All the Byrds Members Who Have Sadly Died

Do you think The Byrds are still remembered as one of the most influential American rock bands? Or do we need to introduce their music to a new legion of music lovers?

▬Contents of this video▬
00:00 - Intro
00:24 - Gene Clark
02:01 - Mike Clarke
03:14 - Kevin Kelley
04:23 - Gram Parsons
05:34 - Clarence White
06:33 - Skip Battin
07:28 - Outro

The Byrds was an American rock group that focused on the folk rock subgenre and were influential in introducing this genre to music fans. The band had several members throughout their lifespan – each of whom contributed to the band’s success and unique style.

Sadly, some of The Byrds members are no longer with us. Some of them lived long lives and some of them had their lives cut tragically short. But what The Byrds members had in common was their incredible talent.

One of the founders was Gene Clark who was a singer-songwriter and helped write many of the band’s biggest hits. He was keen on recording music but often felt anxious about touring with them as he hated traveling. He died in 1991 at the age of 46.

Mike Clarke was a young jazz drummer who became a star when he became a member of The Byrds. He wasn’t too involved with the songwriting but nevertheless helped compose some of the band’s best songs. He sadly died in his forties due to liver failure.

But what about Gram Parsons? He died at a young age and what happened to his corpse after his death remains shocking and unthinkable to this day. Sadly, he wasn’t the only one. Clarence White was the talented guitarist for the band and was killed in his twenties.

Kevin Kelley and Skip Battin also had short stints with The Byrds and are sadly no longer with us. This unique band had its share of ups and downs and some members lasted longer than others. Nevertheless, we can thank all of them for creating some of the most unique sounds in American music.

Let’s look back at the lives and careers of all The Byrds members who have sadly died…

All the Byrds Members Who Have Sadly Died

[edwardlagrossa]

The Byrds will always be the iconic band from the 60's. RIP!

[brttrain]

Many decades ago my good friend Larry from high school and I wandered down to the Main Point in Bryn Mawr Pennsylvania. It was a famous Gathering Place for musicians for many decades. It was early morning and we didn't have classes it was summer and that day neither us were working. We went over to the main point, scraped together a few dollars to sit down and have something to drink. I don't know what and a bite to eat. A band was rehearsing and we were too washed out to remember having been drunk the night before probably, still had a hangover. Anyway Roger McGuinn was there we didn't know it at the time and they were rehearsing. I honestly don't remember who else but they did a rendition of Eight Miles High for us. I'll bet it lasted every bit of 15 minutes or more. And to think it was just the two of us a couple feet away. Well it's every bit of 50 years almost and I still remember it. In those days there was no way to record it. But I'll tell you what being a few feet away listening to all those guys that was an experience I won't forget.

[danacarney]

Mike used my Drum Kit for a gig. We opened for the Byrds. Hung out after. Very nice guy.

[fernandefournier]

Eight Miles High and Turn Turn Turn : for me two masterpiece. The Byrd's: one of the best bands. May rest in prace all this members. Thank you for this video.

[GereDJ]

I'm 77 as of 2022 and played the Byrds from the get-go during the "Progressive Rock" era on FM radio in So Cal. I have met some of them and always felt a connection with the entire Country Rock genre. It was an amazing time, and things and the world was quite different then. If nothing else, getting older gives you a priceless perspective on things, whether you want it or not.

[josephjohnson]

The Byrds were awesome band. Turn! Turn! Turn! and Goin Back are remarkable songs. They did great music. May they rest in peace!

[dennisdemark]

Had the opportunity to meet Gene back stage in 1987 and Michael in 1991 when he was tourning as Michael Clarke's Byrds concert.
Yes I cried, because I spoke to him back stage for a period of time... great Human being.
RIP 🙏🏼🕯️🕊️🕯️🕊️🕯️🕊️🙏🏼Gene and Michael and Clarence.

[btipton]

Gene Clark, one of the most overlooked songwriters of all time! ♥️

[bobolive]

Their album, ”Mr.Tamborine Man” is one of the best albums I’ve ever bought and I’ve been collecting vinyl for over 65 years. Fantastic music!!

[shellytriantis]

Mr. Tambourine Man and Turn! Turn!Turn! are my faves..I wasn't even alive in the 60s..was born in 1980..but my parents(especially my late father)brought me up on the oldies 😀

[williamrooth]

8 miles high! Still is a bit of a rush after all these years! Thanks for this beautiful, if sad, update!

[bobwallace]

I never realized they had so many members. My Back Pages was my favorite.

[edwardmiller]

Goin Back, a great Carol King song, is my favorite!

[Classic.Hits-.artists]

So many great songs by the Byrds. I can listen to “Eight Miles High” over and over.

I listened to and played my guitar along with my Byrds albums so often when I was in college that my girlfriend in 1979 dreamed about them.

[pauljones]

When they first came out 14 years old hanging out the park in our neighborhood listening to your music was very cool for me at 14 and of course time went on I am now 72 and I have to say when I turn on their music it takes me back to that Park my friends Oh What A Time thank you all For The Memories

[gerrymarks]

One of the best bands ever.they shall be missed.their likes will never come this way again.the original 5 was the best .😢😢

[candydale]

"Turn Turn Turn", don't recall life without that song!! It's ingrained in me!! Love David Crosby!!

[frankfurter]

I loved all their songs especially " Younger than yesterday" ; " 5 d " and " Hey, Mr. Spaceman". They were superstars of my youth.

[margaretross]

Such a great band! Glad find out more about these members who contributed so much to the music.

[st.charlesstreet]

Such talented musicians and I never realized how much involved one of them were in country! Great Work!