Gene Clark
Gene Clark (born 17 November 1944, when Harold Eugene Clark in Tipton, Missouri; † 24 May 1991, Sherman Oaks, California ) was an American country-rock musician and songwriter. He is best known as a founding member of the Byrds.
Hailing from a family with many children Gene Clark began writing songs at a young age. He first played in a school band and later at the Surf Riders, which occurred in folk clubs in the vicinity. The New Christy Minstrels were at one of these gigs attention to the talented musician and received him in their band. The time that he stayed with the folk group was characterized by numerous tours and recording sessions. Once she appeared before President Lyndon B. Johnson at the White House.
Clark was always less pleased with the hectic life. As a senior lowest member of the group, he also had hardly any development opportunities. So he got out early 1964 and moved to California. Here he met Roger McGuinn, with whom he shared a penchant for folk music and the Beatles. A little later they were joined by David Crosby.
Member of the Byrds
The Byrds emerged in late 1964 from the precursors Jet Set and Beefeaters. Apart from McGuinn, Crosby and Clark were still the bassist Chris Hillman and drummer Michael Clarke there. Already their first single, the song Dylan Mr. Tambourine Man, was a worldwide hit. The Byrds were from that moment on as an American response to the British Beatles.
Clark was indisputably the most talented songwriter of the band (whose biggest hits were, however, composed by Bob Dylan ). His most famous song was Eight Miles High, but made it due to a radio boycott barely in the top 20. After only fifteen months Clark got out at the Byrds in March 1966. The constant disputes within the band and increased by his fear of flying tour of stress were the trigger for this decision. He preferred the quiet studio work and gigs in small cafes and clubs against nerve-wracking concerts in large halls.
Solo career
Gene Clark was the manager of the Byrds, Jim Dickson. Because of this, the Gosdin Brothers had under contract, 1967, the joint album Gene Clark & The Gosdin Brothers was recorded, despite high musical quality was not too successful though. Clark did thereupon together with Doug Dillard, the frontman of the California bluegrass group The Dillards, Dillard and Clark to the lineup. Two albums were produced with strong Country - expression that were not commercially successful but again. In 1969 went to pieces in battle.
His first independent solo album was released in 1971 WhiteLight contained -. Except -written by Bob Dylan song "Tears Of Rage" - all original material. However, this time was no single release to hit. In part, this was due to the half-hearted promotion of his record company. However, Clark himself wore a certain complicity, since he did not show particular interest in performances or tours.
1973 there was a brief revival of the Byrds in the original line. Under time pressure and without a real commitment album was produced, which could not compete with the earlier publications. Clark then went their own way after. In 1974 he produced with his masterpiece No Other. Again came all the songs by himself, and again the musically ambitious album was not a commercial success.
1977 completed Roger McGuinn and Chris Hillman some common studio sessions. Clark also showed interest in participating. Together with McGuinn, he appeared several times in the Troubador club, where eight years earlier, everything had begun. Finally, the end of the decade, two albums were recorded.
The 1980s ushered in the gradual decline Clarks. His Byrds bonus was depleted, the major record companies had no more interest in him. In an independent label in 1984, he played the album Firebyrd one. As a session musician he worked occasionally in recordings musician friends. His last album, produced jointly with Carla Olson So Rebellious A Lover, was published in 1987.
Like most ex- Byrds Gene Clark also had massive alcohol and drug problems. His health deteriorated rapidly. On 24 May 1991 he died.
Gene Clark was buried in St. Andrew Catholic Cemetery in Tipton.
Private life
Clark married in 1970 the dancer Carlie McCummings. The marriage produced two sons were born. In June 1976 Carlie and Gene Clark were divorced.