Gram Parsons (1974) Brass Buttons

 Considered one of the founding fathers of country rock, Gram was a very influential artist who died tragically young at 26. His dream of 'Cosmic American Music' was to see more fusions than just rock and country, but also folk, rock and roll, Americana, Bluegrass and more. Best known for his stint in the Flying Burrito Brothers on such classic Country Rock songs such as Hot Burrito 1 and 2, Juanita and Christine's Tune where country rock truly began and for his influence on the latter, countrified Byrds line-ups. I chose this oft admired gem from his second and last solo album Return of the Grievous Angel, a touching, lilting tune dedicated to his late mother it captures his greatest talents as a heartbreak king with it's delicate, sombre voice cracking with pure heartache.