Gene Clark

Gene Clark (* November 17, 1944 as Harold Eugene Clark in Tipton, Missouri; † May 24, 1991 in Sherman Oaks, California) was an American country rock musician and songwriter. He became known as a founding member of the band The Byrds.

Starts

Gene Clark, who came from a large family, began writing songs at a young age. He first played in a school band and later with the Surf Riders, who performed in folk clubs in the vicinity. The New Christy Minstrels became aware of the talented musician at one of these gigs and added him to their band. The time he stayed with the folk group was marked by numerous tours and recording sessions. On one occasion they performed at the White House for President Lyndon B. Johnson.

Clark found the hectic life less and less appealing. As the lowest-ranking member of the group, he also had few opportunities for development. So he quit in early 1964 and moved to California. Here he met Roger McGuinn, with whom he shared a fondness for folk music and the Beatles. A little later David Crosby joined them.

Member of the Byrds

The Byrds were formed at the end of 1964 from the forerunners Jet Set and Beefeaters. In addition to McGuinn, Crosby and Clark, bassist Chris Hillman and drummer Michael Clarke were also part of the band. Their first single, the Dylan song Mr. Tambourine Man, became a worldwide hit. From that moment on, the Byrds were regarded as the American answer to the British Beatles.

Clark was undoubtedly the band's most talented songwriter (though their biggest hits were composed by Bob Dylan). His best-known song was Eight Miles High, which barely made the Top 20 due to a radio boycott. After just fifteen months, Clark quit the Byrds in March 1966. Constant bickering within the band and the stress of touring, exacerbated by his fear of flying, prompted this decision. He preferred the quiet studio work and performances in small cafes and clubs to nerve-wracking concerts in large halls.