International Submarine Band
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1965 |
| Founder | Gram Parsons |
| Defunct | 1968 |
| Headquarters | United States |
| Products | Albums, singles, EPs |
The International Submarine Band (ISB) emerged as a country-rock ensemble initiated by Gram Parsons in 1965,[1] during his tenure as a theology student at Harvard University. Alongside him was John Nuese, a guitarist affiliated with the local rock outfit The Trolls. Nuese played a pivotal role in steering Parsons toward the country-rock genre that would come to define his subsequent musical endeavors.[2] Parsons' involvement with ISB predates his more renowned contributions to The Byrds, the Flying Burrito Brothers, and the Fallen Angels alongside Emmylou Harris.[1]
The Like: 1965
In 1965, Parsons began his theological studies at Harvard but soon immersed himself in the regional folk music community.[2] His initial band, The Like, featured musicians trained at Berklee whose jazz influences conflicted with Parsons' folk-oriented vision.[2] This group dissolved by the end of that year when Parsons encountered guitarist John Nuese, who encouraged him to embrace a distinct country rock approach.[1]
ISB version 1: 1965-1966
According to Nuese, "I was the only member familiar with playing and appreciating extensive country music. Gram was performing commercial folk tunes. It was my influence that introduced him to country." Parsons soon left Harvard prematurely, dedicating himself to music and lifestyle pursuits over academic commitments.[2] Together, they established The International Submarine Band, a name inspired by an Our Gang comedy short.[1] The initial lineup consisted of Parsons (guitar, vocals), Ian Dunlop (bass), and Mickey Gauvin (drums). Although they recorded material, ISB did not achieve placement on Top 40 Pop or Country charts.[1]
Early in 1966, ISB moved to New York City, residing in a home acquired through Parsons' trust fund. They produced two singles for Goldstar Records and recorded an album that ultimately remained unreleased and was lost.[2] Their debut single was a rendition of "The Russians Are Coming, The Russians Are Coming," associated with the Norman Jewison film, accompanied by Terry Fell's "Truck Driving Man."[1] Later that year, Goldstar issued "Sum Up Broke," featuring Parsons' lyrics and Nuese's composition, backed with Parsons' "One Day Week."[1]
In pursuit of broader recognition, Parsons planned a relocation to Los Angeles after encouragement from former child actor Brandon deWilde, who assured him of potential film roles. By November 1966, Parsons explored Laurel Canyon, initiating a relationship with aspiring actress Nancy Ross and securing management for ISB. Utilizing trust fund resources, he acquired a house for the band and rented separate quarters for himself and Ross. Through deWilde's introduction to Peter Fonda, ISB landed a cameo in Roger Corman's psychedelic movie The Trip (1967). Although their track "Lazy Days" was rejected in favor of music by The Electric Flag, the band appeared on screen.[1]
Disheartened by their limited achievements, Parsons concentrated on performing at honky-tonks around Los Angeles alongside friend Bob Buchanan (co-writer of "Hickory Wind") and committed exclusively to country music. This transition led bassist Ian Dunlop and drummer Mickey Gauvin to depart ISB and form their own group named The Flying Burrito Brothers (unrelated to Parsons' later ensemble). The separation was friendly; Parsons even performed at their inaugural show.[2]
ISB Version 2: 1967–1968
Shortly before the official breakup of the International Submarine Band, Suzi Jane Hokom, an emerging record producer from the area, attended one of their rehearsals and convinced her partner, Lee Hazlewood, proprietor of LHI Records, to offer Parsons and Nuese an exclusive contract under the ISB name. Parsons and Nuese then assembled additional musicians to finalize the lineup. Jon Corneal, a drummer who had previously played with Parsons and was well-established as a Nashville session player, rejoined the group. They also brought in session musicians: Joe Osborn on bass, Earl Ball handling piano duties, and pedal steel guitarist JayDee Maness.
In July 1967, this newly formed version of the International Submarine Band recorded their debut single, produced by Hokom, which featured Parsons' original compositions "Luxury Liner" and "Blue Eyes." By November 1967, with bassist Chris Ethridge joining the ensemble, they recorded their sole full-length album, Safe at Home. This album included two more tracks penned by Parsons: "Do You Know How It Feels To Be Lonesome" and "Strong Boy."
Parsons Joins The Byrds: The End of ISB, 1968
Although Safe at Home was finished by December 1967, its release was postponed. Parsons departed from the band in February 1968 to become a member of The Byrds for their Sweetheart of the Rodeo project. Lee Hazlewood, unhappy about Parsons' exit, maintained ownership of the "International Submarine Band" name and attempted to prevent Parsons' vocals from appearing on The Byrds’ album. Despite legal complications causing delays, Parsons ultimately provided lead vocals on four songs: "You're Still on My Mind," "Life in Prison," "One Hundred Years From Now," and "Hickory Wind."
Following the band's breakup, LHI released Safe at Home in spring 1968. Later in 1979, Shiloh Records reissued the album under the title "Gram Parsons," featuring updated packaging.
Albums
- Safe at Home – 1968 – LHI Records
- The Devil and the Deep Blue Sea – circa 1971 – Ze Anonym Plattenspieler
Reunion Album
- Back at Home – 2000 – Yellow Label
(This release is a compilation consisting of solo works by former member Jon Corneal originally from his album Jon Corneal And The Orange Blossom Special)
Singles
- "The Russians Are Coming! The Russians Are Coming!" / "Truck Driving Man" – June 1966 – Ascot Records
- "Sum Up Broke" / "One Day Week" – November 1966 – Columbia Records
- "Luxury Liner" / "Blue Eyes" – February 1968 – LHI Records
- "I Must Be Somebody Else You've Known" / "Miller's Cave" – October 1968 – LHI Records
EP
- Blue Eyes / Luxury Liner / Miller's Cave / I Must Be Somebody Else You've Known – 2008 – Sundazed Music