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Gene ClarkAmerican rock musician
Date of Birth: 17.11.1944
Country:  USA |
Content:
- Biography of Gene Clark
- Formation of "The Byrds"
- Solo Career and Collaborations
- Later Years and Passing
Biography of Gene Clark
Early Life and Musical BeginningsGene Clark, born Harold Eugene Clark on November 17, 1944, in Tipton, Missouri, was an acclaimed American musician, singer, songwriter, and founding member of the folk-rock band "The Byrds." He grew up as the third of thirteen children and began learning the guitar at the age of nine. His musical influences included Hank Williams, Elvis Presley, and the Everly Brothers, which shaped his early songwriting. Clark started performing with local rock & roll band Joe Meyers and "the Sharks" and later joined several folk groups that were popular in Kansas.
Formation of "The Byrds"
In August 1963, Clark met Jim (later Roger) McGuinn and together they formed the band "The Byrds" in early 1964. Clark wrote several well-known tracks for the group, including "I'll Feel a Whole Lot Better," "Set You Free This Time," "Here Without You," "If You're Gone," "The World Turns All Around Her," "She Don't Care About Time," and "Eight Miles High." However, tensions arose within the band, and Clark left "The Byrds" in 1966.
Solo Career and Collaborations
Following his departure from "The Byrds," Clark formed the group "Gene Clark & the Group" with Chip Douglas, Joel Larson, and Rhinehart. In 1967, he signed a contract with Columbia Records and released his debut solo album with "The Gosdin Brothers," which blended pop, country, and rock music. Unfortunately, Clark's solo career did not receive favorable reviews, and its future was uncertain. He then formed the musical partnership "Dillard & Clark" with banjo player Doug Dillard, and together with guitarist Bernie Leadon, they released two country-rock albums: "The Fantastic Expedition of Dillard & Clark" and "Through the Morning Through the Night," which received positive critical acclaim.
Later Years and Passing
In 1970, Clark faced legal issues, which delayed the release of his new singles with "The Byrds" musicians. Despite his continued work, he grew disillusioned with the music industry and purchased a home in Albion, near Mendocino, where he married and had two children. During the early 1970s, Clark collaborated with "The Flying Burrito Brothers" and released tracks such as "Tried So Hard" and "Here Tonight."
In 1971, Clark worked on his album "White Light" and developed a close friendship with guitarist Jesse Ed Davis, partly due to their shared Native American heritage. Together, they produced singles like "With Tomorrow," "Because of You," "Where My Love Lies Asleep," "For a Spanish Guitar," and "Tears of Rage." Clark additionally composed a song for Dennis Hopper's film "American Dreamer."
Throughout the 1970s and early 1980s, Clark continued to create music, releasing albums such as "Two Sides to Every Story" (1977), "McGuinn, Clark and Hillman" (1978) with Roger McGuinn and Chris Hillman, "City" (1980) with Roger McGuinn and Chris Hillman, "Firebyrd" (1984), and "So Rebellious a Lover" (1987) with Carla Olson.
However, Clark faced health issues, including an ulcer due to poor nutrition. His health deteriorated rapidly due to alcohol and drug abuse. On May 24, 1991, at the age of 46, Clark passed away from a heart attack. Despite his struggles, Clark's contributions to the music industry continue to be celebrated and remembered.
