Biographical Overview & Key Facts

Subject:

Gram Parsons

Role / Field:

Pioneering voice of Cosmic American Music, blending country, soul, and rock.

Born:

1946-11-05

Died:

1973-09-19

Century / Era:

1946s Historical Era

Database Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

Origins & Early Life

Ingram Cecil Connor III (November 5, 1946 – September 19, 1973), known professionally as Gram Parsons, was an American musician. He recorded with the International Submarine Band, the Byrds, and the Flying Burrito Brothers, popularizing what he called "Cosmic American Music", a hybrid of country, rhythm and blues, soul, folk, and rock. He has been credited with helping to found the country rock and alt-country genres and received a ranking of No. 87 on Rolling Stone magazine's list of the 100 Greatest Artists of All Time.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

Parsons was posthumously inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2026 in the musical influence category. Ingram Cecil Connor III was born in Winter Haven, Florida, to Ingram Cecil Connor II, aka "Coon Dog", and Avis Snively Connor. He had one sibling, a sister. Connor II was a World War II flying ace, decorated with the Air Medal, who worked at his father-in-law's company and was a local Boy Scout official. Both parents were alcoholics and both suffered from depression; Cecil II shot and killed himself on December 23, 1958.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

Avis then married Robert Parsons, whose surname was adopted by Gram and his sister. Avis and Robert would...

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Adam Michnik — Contemporary (Born in 1946) (1946): Prominent Polish intellectual, dissident, and journalist advocating for democracy.
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• A. S. Neill — Contemporary (Died in 1973) (1973): Scottish progressive educator, founder of Summerhill, championing self-governance.
• Abebe Bikila — Contemporary (Died in 1973) (1973): Ethiopian Olympic marathon champion, known for his barefoot victories in Rome and Tokyo.
• AC/DC — Contemporary (Born in 1973) (1973): Iconic Australian hard rock band known for raw, high-energy 'rock and roll'.
• Aaron Carter — Shared historical date (11-05 · Died) (2022): American singer and rapper known for teen pop stardom and enduring musical career.
• Abedi Pele — Shared historical date (11-05 · Born) (1964): Legendary Ghanaian footballer, celebrated for his attacking prowess and leadership.
• Adam West — Shared historical date (09-19 · Born) (1928): American actor best known for portraying Batman in the 1960s and extensive voice work.
• Al Oerter — Shared historical date (09-19 · Born) (1936): Four-time Olympic champion in the discus throw, pioneering athletic consistency.
• 1946 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1946
• November 5 (11-05) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on November 5
• 1973 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1973
• September 19 (09-19) On This Day — Historical events and memorials on September 19

Frequently Asked Questions about Gram Parsons