he wanted. So yes I glad they did it

[@kathymccalley3492]

💙🎶Grieveous Angel.. Hickory Wind ❤️

[@nikkiwild4014]

Great video about one of my favorite Rock'n Roll stories . Actually, theres a 2003 movie Grand Theft Parsons, about the pact , Johnny Knoxwille rocked as Phil Kaufman , I recommend it for every fan .

[@FactsVerse]

Glad to know that you're a fan of Gram! Which of his songs appealed to you the most?

[@nikkiwild4014]

Brass Buttons, Truck Driving Man , A song for you and Ooh Las Vegas .

[@beckylynn209]

I just watched a movie about this.. I can't believe it was a true story.. It was really good!! 🤗

[@FactsVerse]

Thanks for sharing! What was the name of the movie?

[@HarborLockRoad]

Perhaps the greatest story in rock history, next to the bobby fuller mafia murder. Anybody worth their salt knows these events because theyre so weird but true! 👍

[@FactsVerse]

Well said, we strongly concur! Thank you for watching our content and for sharing your thoughts. May Gram find peace 🙏

[@teresanoble47]

Why haven't anyone made a movie about this? Very interesting.

[@aviatortrucker6198]

Wait a minute. First you said he died at age 23 that you said he died at age 26. Which is it?

[@skye.325]

Yeah I picked up on that too. What?

[@leesashriber5097]

He was 26 when he died. We all make mistakes. Hopefully that helps. Happy Sunday 😊

[@stgyt17]

I heard him say that but then I was like oh maybe he didn’t mean that

[@skye.325]

@@leesashriber5097 it's a pretty big detail when you do a channel like this

[@donhurst8459]

rename the show facts reverse.

[@Helen-mh8mq]

Wow!I didn't know any of this!

[@bettymagargle7896]

Just so disturbing..people grave robbing..let people rest in peace

[@plannerfunandinspirationwithme]

They fulfilled his wishes. Gram would have loved it.

[@jerrycollins5012]

You did not mention Emmy Lou Harris who was seen in some pictures . I heard they were quite an item.

[@roxismith6122]

The most surprising part was the coffin only cost $700!

[@donhurst8459]

1973

[@gary36104]

Pointless having a expensive coffin when will either be burnt or just rot in the ground

[@gregorydavis6613]

The whole situation was crazy. I never knew this

[@FactsVerse]

Glad to know that you learned something new about Gram. Which of his songs appealed to you the most?

[@skye.325]

he died at 23. 5 seconds later untimely death at 26 huh?

[@stgyt17]

I knew I heard him say that

[@plannerfunandinspirationwithme]

He was 26.

[@brooklyn7722]

I never heard of him, but it's definitely an interesting story

[@kookycoolauntkaryn5884]

im from winter haven Florida!!!

[@FactsVerse]

So cool! How are things there in Winter Haven?

[@sallykohorst8803]

Crazy but thanks for the story. I also never heard of him.

[@SuperAnimelover100]

His music, sound more country like.

[@FactsVerse]

You're very much welcome and glad to know that you had the chance to discover Gram. If we may ask, who is your all-time favorite singer?

[@joshshields5921]

I can't remember the name of it at the moment, but there is a movie about the theft and burning. It's actually a funny, but sweet pic. Johnny Knoxville played Kaufman, and Michael Shannon played the hearse driver. There was a line that went something like "100 ft of open doors, and you had to hit the wall next to them!"

[@joshshields5921]

I looked it up. It's called Grand Theft Parsons.

[@FactsVerse]

Fun stuff, thank you for sharing this information. What other types of video would you like to see on our channel?

[@deejaye2647]

That he went to Harvard is very suspicious.

[@douglashall2141]

I never knew Keith Richards was a close friend of his. And I thought about that time Keith Richards was heavy into drugs and alcohol as well. This may have been a telling moment for Mr Richards. As he is still alive last I knew.

[@tg9754]

You mentioned he died at 23 and 26. How old was he? I'm surprised they got away stealing the body and burning it just before the cops arrived. You day that happened just before his 27th birthday so I gues he died at 26.

[@plannerfunandinspirationwithme]

He was 26. He died September 19th 1973. He would have been 27 on November 5th 1973. He was born in 1946.

[@randylibby2523]

Wow, KZbin commercial are getting weird. A mortuary stretcher for sale.. just what everyone needs .I thought it couldn't get stranger, I was wrong.. I enjoy your content, but the commercials are getting out of hand.. Thanks for your time and hard work on these stories.

[@FactsVerse]

You're very much welcome! Unfortunately, we don't have any control on what ads will be shown to you.

[@plantsoverpills1643]

How do you grow up in a loving household if your mother suffers from depression, your parents are both alcoholics, your father kills himself and your mother dies of excessive drinking? So did he die at 23 or 26?

[@plannerfunandinspirationwithme]

26. He was born November 5th 1946 and died September 19th 1973

[@karenannepawlak1465]

HE SAID LOVING NOT THAT IT WAS DISFUNCTIONAL, ABUSIVE SAD ASS!!! UR PARENTS CAN BOTH HAVE FUCKD UP SHIT GOIN ON AND STILL SHOW LUV & CARE ING TOWARD THER KIDDOS!!! BLEEV ME ITS POSSIBLE

[@mitzipaigemclemore9282]

That they accomplished this? Go team!

[@drbonesshow1]

They didn't even leave a gram.

[@melribbonboo3378]

Well,despite all the obstacles, mostly themselves they got the job done.

[@gilliankingston8259]

He didn't have much of a chance from birth really, 27 is too young to die - but then haven't a number of rock stars aged 27?

[@plannerfunandinspirationwithme]

He was 26. He would have been 27 on November 5tb

[@glennhubbard5008]

Really sad.

[@ruthjesse6759]

Now a day u would go to Prison for stealing a Body and setting fire to it.

[@tj921able]

This story was so hilarious, it should have been made into a movie. At least they honored Gram's wishes. May he RIP.

[@FactsVerse]

Indeed, which of Gram's songs appealed to you the most?

[@tj921able]

@@FactsVerse I liked when he was with The Byrds, but just listened to "A Song For You" and it's beautiful.

[@margaretross9150]

It is a movie, Grand Theft Parsons. I wish they'd make a movie of his actual life, though.

[@SweetGypsyRose]

Greenville is a great town now then not so much so plain...

[@Warriorfundministry]

most surprising was Keith Richard involvement

[@thor8580]

Back then we all got away with a lot you could never drink and drive now let along steal body. I miss the old days things were a-lot more simpler. 😂😂

[@poitor5915]

good looking guy wasn’t he😵‍💫

[@echoscope4278]

You lost me when you said he died at 23 and then in the same breath said he died at 26.

[@ziggystardust4771]

Keith Richard's told him to slow down. Not a whole lot of people who know who he was.

[@maryheiman4091]

The surprising fact is anybody should be able to do this he should’ve wrote a will saying this was his wish

[@jeffkenyon483]

Only those who die in Christ Jesus,truly rest in peace,all others are deceived, and lost souls.

[@nathandodge665]

So which is it 23 or 26?

[@tiredlawdog]

NOTHING I SAY NOTHING, this bunch would do would surprise me.

[@pash9956]

Before America became surveillance crazy.

[@godetonter4764]

Why didn't he mention that he provided Vocals for the Hollies?

[@bobbystereo936]

You mean Terry Sylvester? Not Gram. He never sang with tbe Hollies. Hope you were joking?

[@godetonter4764]

@@bobbystereo936 not joking Gram Parsons was the Lead Vocalist of the Hollies prior to joining Crosby , Stills , and Parsons

[@godetonter4764]

@@bobbystereo936 You Know the Harmony Vocal trio that did 10 Dead in Iowa with Neil Sedaka about ' Steel Soldiers and Reagans calling, 10 dead in Iowa ' . THE band that did Iron Ships on the Ocean , and Northern Cross. YOU know Gram Parsons was part of Parsons, Crosby and Stills before Neil Sedaka joined

[@godetonter4764]

@@bobbystereo936 Gram Parsons was lead Vocals on Long COOL woman , and Precious and Few before quitting the Hollies and joining Bing Crosby ,and Ted Stills in the Heavy Acid Rock 🔱 trio Crosby , Stills, and Parsons

[@bobbystereo936]

@@godetonter4764 WHAT!?!?!

[@joemoore8107]

He had some friends

[@mommabearcrimelifehaleighc585]

I boy he almost hit the 27 but close enough So sad

[@cjb2749]

Well which is it? Did he die at 23, or 26?

[@stgyt17]

Gm ❤

[@ozzie444]

You said he died at age 23 then you said he died at age 26? How many times did he die?

[@wellston2826]

Evidently enough times to have a funeral and a cremation. Sadly, during the cremation he made a complete ash out of himself.

[@joannewatts9892]

I can't get behind that .. that's too gruesome & that cop was lame ಠ︵ಠ

[@msn64man1]

26

[@Demebeso714]

Was he 23 or 26 when he died?

[@Mikkibriteside]

You didn't quite end it..I believe the family got the body back and had the funeral.

[@lisariggs8947]

So what happend to Gram?

[@tykevin9577]

embalmed body highly flammable far out man what a trip to the cosmos in a hurry , I might have to think about this or myself in the end of course , probably an ordinance against this EPA and all

[@margaretross9150]

Just a mistake. He died at 26.

[@michaelcottle1401]

Check out the movie Grand Theft Parsons starring Johnny Knoxville.

[@nonplayablecharacter1438]

Within ten seconds you say he died at 23 and then at 26, wtf?

[@lorenzcobretti9862]

why booze and drugs when it would kill ya... if the story is true, it's amazing and sad at the same time.

[@rebeccaberlin]

There's a pretty decent movie based on this story starring Jonny Knoxville.

[@FactsVerse]

Interesting, we'll look it up. May Gram find peace 🙏

[@Modeltnick]

Too much drugs.

[@-JA-]

😯

[@tinafitzpatrick9560]

Why did u say he died at age 23 then 2 minutes later u said age 26???

[@jamesziegler4383]

interesting

[@FactsVerse]

Thanks for watching! We're glad to know that you love our video. If we may ask, what other types of video would you like to see on our channel?

[@88Kimberly888]

That's cool they honored his wishes but the way they did it was kinda messed up. Pouring gasoline over his body in the casket and throwing a match on him...then hauling ass real quick after 😕 distasteful.

[@ccryder654]

Might of been a good idea to ditch the coffin , just saying 🤔 🤷

[@bobdavis4848]

If this or similar happened to you or your family, you wouldn't like if some exploitation channel decades later tried to make money off tragedies about it without your permission. Tribute his music or do nothing, let him rest in peace.

[@karenannepawlak1465]

WHAT!??? I DONT GET WHAT UR SAYING, THAT THIS VIDEO ABOUT HIS STORY IS SUM HOW EXPLOITATIVE!??? AND THER MAKING LOOT SUM HOW!!! EXPLAIN PLEASE!!!

[@bobdavis4848]

@@karenannepawlak1465 People are on youtube for thumbs up / likes, subscriptions and monetizations. This video does not have Gram's permission and I really doubt it has his estate's permission. Musicians wish to be known for their music and for their private lives to remain private.

[@godetonter4764]

It's a shame that he didn't make it to 27 ,he was robbed of joining the club everyone wants to join

[@wirelessone2986]

I dont