u/santosfls82

Hey everyone! My last post got buried, but I really need your deep-cut expertise!
I’m building a massive, strictly chronological playlist tracking the evolution of the California Country-Rock sound. I want to start in the early 60s with the Bakersfield sound and bluegrass roots, move through folk-rock, and hit the peak Canyon era.
Think: Buck Owens ➡️ Kentucky Colonels ➡️ The Byrds ➡️ Buffalo Springfield ➡️ CSNY ➡️ Poco ➡️ Gram Parsons ➡️ Grateful Dead ➡️ Eagles. Etc!!!!!
What are your absolute must-have tracks?
I especially need:
Early 60s bluegrass/folk foundations (Clarence White, Buck Owen’s, Hillmen etc.)
Obscure transitions & short-lived bands from the family tree
Your favorite deep cuts from the heavy hitters

So, every song you suggest will be added to my playlist! Let’s build this together!!!!!

Rules:

1. Only one song per comment
2. Suggest your song in chronological order
3. Any era is welcome was long as it has that undeniable country rock fusion or anything similar

So let’s start!!

Our discussion about Sweetheart of the Rodeo got me thinking about the musicians who defined the actual sound of the genre. For me, it is Clarence White.

His flatpicking bluegrass background gave him insane speed, but what he did when he plugged in an electric Telecaster changed music history. Inventing the B-Bender device with Gene Parsons so he could bend strings to sound exactly like a pedal steel guitar was pure genius. Tracks like his electric work on The Byrds' later records are just flawless.

Is Clarence the undisputed king of country rock guitar, or do you think the crown belongs to someone else like Dickey Betts (Allman Brothers), Don Felder (The Eagles), James Burton, or Al Perkins? Let's hear your picks!

How do you guys feel about country music, like it, dislike it, honest thoughts, no judgement.

For me, nothing beats the Byrds' Sweetheart of the Rodeo. The pedal steel work by Lloyd Green is just unmatched. Do you agree, or is there another album that defines the genre better? Let's hear your favorites!