Chris Hillman Reflects on 60-Year Music Career

The Byrds co-founder discusses collaborations, friendships, and lessons learned over six decades in the industry

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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Chris Hillman, co-founder of iconic bands like The Byrds and The Flying Burrito Brothers, looks back on his 60-year music career, reflecting on the collaborations, friendships, and lessons that defined his journey from teenage bluegrass player to pioneering figure in the Americana genre.

Why it matters

Hillman's career has been instrumental in shaping the Americana sound, blending elements of country, folk, and rock. His work with The Byrds and The Flying Burrito Brothers helped expand the parameters of rock music and laid the groundwork for the Americana genre that is now widely celebrated.

The details

Hillman began his career as a teenager in bluegrass bands before co-founding The Byrds in the 1960s. He credits his early Byrds bandmates - Roger McGuinn, Gene Clark, and David Crosby - as important teachers who helped him develop as a musician. Hillman went on to co-found The Flying Burrito Brothers with Gram Parsons, and later formed the Desert Rose Band, which he considers his best and most professional group. Throughout his career, Hillman also collaborated with other superstar acts like Manassas, Souther-Hillman-Furay, and McGuinn, Clark & Hillman.

  • Hillman started his music career as a teenager in the 1960s.
  • The Byrds were formed in the mid-1960s.
  • The Flying Burrito Brothers were formed in the late 1960s.
  • The Desert Rose Band was active in the 1980s and 1990s.
  • Hillman's memoir 'Time Between' was published in 2020.

The players

Chris Hillman

Co-founder of The Byrds and The Flying Burrito Brothers, and leader of The Desert Rose Band, considered a pioneering figure in the Americana genre.

Roger McGuinn

Co-founder of The Byrds, who Hillman credits as an important teacher and collaborator early in his career.

Gene Clark

Co-founder of The Byrds, who Hillman credits as an important teacher and collaborator early in his career.

David Crosby

Co-founder of The Byrds, who Hillman credits as an important teacher and collaborator, despite some personal and political differences.

Gram Parsons

Co-founder of The Flying Burrito Brothers with Hillman, though their partnership was ultimately strained by Parsons' personal issues.

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What they’re saying

“I was 19, and I had wonderful teachers in Roger McGuinn, Gene Clark, and David Crosby. They had a lot of experience, and they were good singers. I could sing in tune, but at first, I didn't have the commitment. Yet, I learned from the best.”

— Chris Hillman (americansongwriter.com)

“Manassas had a good two-year run. It was a really great live band. I learned a lot from Stephen, a lot of guitar playing, a lot of songwriting techniques, but then CSN got back together.”

— Chris Hillman (americansongwriter.com)

“It was a really amazing night. We went out there and played better than we probably ever played before. And when we came off stage, everybody was going, 'We've got to go on the road!' And I said, 'No, we don't. We're taking the gloves off tonight. We're done. That was the last run, so enjoy it. Enjoy what we did.' It was so much fun, because that was an amazing band.”

— Chris Hillman (americansongwriter.com)

The takeaway

Chris Hillman's storied 60-year career has been defined by his pioneering work in shaping the Americana genre, his collaborations with iconic artists, and his commitment to leaving a lasting musical legacy. Though he is stepping away from performing, Hillman's influence on country, folk, and rock music will continue to be felt for generations to come.