Gram Parsons - God's Own Singer

by Jason Walker

This book is the definitive biography of country star Gram Parsons and was published to very positive reviews in 2002, written by a fan who is also a successful musician in his own right. Soundcheck Books has licensed the work from Helter Skelter on a worldwide basis and is re-publishing it in an accessible B-format edition for a new audience. Had Parsons lived he would have been 65 on November 5th, so Soundcheck Books will be publishing the new edition in time to mark that important anniversary, which will help generate publicity. Parsons was a contradiction in some respects. Most country stars are born into poverty, but Parsons was born to a wealthy family. He briefly studied Theology at Harvard, but embarked on a life of drink and drugs that was to destroy him. Although he died aged only 26 in 1973 his influence has been enormous, with U2, Elvis Costello, Tom Petty and the Rolling Stones amongst his biggest fans. This book looks at the man and his music, including his relationship with Emmylou Harris and the bizarre events surrounding his death when his body was stolen and cremated at the Joshua Tree. Publishing the book in a B-format paperback will help to take the work to a new audience.