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March 15, 2004

The Immortals - The Greatest Artists of All Time: 45) The Byrds

By Tom Petty

Recordings and Reviews

There Is A Season

The Byrds are still among the most underrated bands in rock history. One reason is that they didn't have a unique, charismatic frontman: Five California folkie boys came together one jingle-jangle morning in 1964 and then careened around musically for a decade. The Byrds also ran into more than...

2006 RS: 5of 5 Stars

The Preflyte Sessions

2001

1990

1971

1971

1969

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Biography

The Byrds, led by Roger McGuinn, pioneered folk rock and later country rock. With their high harmonies, ringing guitars, and obsession with studio technique, the Byrds also became the sonic model for many rock bands, including the Eagles, Tom Petty, and the latter-day Fleetwood Mac.

The band was formed in summer 1964 as the Jet Set and toyed with the name Beefeaters before settling on the Byrds,...

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