The Gosdin Brothers

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The Gosdin Brothers were a country music duo, consisting of the brothers Vern (1934-2009) and Rex (1938-1983). The career of the Gosdin Brothers is almost inextricably linked with the Byrds .

Beginnings

Vern and Rex's musical careers began in the family band "The Gosdin Family". After a failed attempt as a solo singer, Vern teamed up with his younger brother Rex in the late 1950s. A first insignificant single was produced in Nashville . The brothers moved with their families to California, where they were included in the local bluegrass scene.

First they joined the "Golden State Boys" led by the banjo player Dom Parmley. A little later the mandolin player Chris Hillman joined them. They were looked after by Jim Dickson , the future manager of the Byrds . In order to participate in the emerging folk wave, Dickson changed the group's image and name. The young Hillman was made to identify with, the band name was changed to "The Hillmen".

The Hillmen stayed together until 1964. Chris Hillman then joined the Byrds as a founding member. Vern Gosdin, the far more talented of the two brothers, also received an offer but turned it down. He preferred to continue with Rex as the duo "The Gosdin Brothers" (although he was involved in several studio recordings of the Byrds).

Career

While the Byrds started a world career, the Gosdins had to make their way through the clubs to survive professionally. Although they appeared several times together with the superstars, they could not benefit from the degree of popularity they had gained in this way. They were simply too old for the awakening California scene.

Some singles were produced (some of which were Chris Hillman), but they didn't sell well. In 1966, Gene Clark got out of the Byrds. The Gosdins also made some contributions to his first solo album. In order to promote the brothers, Jim Dickson determined that the album would be released under the name Gene Clark with the Gosdin Brothers .

In 1967 they separated from Jim Dickson after musical differences. The single Hangin 'On was recorded under her new producer Gary S. Paxton , which made it to number 37 on the country charts. In 1968 the ambitious album Sounds of Goodby followed , in which two future Byrds also played with Gene Parsons and Clarence White . The album was only half-heartedly promoted by the record company and sold accordingly poorly.

After a few more unsuccessful singles together, the Gosdin Brothers gave up. They retired from the music business for a few years and then tried to start solo careers. Vern was far more successful at this than Rex. Although over fifty years old, he had several number one hits in the 1980s .

Discography

Albums

  • 1967: Gene Clark with the Gosdin Brothers (with Gene Clark )
  • 1968: Sounds of Goodby
  • 2003: Sounds of Goodby (compilation)

Singles

  • 1959: A Lonely, Lonesome Street
  • 1966: To Ramona
  • 1966: Love at First Sight
  • 1967: One Hundred Years from Now
  • 1967: Hangin 'On / Multiple Heartaches
  • 1968: She Still Wishes I Were You
  • 1968: Sounds of Goodbye / The Victim
  • 1969: Till the End
  • 1969: My Love Keeps Reaching Out for You
  • 1971: I Remember
  • 1973: You Love Me Just Enough (To Keep Me Loving You)

Web links