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Twenty Thousand Roads: The Ballad of Gram Parsons and His Cosmic American Music
Twenty Thousand Roads The Ballad of Gram Parsons and His Cosmic American Music
Author: David Meyer
Gram Parsons lived fast, died young, and left a beautiful corpse–a corpse his friends stole, took to Joshua Tree National Monument, and set afire in its coffin. The theft and burning of his body marked the end of Gram Parsons’ life and the beginning of the Gram Parsons legend. — As a singer and songwriter, Gram Parsons stood at the ne...  more »
ISBN-13: 9780375505706
ISBN-10: 0375505709
Publication Date: 10/30/2007
Pages: 592
Rating:
  • Currently 4.3/5 Stars.
 3

4.3 stars, based on 3 ratings
Publisher: Villard
Book Type: Hardcover
Other Versions: Paperback
Members Wishing: 6
Reviews: Member | Amazon | Write a Review
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txhockeymom avatar reviewed Twenty Thousand Roads: The Ballad of Gram Parsons and His Cosmic American Music on + 33 more book reviews
This book haunts me. The author exhaustively researched Parsons' tragic life, from birth to death. The story begins with his tragic family - a father's suicide when he was 12 years old, an alcoholic mother, a very wealthy southern upbringing, etc. The book is also chronicle of the music scene in the late 60s/early 70s. To me, it was a tragedy of a man with a vision who couldn't get out of his own way. He was self-destructive, but gifted. I have always believed that Parsons doesn't get the credit he deserves, but it may be that while his peers respected his talent, they also despised the fact that he was a liability to himself and everyone around him. The biggest shame is that he met the perfect partner in Emmylou Harris and had just begun to explore that partnership. I really believe that he would have become a legend if they had the opportunity for more collaboration. If you've never heard their take on "Love Hurts", get thee to youtube and check it out. It is hauntingly beautiful.

I suggest that you have Parsons music handy while you are reading this book. The author gives the most incredible information on almost a song-by-song basis. I find myself using the book as a reference when listening to the music. For that reason, this is one book I am going to keep for a while. It is an encyclopedia of Parsons work that is a perfect accompanimate to his music.


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