The Flying Burrito Brothers

The Flying Burrito Brothers

Company type	Band
Industry	Music
Founded	1968 in Los Angeles, California, United States
Founder	Gram Parsons, Chris Hillman
Headquarters	Los Angeles , United States
Products	Music albums, live performances

The Flying Burrito Brothers is a country rock band from the United States, established in Los Angeles, California in 1968. They are best known for their groundbreaking 1969 debut album, The Gilded Palace of Sin. The group was initiated by Gram Parsons and Chris Hillman, both previously members of the Byrds. Over time, the band underwent multiple personnel changes and different formations. Today, performing under the name the Burrito Brothers, they remain active in touring and producing new records.

Early development (1968–1969)

Ian Dunlop and Mickey Gauvin, who had played with Gram Parsons in the International Submarine Band (ISB), originally created the Flying Burrito Brothers, a name inspired by Parsons to reflect his new country music direction. This initial ensemble did not record any material and eventually ceded the name to Parsons.

After the first group disbanded, Parsons and Chris Hillman formed the "West Coast" version of the Flying Burrito Brothers in 1968 in Los Angeles, California. The lineup was completed by bassist and keyboardist Chris Ethridge (also from ISB), pedal steel guitarist "Sneaky" Pete Kleinow, and session drummer "Fast" Eddie Hoh.

Classic period (1968-1972)

Although Parsons had been dismissed from the Byrds by Hillman and Roger McGuinn in July 1968, Hillman reconciled with him later that year after moving to rhythm guitar within their new band. Parsons declined touring South Africa due to apartheid policies, though Hillman believed Parsons preferred staying in England with Rolling Stones members Mick Jagger and Keith Richards.

Their debut album, The Gilded Palace of Sin, included original compositions by Parsons, Hillman, and Ethridge as well as covers from Southern soul writers Dan Penn and Chips Moman. Without a permanent drummer—Hoh was dismissed due to substance abuse—the band used session musicians such as Jon Corneal and Popeye Phillips before appointing former Byrd Michael Clarke as their full-time drummer until 1971.

Although critically praised for its innovative fusion of country, soul, and psychedelic rock upon its February 1969 release—with accolades from Rolling Stone and Bob Dylan—The Gilded Palace of Sin only reached No. 164 on the Billboard charts. The band turned down an invitation to Woodstock and instead embarked on a U.S. train tour that was troubled by drug and alcohol problems. Ethridge departed in late 1969 due to creative disagreements; Hillman resumed bass duties after recruiting lead guitarist Bernie Leadon. This formation performed at the December 1969 Altamont Free Concert, featured in Gimme Shelter.

Burdened by debt from their initial album and tour along with an unsuccessful single ("The Train Song"), A&M Records repositioned the group as a traditional country act. Manager Jim Dickson began sessions focusing on classic country tunes and countrified pop covers; however, these were abandoned in favor of a second album featuring mostly original songs recorded on a tighter budget. Some unreleased tracks later appeared on the 1976 release Sleepless Nights, which included outtakes from Parsons's solo recordings.

Issued in April 1970, Burrito Deluxe combined limited fresh material—partly due to Parsons' indulgent lifestyle—with covers such as the Rolling Stones' "Wild Horses", Dylan's "If You Gotta Go, Go Now", and Southern gospel "Farther Along". Unlike its predecessor, it did not chart. In May 1970, Parsons was dismissed after arriving intoxicated at a show and disrupting the performance; Hillman cited Parsons' prioritization of his Rolling Stones connections over the band's progress as a major cause.

With Hillman and Leadon leading the band, they participated in the Festival Express Canadian tour during June–July 1970 alongside Janis Joplin, Grateful Dead, and others. Parsons was succeeded by guitarist/songwriter Rick Roberts. This lineup produced The Flying Burrito Bros released in June 1971; it reached No. 176 in U.S. charts. Soon after its release, Kleinow left to focus on session work while Leadon went on to co-found the Eagles. Their replacements Al Perkins and Kenny Wertz joined for a final autumn 1971 tour; bluegrass veterans Roger Bush (acoustic bass) and Byron Berline (fiddle) made guest appearances during acoustic segments. The live album Last of the Red Hot Burritos, recorded during this tour, was released in May 1972.

The group disbanded when Hillman and Perkins moved on to Stephen Stills's Manassas project. Meanwhile Berline, Bush, and Wertz continued performing as Country Gazette. Roberts acquired control of the band from Hillman in October 1972 to complete European tour dates in 1973 before pursuing solo work and later forming Firefall with Clarke. During recording sessions in summer 1973, Parsons had reduced his heroin intake but tragically died from a morphine overdose on September 18.

1974–1980

As Gram Parsons's impact on the band intensified, public interest in the Flying Burrito Brothers surged, leading to the 1974 issuance of Close Up the Honky Tonks, a double album compilation. Kleinow and Ethridge assembled a fresh ensemble including Joel Scott Hill, Gib Guilbeau, and Gene Parsons. Collaborating with songwriter Spooner Oldham, they produced Flying Again (1975) under Columbia Records. This record, heavily influenced by Guilbeau, Gene Parsons, and Dan Penn—featuring the single "Building Fires"—became their most commercially successful effort, reaching number 138 on the Billboard charts.

In 1976, Ethridge was succeeded by Skip Battin for the release of Airborne. Throughout the late 1970s, the band’s lineup underwent several changes and even issued an album under the name Sierra while still performing as the Flying Burrito Brothers. By 1980, they achieved modest country chart success with Merle Haggard’s "White Line Fever" from their 1979 live album Live in Tokyo.

1980–2000

The early 1980s brought commercial achievements through Curb Records, which rebranded the group as "Burrito Brothers". Gib Guilbeau reunited with John Beland to guide the band toward a more mainstream country sound suitable for radio play. Prior to the 1981 album Hearts on the Line, Skip Battin left the group. This album yielded two Top 20 country singles—their first major chart successes—and earned them Billboard's "Best New Crossover Group" award that same year. The Burrito Brothers continued recording with elite Nashville and Los Angeles session players and toured Europe extensively, including appearances at France’s Albi Nashville Festival and London's Wembley Stadium alongside artists like Emmylou Harris, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Tammy Wynette. They also spearheaded efforts that led to Lefty Frizzell's induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame.

Original member Kleinow departed in 1982 before the release of Sunset Sundown. By 1984, Beland and Guilbeau retired the Burritos name, allowing Kleinow to revive a late-1970s lineup with Battin and Greg Harris for touring and live recordings throughout that decade.

In 1991, Beland, Guilbeau, Ethridge, Kleinow, and Australian vocalist Brian Cadd commenced work on Eye of a Hurricane. Lacking a permanent drummer, they enlisted session musician Ron Tutt. After Ethridge and Cadd exited, Larry Patton and Gary Kubal joined for 1997’s California Jukebox. Health issues later compelled Guilbeau and Kleinow to withdraw; Wayne Bridge replaced Kleinow. The 1999 release Sons of the Golden West garnered favorable reviews but marked their final album as Beland retired the band around 2000.

2000–2010

In 2002, Kleinow formed Burrito Deluxe—named thus because Beland retained rights to the original band name—with Carlton Moody on vocals and Garth Hudson on keyboards. Their debut record, Georgia Peach, paid tribute to Gram Parsons. Kleinow departed in 2005 due to illness; his last contributions appear on 2007’s Disciples of the Truth.

2010 to present

In 2010, Del Taylor, owner of an English label, aimed to resurrect the band featuring former members such as Bernie Leadon, Chris Ethridge, Al Perkins, and Gene Parsons if Chris Hillman agreed to participate. Hillman declined and instead secured legal rights to retire "The Flying Burrito Brothers" name.

A new formation emerged in 2011 from remnants of Burrito Deluxe—Walter Egan, Rick Lonow, Fred James, and Chris P James—touring as "The Burritos" and releasing Sound As Ever through SPV Records. This album included an unfinished Gram Parsons composition that became emblematic of Chris James-era releases. Following departures from Burrito Deluxe members and with Hillman's approval (contingent on omitting "Flying" from the name), they trademarked "The Burrito Brothers" moniker and continued touring and recording activities.

In 2012 Rusty Russell joined on bass for live performances; by 2013 Tony Paoletta was added on pedal steel guitar. Between 2014 and 2016, Jody Maphis and Peter Young completed touring lineups with occasional appearances by Ronnie Guilbeau and Walter Egan.

In 2017 Nashville session guitarist Bob Hatter replaced Fred James; Hatter had previously collaborated with Chris James. This ensemble developed new material in preparation for their next studio project.

By 2018 The Burrito Brothers finalized Still Going Strong at Junction Studio in Madison, Tennessee. The lineup featured James, Paoletta, Hatter, John Sturdivant Jr., Larry Marrs, and Coley Hinson.

As of 2019 the group consisted of Chris P James, Tony Paoletta, Bob Hatter, and Peter Young. To celebrate the 50th anniversary of The Gilded Palace of Sin, they headlined Will James' Nashville Tribute to Gram Parsons performing the entire classic album—a first among any incarnation—with guest appearances by Ronnie Guilbeau and Walter Egan. They also completed demos for their forthcoming record secured for worldwide release via SFM Records.

In March 2020 The Notorious Burrito Brothers was released globally through Store For Music (SFMCD543), featuring guest Ronnie Guilbeau. The COVID-19 pandemic forced tour cancellations; however, songwriting and demo recordings continued remotely despite Bob Hatter’s cancer diagnosis.

Progress slowed during 2021 due to Hatter’s health struggles; he passed away on August 31. Recording was paused until Steve Allen joined in 2022 to help complete the unfinished album amid ongoing pandemic challenges.

The finished album Together credits Bob Hatter posthumously with Allen featured as special guest.

In 2023 James, Paoletta, Young & Allen remain active as The Burrito Brothers, releasing Together worldwide via SFM Records followed by their inaugural Christmas album later that year.

Legacy

• Following his departure from the group, Gram Parsons embarked on a solo journey, producing two albums and touring until his passing in 1973.
• Chris Hillman maintained a thriving career as a singer-songwriter through ventures such as Manassas, the Souther-Hillman-Furay Band, and a partial reunion of the Byrds. He found commercial acclaim in the 1980s with the Desert Rose Band and remains active in songwriting, production, and recording.
• Bernie Leadon played a pivotal role as a founding member of The Eagles, significantly shaping both rock and country music genres.
• Rick Roberts and Michael Clarke established Firefall, which garnered multiple radio hits during the late 1970s and early 1980s. Clarke passed away in 1993; Roberts has largely retired but still performs on occasion.
• "Sneaky" Pete Kleinow continued his association with the Burritos until his death in 2007, also gaining recognition for his contributions to animation and film outside of music.
• After undergoing heart surgery, Gib Guilbeau stepped back from full-time activity but performed sporadically until his death in 2016; his son Ronnie is currently part of the Burrito Brothers lineup.
• John Beland has produced internationally successful records and penned songs for notable artists including the Whites, Mark Farner, and the Bellamy Brothers, with major acts such as Ricky Nelson and Garth Brooks covering his work.

Classic era

• Gram Parsons – guitar, piano, vocals (1968–1970)
• Chris Hillman – guitar, bass, vocals, mandolin (1968–1971)
• "Sneaky" Pete Kleinow – pedal steel guitar (1968–1971, 1973, 1974–1981, 1984–1997)
• Chris Ethridge – bass (1968–1969, 1974–1976, 1993)
• Eddie Hoh – drums (1968)
• Jon Corneal – drums (1968–1969)
• Michael Clarke – drums (1969–1971)
• Bernie Leadon – guitar, banjo, vocals (1969–1971)
• Rick Roberts – guitar, vocals (1970–1973)

Later members

• Al Perkins – pedal steel guitar, guitar (1971)
• Kenny Wertz – guitar, banjo, vocals (1971–1973)
• Roger Bush – bass, upright bass, vocals (1971–1973)
• Byron Berline – fiddle (1971–1973)
• Alan Munde – banjo (1972–1973)
• Don Beck – pedal steel guitar, mandolin (1973)
• Eric Dalton – drums (1972–1973)
• Joel Scott Hill – guitar, vocals (1974–1977)
• Gib Guilbeau – guitar, fiddle, vocals (1974–1984, 1986–1997)
• Gene Parsons – drums, vocals, guitar (1974–1976, 1978, 1979)
• Skip Battin – bass, vocals (1976, 1978–1980, 1984–1986)
• Thad Maxwell – bass, vocals (1976–1977, 1989)
• Ed Ponder – drums (1976, 1978)
• Mickey McGee – drums, vocals (1976–1978, 1979–1980)
• Bobby Cochran – guitar, vocals (1977)
• Robb Strandlund – guitar, vocals (1978)
• Greg Harris – guitar, banjo, fiddle, vocals (1978–1979, 1984–1986, 1994)
• John Beland – guitar, vocals (1979–1984, 1986–1987, 1989–2000)
• Jim Goodall – drums (1984–1989, 1994)
• David Vaught – bass (1986–1987, 1994)
• Larry Patton – bass, vocals (1989–1990, 1996–2000)
• Rick Lonow – drums (1989–1990, 1990–1994)
• George Grantham – drums (1990)
• Gary Kubal – drums (1990, 1994-2000)
• Brian Cadd – keyboards, vocals (1991–1996)
• Larry Gadler - bass (1993-1994)
• Wayne Bridge – pedal steel guitar (1997–2000)

The Flying Burrito Brothers (East)

• Barry Tashian – guitar, vocals (1967–1969)
• Billy Briggs II – keyboards (1967–1969)
• Ian Diablo – bass (1967–1969)
• Mickey Gauvin – drums (1967–1969)

Burrito Deluxe

• Carlton Moody – guitar, vocals (2002–2009)
• "Sneaky" Pete Kleinow – pedal steel guitar (2002–2005)
• Bobby Cochran – guitar, vocals (2002–2004)
• Willie Watson – guitar, vocals (2002)
• Tommy Spurlock – bass, vocals (2002)
• Jeff "Stick" Davis – bass (2002–2006)
• Rick Lonow – drums (2002–2005, 2009)
• Garth Hudson – keyboards (2002–2005)
• Richard Bell – keyboards (2005–2006)
• Bryan Ownings – drums (2005–2007)
• Supe Granda – bass (2006–2009)
• Walter Egan – guitar, vocals (2006–2009)

Current

• Chris James – keyboards, vocals (2010–present)
• Tony Paoletta – pedal steel guitar (2013–present)
• Peter Young – drums (2015–2016, 2019–present)
• Steve Allen – guitars, vocals (2022–present)

Former

• Fred James – guitar, vocals, pedal steel guitar (2010–2017)
• Walter Egan – guitar, vocals (2010–2012)
• Bob Hatter – guitar, vocals (2017–2021)
• Rusty Russell – bass (2012–2015)
• Jody Maphis – bass, vocals (2015–2017)
• Rick Lonow – drums (2010–2015)
• John Sturdivant Jr. – drums (2016–2018)

Discography

Year	Credited As	Title	Billboard 200	Label
1969	The Flying Burrito Brothers	The Gilded Palace of Sin	164	A&M (Original Release)
1970	The Flying Burrito Brothers	Burrito Deluxe	—
1971	The Flying Burrito Brothers	The Flying Burrito Bros	176
1975	The Flying Burrito Brothers	Flying Again	138	Columbia
1976	The Flying Burrito Brothers	Airborne	—
1977	Sierra	Sierra	—	Mercury
1981	The Burrito Brothers	Hearts on the Line	—	Curb
1982	The Burrito Brothers	Sunset Sundown	—
1994	The Flying Burrito Brothers	Eye of a Hurricane	—	Relix
1997	The Flying Burrito Brothers	California Jukebox	—	Icehouse
1999	The Flying Burrito Brothers	Sons of the Golden West (also known as Honky Tonkin')	—	Arista
2002	Burrito Deluxe	Georgia Peach	—	Lamon
2004	Burrito Deluxe	The Whole Enchilada	—	Corazong
2007	Burrito Deluxe	Disciples of the Truth	—	Luna Chica
2011	The Burritos	Sound as Ever	—	Yellow Label/SPV
2018	The Burrito Brothers	Still Going Strong	—	Junction
2020	The Burrito Brothers	The Notorious Burrito Brothers	—	SFM/MVD Entertainment Group
2023	The Burrito Brothers	Together	—	SFM/MVD Entertainment Group
2023	The Burrito Brothers	Christmas	—	SFM/MVD Entertainment Group