Gram Parsons: The Last Interview

(Full transcript available please email [e-mail] 16,000 words.) OTTAWA, Canada - Canadian writer/musician Michael Bate had a chance encounter with Gram Parsons' tour bus in Boston, MA, in March 1973 - it would be Parsons’ last interview. (He died of an overdose six months later at the Joshua Tree Inn.) Gram is lucid and engaging throughout, addressing the rumours behind the authorship of The Rolling Stones’ song Wild Horses, his friendship with Keith Richards and Mick Jagger, The Byrds' celebrated Grand Old Opry appearance and why he split from the band. He touches upon his disdain for Lee Hazelwood and respect for Waylon Jennings - and of course, Emmylou Harris and the story behind how they met. Gram’s critique of 1970's Nashville is as prescient today as it was in ’73.

[@flyingburritobro68]

RIP Gram. He passed away 50 years ago on this day in Joshua Tree. He would be 76 now.

[@pmcclaren1]

He & Emmylou were a 'match made in heaven!' He the Southern gentleman & his so-Beautiful Southern lady!

[@margaretross9150]

Gone in six months; his demons won, but he left so much for us to love.

[@darlindquist4053]

I listen to this often....I loved Grams speaking voice...very soft spoken and southern gentleman...I met him when I was 17 we stayed in touch til early 1971... miss him ❤️

[@TheArindamusician]

I'm an Indian and a student of Indian Classical Music..never had any Idea of what American Music is all about. But after listening to Hickory Wind , I became fond of his music. Music is universal only if it emanates from struggles and frictions of life.

[@nonomiconone9124]

Amen, Brother. Blessed Be.

[@BENJIR2D2]

It is.

[@Contact_Info]

I like sitar music, it is all universal . Ravi Shankar

[@bjpowerequipment1023]

I would think that sometimes it can come from the joy of life as well. Not a big country fan but every time I hear "Thank God I'm a Country Boy" by John Denver it seems to put me in a happy and thankful mood.

[@ThvonS]

You are totally right. My deepest respect, Sir

[@rs5801]

This interview is truly a gem. To think that it was recorded almost 50 yrs. ago. Noticed Gram used no clichés or filler words. Honest, intelligent, humble, soft spoken, gutsy. I didn't care much for Byrd's 'Sweetheart' but loved the Burrito Bros. and saw them a couple times in L.A. Discovered his solo stuff later, still listening!

[@jasontimperley9199]

Wow! Lucky you! I was too young. And in the wrong country! 😡

[@peterzang]

Very special man.

[@adrianbeaumont6745]

I have heard of this beautiful soul Gram through Keith Richards. Its a pity Gram did not get the recog3he so richly deserved when he was alive. RIP GP

[@karenzanes]

Pure gold. I could listen to Gram talk all day long! Something about his voice...

[@roguetribal]

One of the shiniest stars in the heavens

[@patsluder2699]

How is it possible to fall in love with someone who has been gone for so long that you never met? I don't know but I love him and mourn him.

[@margaretross9150]

It's a unique situation. Probably shows the power of his personality and talent. Someone said that once Gram gets into your heart, he doesn't leave. I'm finding that.

[@annbrock1065]

I feel the same.Sometimes I can't get him out of my head.

[@driloc]

This just gives me chills...he was EVERYTHING you kind of imagined he'd be! Love his straightforward demeanor...

[@mairianncullen8753]

Great to hear the respect he had for Waylon Jennings.

[@lastnamefirst4035]

He believed Waylon should have the right to get high where ever he wanted 😀

[@gostrum1]

Great to hear his disrespect for Lee Hazelwood

[@lastnamefirst4035]

@@gostrum1 lol😀 no kidding. Hazelwood was a jerk and sang stupid songs

[@tinamariamoore3589]

Gram Parsons was a beautiful and exceptional man. He was haunted by his father's suicide and his mother's death due to her alcoholism. It's like he was destined to leave this world much too soon. He left his mark on all who have listened to his music..... " Now my man has got it made. He's gone far beyond the pain. And we must remain go on living just the same. We who must remain go on laughing just the same".

[@davidgargiulo1012]

Now I understand. I've known of Gram's controversies, but I didn't know he had this hard a time. And then to be betrayed I don't know how many times by artistic partners. I've known about Gram since 1968, but it's only until I listened to this interview and saw your post, Tina, did I really understand the intensity he went through.

[@richardecheverria1518]

Aah yes...The lyrics of multi-instrumentalist Mr. Bernie Leadon of Burrito Bros. /Eagles.

[@darlindquist4053]

Don’t forget the death of his sister he loved so deeply😢

[@nancygill6445]

@@davidgargiulo1012 But the sweet pie slice Henry Dickey and I know of utter peace love and joy til 1958 with the firm foundation of hero dad worship, mother love adoration, black patriarchy & matriarchy, pastoral care, communion, strong faith, solid community along with various music genres of black, southern hymns, classical, Elvis, boogie, radio. He had a lot of percussion going on. His room was filled with drums.

[@nancygill6445]

@@darlindquist4053 yes, my best friend Avis❤️🆖❤️

[@WillieBeard]

Just as pleasant to listen to when he speaks as when he sings. Legendary!

[@jonesy2111]

One of the very few real artists who played music straight from the heart

[@claudermiller]

I've known his name for 50 years. First time I've ever had the opportunity to hear what he was about. What a loss for music.

[@annakermode6646]

Can you fall in love with a speaking voice? I think you can and I just did

[@susiewarddrollinger2306]

I think I'm in love with his soft voice... Gone to soon. Tragic 💔 such a sweet, southern boy 💖

[@ruthvandecarr9567]

I agree Anna! I know Gram was troubled but what an angel.

[@lauriebrowning6180]

I agree!

[@susancarter2365]

Sexy voice! I am a southern girl.

[@reomatodavich]

It melts my heart to think there are such fine ladies as yourselves, that seem know about the important things in life. I’m 31, I own about 400 vinyls and have also fallen in love with Gram. Along with Guy And Townes, and Willie and Waylon. Open your heart and feel the music. As Neil says, “Let’s go out and feel the night” 🥰

[@MelodyVillaMusic]

One of the most incredible artists, I am learning about his many paths that all led to music. 🌅🌸💙

[@sleekfast11]

It's about 44 years since he passed from this earth. "And we who must remain, go on living just the same".

[@PatdavolioinNH]

We go on, but are less than we would have been...

[@annbugbee5623]

@@PatdavolioinNH Yes,Gone way to soon.Walter B.Memphis.

[@nancygill6445]

Gram is my childhood friend from Waycross until Coon Dogs death when he moved and afterwards Avis his sister and I visited back and forth between Waycross and Winter Haven.

[@TQCX9]

Thx

[@univibe23]

It's a damn shame that most people don't have a clue who this man is. I for one wish I'd been exposed to his music much earlier than I was. I'll say it's truly a great loss, to say the least, that he died at such a young age. He had so much more to contribute!!

[@rikjensen573]

At least Gram remains timeless.

[@rjhall5712]

It's funny , I was a Flying Burrito Brothers fan , owned their LP's but didn't realize that Gram was in the band ... I also had some of his solo stuff

[@charlesandrews2360]

​@@rjhall5712 My experience is similar. I was a freshman in high school in 72 and we were listening to what we called outlaw country, including Waylon Jennings. I listened to Burrito Brothers but I was a big fan of Poco and the New Riders and had no idea about the Byrds or Gram Parsons influence and popularizing country music with young pop music fans. I got to the party late but there was so much great country-ish music going on I had tons of stuff to listen to.

[@Frumibandersnatch]

​@@rjhall5712 Me too. I didn't know who he was 'til much later in life. All the stuff he did with Emmy Lou Harris, his friendship with Keith Richards ... none of it. What a loss, I often wonder now what more we could've had from him.

[@douglascarr8045]

What a loss he was....what a singing voice he had.

[@isabellatunzi5787]

How much sweetness in Gram's voice! I love to hear him speak.

[@lastnamefirst4035]

Even when he says "fk you" to hazelwood he sounds sweet. "See ya" funny

[@lanabanana68]

i only wish we could see his beautiful face aswell as listen to his beautiful voice.Thanks for posting this!

[@jimrebr]

Oh sweet Gram, none of this is new to me, I’ve been into Gram since I was a young teenage girl, but I very much enjoyed listening to his soft kind voice speaking, I’ve heard him talk before, but this was longer & I’ll never tire of hearing Gram. Emmylou is such a treasure.❤️🥰👏

[@denisefrierson]

He was a beautiful man, wish I could have seen him perform live

[@pammorris8097]

Such honesty and guts!!! I really dig Gram Parsons. Right on!

[@chrispeterson73]

Wish Gram was still around. Imagine the music he'd had gone on to create with all the other great artists!❤🎶🍻

[@AFaceintheCrowd01]

Wonderful to hear him like this.

[@martigrant120]

Amen

[@annbugbee5623]

Yes,Really Is,Walter B.Memphis..😛☠💜

[@danacoleman4007]

It's really nice to hear someone say the same things I always have about labels when it comes to music. Great interview!

[@charlesandrews2360]

I have a couple of Chicago Mass Choir videos in my playlist that I would put up alongside the hardest rocking bands of any era.

[@sandyellis3004]

Emmylou Harris introduced me to Gram Parsons. I'm so glad she did.

[@genewisdom6478]

Same here. I was a huge fan of hers for over thirty years before I began really learning about him.

[@jeffcaliendo7399]

The most important detail you're leaving out is the fact that Graham introduced emmylou to all of you.....

[@angelsurron7597]

Its "GRAM". NOT " Graham..... Just SAYING..... :)

[@jeffcaliendo7399]

@@angelsurron7597 wow angel , thank you so much , I don't what I would without you spell checking my rough drafts and probably, I'm sure, missing the point entirelee. Will you make me a cup of coffee as well? Just slayin ! : )

[@angelsurron7597]

@@jeffcaliendo7399 MY PLEASIRE( go IS FOR*SURE. :0 )

[@sherridecembrini7949]

beautiful interview...if only we all had his guts...his disdain for the labels...all true...damn

[@probono9341]

Sherri Decembrini Gram’s Mom set up a trust fund which was paying him $50,000 per year. That’s roughly $350,000 annually in today’s dollars. Much easier to have guts and no patience with labels when you have financial security.

[@als1023]

@@probono9341 I knew about the trust fund, did not know the amount. Have been a fan of his music and genre, if he'd allow that term, since it came out. Lucky to own all the original vinyl too. He fascinated me with all the great musicians he hung out with, influenced and recorded with. My world has been blessed with his contributions, fell very badly about the addiction and tragic consequences. Thank you for posting this, 1st time I've run across it, thank you algo too for putting this on my page,,,

[@supermeansadie6753]

@Pro Bono Wiki says it was more $210,000/yr in 2018 so more like $210,000.00/year which is a nice income for a kid...

[@linda.cafaro4284]

I love listening to Gram talking, also I love his laugh, most of all I love his singing. I think there was a lot of jealousy from his bandmates

[@shazam1969ish]

me too

[@79tazman]

It's amazing how much influence Gram had on the whole Counrty/Rock music thing that took off after Gram passed it's really a shame he did not live to see his vision take off

[@magzsara9892]

Gram and Roger McGuinn are the most beautiful harmonies I've ever heard,, I so wish we had many many more....

[@flyingburritobro68]

Gram and Chris Hillman you mean right? Their vocals on The Gilded Palace of Sin album are great. Christines Tune, Sin City, Do Right Woman etc all have that Everly Brothers feel in the vocals

[@lastnamefirst4035]

@@flyingburritobro68 everybody talks about mcguin but chris hillman is an astounding musician, I think better today in his 70s than ever

[@AllyPerrott]

Heartbreaking for EmmyLou 😢

[@tinacox7442]

So Handsome ,such a Great musical genius. Such a positive influence on rock and country music.

[@chriscorman734]

Much respect for Gram

[@shirleyjennings5787]

Awesome!

[@mairianncullen8753]

'Pure country includes rock and roll' - yes, sir!

[@alonzobishop3671]

A beautiful soul... Well before his time!

[@stregalilith]

This interview is such a treasure! Thank you so much for posting, Rosemary! He is so young, his voice is still breaking--and so is my heart. This interview is a tribute to everyone who questions authority and challenges people doing things because "that's just the way it's done". Gram was so independent, I sure hope he's somewhere where he can enjoy the fact that his frankness and honesty predicted so much of what would come later, even up until now. His spirit lives on in all of us.

[@RCRB444]

It’s an internet diamond in the rough. Based on a theatre production by Michael Bate of Ottawa Canada. Starting Anders Drerup as Gram and Kelly Prescott as Emmylou. Here’s a couple clips - She: kzbin.info/www/bejne/f5imp2WiprZ_a8k Cash On The Barrelhead facebook.com/GrievousAngelLegendOfGramParsons/videos/10155353611606238?s=100012131113070&v=e&sfns=mo

[@kcn-qt6fc]

I did not realize that Parsons was the composer of so many songs I've loved over the years

[@nordimersnurd]

". . .And the sun comes up without him It just doesn't know he's gone Ooh, but I remember everything he sang. . ."

[@kingofthecatnap5422]

LeAnn Skeen Nice, LeAnn! 😿

[@mariagilligan7133]

What a warm voice. I am so glad that i found gram parsons. What a sad childhood. He was it seems to be a sweet person. You can't go through that kind of grief and not have it change you.

[@angelsutton9860]

I L💜VE THIS INTERVIEW ~ Just listening to his Sweet Voice - MAKES ME SMILE - AND TOTALLY BREAKS MY HEART - all @ the SAME TIME!!! GOD REST HIS SOUL!!! :)

[@postpunkhah]

The way he says "and we got a hold of Sneaky" at 10:57. Man, that voice.

[@kathyreed8715]

a voice like silk

[@johnasee2049]

Makes me want to weep

[@peterhendriks1602]

I can really understand why Keith got on with him so well. They both have that gentle, loving undercurrent.

[@charlesandrews2360]

This is the first time I've ever heard Gram Parsons interview but his passion and pure love for music remind me of interviews I've heard with Keith Richards.

[@davisdeen-ty4so]

1 more thing they both loved ? HEROIN 😮YUP

[@leemadden3able]

They also had a big appetite for illegal products as well

[@peterhendriks1602]

@@leemadden3able True, but that was the rule rather than the exception in those days.

[@lanabanana68]

i love Him so much.....sigh......

[@yardman111100]

Awesome interview. Absolute gold.

[@rosenemmett]

always wonder where Gram would of taken his music, miss him.

[@nicholasdauphinais]

Thank you Gram

[@williamsandell3260]

Man what a great interview

[@laurar4290]

Thank you for posting this interview ... Gram is a great story teller ...

[@rhondadaum8657]

Thank God we have his voice...

[@keithsandulak9844]

How lucky are we to hear Gram Parsons today. As he laughs at Mick's suitcase of money to Switzerland or the grip of Chet's antiseptic atmosphere. His friends were all the great makers of music, not the businessmen. Imagine 'Sweethearts of the Rodeo' with his voice throughout, huge loss. Thank God for Tape Recorders.... And now KZbin posters.

[@tigdorris8469]

"A song for you " is a mostly unknown melodic gem....his talent and profound soulfulness has only grown for me as time takes its own path ....imagining Gram spontaneously singing acapella of his beautiful " in my hour of darkness " at Clarence Whites funeral had to elevate his soul to spirit ....Love him ....as a side note , does anyone know if the Eagles , " new kid in town." Was about Gram ... everybody please keep safe and find truth while avoiding deception ....Crazy ass world exposing much darkness , watch out for the "devil in disguise"

[@rs5801]

Don't know if "New Kid" was about Gram but it's no secret that Bernie Leadon, who knew him well, wrote "My Man" for Gram

[@andershenriksen6997]

Born in Denmark in 1981, I've always known some Gram Parsons songs - but it's only something like 10 years ago I actually heard about him. 10 months ago I started to actively listening to him, and it's only about 10 weeks ago I started my journey finding out more. Weird, ain't it?

[@margaretross9150]

No, not that weird. I was alive when he was, but he was just a shadowy figure to me until last spring. Had no idea Gram made such great music. Maddening but brilliant. Have fun!

[@Matthew_Eitzman]

Gram was not born in Denmark in 1981.

[@AirflowToTheTurbo]

And right after this, Waylon broke free and became an outlaw country legend! Gram was spot on. And country music wasn't the only thing Keith and Gram had an affinity for. 😊

[@julianensworth1483]

RIP great interview

[@peterzang]

Don’t forget that Gram went to Harvard. Very bright fella. And super eloquent

[@Barzol636]

Loved listening to that.Thanks Rosemary

[@reallyrarestuff]

Thanks for posting this, Rosemary. I hope it stays.

[@jjfahey1]

Pure gold. Listen

[@davidfraley746]

I went to high school with Gram. I lived on the same hall at The Bolles School. He was a special talent for sure.

[@margaretross9150]

It sounds like Bolles was a very good place for Gram. Away from his troubled family and living with supportive friends and teachers.

[@brettthebad]

Thank you, Rosemary...

[@johnbeard8839]

Amazing interview and the bridges by Michael are just so great. This manages to answer almost every question I've had about Gram's career for years. So young but musically deep and sincere.

[@paolo-n2000]

I'm really surprised to hear Gram's true feelings about Lee Hazlewood.

[@mc2mc277]

Great interview. Thanks. I was lucky enough to be a huge Byrds and Burritos/Gram fan early on. Was also a radio DJ at 18 y.o. When his first solo album came in and Emmylou’s voice blew me away.

[@shazam1969ish]

He was so sweet, my heart breaks that he found his end so soon and how he did. xoxox

[@Let_Jesus_Rescue_You]

Thank you sooo much for sharing this incredible interview with us! His speaking voice is so lovely! I could listen to him speak like I could listen to him sing! I was born in '69, am a singer/musician/songwriter & like soo many others out there, I've been inspired by & in awe of his God-given gifts! Without people sharing what was recorded of Gram, I'd never have known of him! Ahh, it won't be long now & we'll be snatched up & outta this beastly & brutal Dodge! After the very, very soon Rapture...we'll be singing w/Gram (& many others)! Thank God He created gentle *Gram* & humanity's innate Love for Music! 🎶 Suppose God brought Gram Home to Heaven to spare him any longer time living here w/his deep heartbreak... that Gram must've been self-medicating w/alcohol, etc. What would Gram have been without that visible/audible heartache... 'cause it drove his sweet, shyness to bravely express that pain through his music. It is something that so many of us feel from him & can empathize with 💕 I'm just thankful God lent him to us for the time He did... during the exact earthly years He chose to... (rather than the 1600s, for example) during an era when we could record & save Gram's youthful charismatic beauty & musical wow-ness...for all of these decades after his physical death! 💕 He'll never truly be dead & gone, thank God 😊❤️♾️

[@w8godot]

Thank you for this... helps me to understand the man, see through the legend mist

[@dorianneburgoyne5755]

Peaked curiosity to search out Gram. Watching Linda Ronstadt rock doc and his name came up. Thanks for the interview

[@susanevans2725]

Such a talent gone way too soon

[@debradoernbach5548]

Thank you for posting this.

[@jonnyl5442]

Very very cool! Thanks for sharing! Love sneaky Pete's licks.

[@carolslater2733]

Amazing to find this on fb!!!! Love listening to Gram❤❤❤

[@sarahdeason493]

Thank U for posting this .. Made me very Sad, yet Happy at the same time ...

[@oldskoold22]

A Hell of a los! Brilliant Dude! I had never known this info on Gram was available. Thanks.

[@pamelaJoyce384]

I'm old...like really old. I've never hear Gram Parson's speaking voice before

[@deeg8849]

Always dig Grams music but dig him even more. A real straight shooter, no BS

[@abelincoln95]

Thank you so much for posting this. I just watched an Emmylou interview that dovetailed perfectly with this interview.

[@annbugbee5623]

GREAT VIDEO, I HOPE TO KEEP THUS A VERY. LONG TIME,THANK YOU VERY MUCH,REALLY LOADS OF HISTORY,YEAH,THAT VOICE,UNMISTAKABLE.LOVE IT WHEN HE SAYS F,U, I AM GOING TO ENGLAND,LEGEND..Man the LEGENGS HE KNEW ALSO,WALTER B.Memphis.

[@Baneumann66]

Amazing! Thanks!

[@paulstewart7529]

miss what you could have been

[@rockyjohnstone]

Really enjoyed this, takes me back. Thank you for sharing.

[@RCRB444]

rockyjohnstone Glad you enjoyed!

[@79tazman]

Waylon Jennings was and is a bad ass once he left Chet Adkins and RCA he took right off and became a major Country superstar it's just too bad Gram did not get to see it.

[@ziblot1235]

Chet Atkins is probably on of the greatest guitarists of ALL TIME. But I agree he is a little jaded in some of his views.

[@davidjames81]

Safe at home Gram safe at home xxx

[@martigrant120]

Thank you thank you Rosemary.

[@lescisin]

At 10:20, he refers to the "Main Street Blues Band" as a precursor to what became Delaney and Bonnie and Friends. I have never heard of this before and can find nothing of them online. Anyone else heard of this D&B incarnation before? Great interview! Have heard bits of this before, but never this complete. Thank you!

[@krisscanlon4051]

The Tulsa sound band members. cale russell and jesse ed Davis

[@dubbeltumme]

He described working with Emmylou so nicely, they would have done so many more epic songs. RIP

[@richardseegman803]

Well I have a CLUE. I am a lifetime Rock 'm' Roller, and I never heard of Gram Parsons until I learned about him from Keith Richards (just video interview, not personal discussion). I have since researched and listened to much of Gram's music, career, and short life. Great singer and musician, and an honorary member of the 27 Club, having passed six weeks before his 27th birthday. . .

[@kirtknob]

GP One of my all time favorites, thanks for this interview. Gone way before his time. Just saw Sweetheart of the Rodeo tour with Hillman, McGuinn, and Marty Stewart. A tribute to Gram Parsons and the Byrds. Very nice concert.

[@MrPhilfridge]

Lucky you-I Hope they did Gram (and Clarence) proud

[@sammyscotch9945]

@@MrPhilfridge and sneaky pete

[@MrPhilfridge]

Appreciate your appreciation !! for Sneaky Pete. but he was not part of the Sweetheart album. @@sammyscotch9945

[@lastnamefirst4035]

@@MrPhilfridge i dont remember writing the comment but thanks for the info. I would delete my post but for some reason i cant

[@iknowbut1919]

wow that was amazing thank you now we know he didn't write wild horses from his own lips. Hickory wind is still one of my favorite songs

[@lanabanana68]

hickory wind is one of my favourites too :)

[@BILLYMORGAN1971]

Wild Horses wasn't written in some studio, it was written in France probably by Gram and Keef. Gram was trying to kiss ass according to Phil Kaufman. Nothing in this interview indicates he didn't have a hand in it's creation.

[@flyingburritobro68]

William Morgan 🤣

[@flyingburritobro68]

William Morgan it was written long before they went to France. Recorded in Muscle Shoals Alabama Dec 2 and 3 1969. Not by Gram period

[@lastnamefirst4035]

@@BILLYMORGAN1971 i dont put any stock into what kaufman says...consider the source

[@sabrinapittsley2304]

His voice reminds me of Randy Rhoads. Very personable soft spoken.

[@kingofthecatnap5422]

Late with a thank you but...thank you! 🏆

[@plasteredbastard]

Sometimes hearing Keith talk about Gram, his regret sounds greater with the loss of Gram than it ever did with Jonesy.

[@lastnamefirst4035]

I heard keith say he didnt really know gram well. They spent sometime together...so keith's comment was confusing to me

[@frankiebutler2894]

@@lastnamefirst4035 Maybe, that’s his way of not having to answer questions he’d rather not answer.....sounds about right to me.

[@lastnamefirst4035]

@@frankiebutler2894 like shooting junk w Gram? Lol

[@deeg8849]

Totally

[@wayneo1269]

There's some really great insights here,this guy was the man it's a shame his demons got him so early.

[@lastnamefirst4035]

Insight filled in info thats I didnt know for 40+ years