Parsons music meaningful, if not popular at the time

When writing about Gram Parsons, there is reason to pause.Parsons has been called a genius, a musical pioneer. In his brief time on this planet, he was a member of The Byrds and the Flying Burrito Brothers. He became close friends with the Rolling Stones' Keith Richards, and in some way, helped steer him toward a country-themed record in "Exile on Main Street".He also introduced the world to Emmylou Harris.There have been biographies written about him, a documentary produced, and even a Hollywood movie that centered around the bizarre story of his death's fiery aftermath (Parsons' corpse was stolen by his friends, taken to Joshua Tree and set on fire).And yet. I can't help but wonder how well known Parsons — and specifically — his music, really is to the general public.Parsons had no hits. His two solo albums didn't sell well. And his brief period with the Byrds, which produced a country record called "Sweetheart of the Rodeo" wasn't a success during his lifetime.And yet, people — including me — are still fascinated by him and still write about him.Parsons died fifty years ago this month, at the age of 26.In his career, he produced a kind of music that he called "cosmic American music." Others call it country rock, though I tend to view it as closer to traditional country music.I've listened to practically everything Parsons ever recorded, and enjoy his work immensely. Parsons' idea was being a rock star, but recording country music. In a way, he could bring the two audiences of the genres together.That never really happened, at least not in his lifetime.And yet, musically, Parsons did some remarkable things.When with the Byrds, he and Chris Hillman essentially hijacked the band's direction, turning it from folk rock to country.The album they produced remains one of my favorites, and it includes Parsons' signature song, "Hickory Wind."But just as important as the music was the sincerity in which it was produced. "Sweetheart of the Rodeo" was released in 1968. The previous year, the rock group The Lovin' Spoonful released the song "Nashville Cats", an ode to the brilliant guitar players in country music's capital.The song's meaning might have very well been sincere, but lead singer John Sebastian recorded the track with a put on, cartoonish southern drawl.Rock musicians would play country music, but often with a not-so-subtle tinge of condescension. Parsons and Hillman had no intention of performing that music — which they both adored — that way. "Sweetheart of the Rodeo" reflected that (Byrds lead singer Roger McGuinn's affected southern vocal on "A Christian Life" notwithstanding).But whether it was with the Byrds or at other times in his career, Parsons was met with resistance. Rock audiences didn't want to hear George Jones songs.Country music audiences — and disc jockeys — didn't give rock bands time.Of course, that changed over time. By the early 80s, country music was full of performers — Charlie Daniels, Alabama, Hank Williams Jr. — who not only embraced a rock edge, but gained a massive audience through it.Maybe Parsons was simply ahead of his time.For me, Parsons' best work came with The Flying Burrito Brothers. He joined with Hillman — who also had split from the Byrds — and created a very special album, "The Gilded Palace of Sin."The record showcases some of Parsons' best songs and vocals, from "Wheels" to "Hot Burrito No. 1" and "Hot Burrito No. 2." The songs showcase Parsons' style, but also display his passion in a way his work at other times never reached.Parsons later recorded solo albums, with the highlight being the vocals of Harris, who is featured to the point where it's almost a duet record.In the song "Return of the Grievous Angel," Parsons and Harris meld their voices perfectly, and the track takes on an almost magical quality.Parsons had moments like that.He just never found the success that perhaps he should have.Nevertheless, his music is worth listening to, both for what it was, and what it helped create.