Chris Ethridge facts for kids

John Christopher Ethridge (born February 10, 1947 – died April 23, 2012) was an American country rock bass guitar player. He was a key member of two important bands: the International Submarine Band (ISB) and The Flying Burrito Brothers. Chris also helped write several songs with the famous musician Gram Parsons. Throughout his career, Ethridge worked with many other well-known artists, such as Nancy Sinatra, Judy Collins, Willie Nelson, and Linda Ronstadt.

Chris Ethridge's Musical Journey

Chris Ethridge was born in Meridian, Mississippi, in the United States. He started playing music in local bands in the southern part of the U.S. When he was 17, he moved to California after being discovered in Biloxi.

Joining the International Submarine Band

Chris first played with a musician named Joel Scott Hill. Later, he joined Gram Parsons in a band called the International Submarine Band (ISB). After ISB, Chris continued to play with Parsons. He also played with Parsons again after Parsons left another famous band, The Byrds.

Forming The Flying Burrito Brothers

Chris Ethridge then helped start The Flying Burrito Brothers with Gram Parsons. He played bass guitar and piano on their first album, The Gilded Palace of Sin. He even helped write two songs on that album, "Hot Burrito No. 1" and "Hot Burrito No. 2." Chris left the band before their next album because of different ideas about music.

Working with Other Musicians

Even after leaving The Flying Burrito Brothers, Chris briefly played with Gram Parsons again in 1973. They toured with other great musicians like Emmylou Harris and Clarence White. After Parsons passed away, Chris played with an informal group called the Docker Hill Boys in 1974. This group included Gene Parsons and Joel Scott Hill.

Reforming The Flying Burrito Brothers

In 1975, Chris Ethridge, Gene Parsons, and Joel Scott Hill reformed The Flying Burrito Brothers. They were joined by Sneaky Pete Kleinow and Gib Guilbeau. This new version of the band recorded the album Flying Again. Chris left the Burritos again in 1976.

Chris as a Session Musician

Chris Ethridge was also a very busy session musician. This means he was hired to play on recordings for many different artists. He recorded with many country-influenced musicians, including Nancy Sinatra, Judy Collins, Johnny Winter, Ry Cooder, Leon Russell, Randy Newman, Linda Ronstadt, The Byrds, and Jackson Browne. He also toured with Willie Nelson's band for almost eight years. Later, he played with a band called the Kudzu Kings.

Later Life and Passing

Chris Ethridge passed away on April 23, 2012. He was 65 years old. He died at a hospital in Meridian, Mississippi, after dealing with health problems.

Notable Albums and Collaborations

Chris Ethridge played bass on most of these albums, unless noted otherwise. He worked on many recordings throughout his career.

• 1968: Safe at Home with International Submarine Band
• 1969: The Gilded Palace of Sin with The Flying Burrito Brothers (also co-wrote "Hot Burrito No. 1" and "Hot Burrito No. 2")
• 1970: Greatest Hits with Phil Ochs
• 1970: Alone Together with Dave Mason
• 1970: Ry Cooder with Ry Cooder
• 1971: L.A. Getaway with Joel Scott Hill and John Barbata
• 1971: Just as I Am with Bill Withers
• 1971: Songs for Beginners with Graham Nash
• 1971: White Light with Gene Clark
• 1972: Sail Away with Randy Newman
• 1972: Into the Purple Valley with Ry Cooder
• 1973: Maria Muldaur with Maria Muldaur
• 1973: Don't Cry Now with Linda Ronstadt
• 1974: Heart Like A Wheel with Linda Ronstadt (played bass on 'Faithless Love')
• 1974: Paradise and Lunch with Ry Cooder
• 1975: Flying Again with The Flying Burrito Brothers
• 1976: Chicken Skin Music with Ry Cooder
• 1977: Simple Dreams with Linda Ronstadt (provided background vocals)
• 1978: Stardust with Willie Nelson
• 1979: Sings Kristofferson with Willie Nelson
• 1980: Honeysuckle Rose OST with Willie Nelson (also appeared in the movie)
• 2002: Cherry Smiles: The Rare Singles with Nancy Sinatra (a collection of her rare songs)