Gene Clark facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Gene Clark
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Harold Eugene Clark |
| Born | November 17, 1944 Tipton, Missouri, U.S. |
| Died | May 24, 1991 (aged 46) Sherman Oaks, California, U.S. |
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| Occupation(s) | Musician, singer-songwriter |
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| Years active | 1963–1991 |
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Harold Eugene Clark (born November 17, 1944 – died May 24, 1991) was an American singer and songwriter. He was a founding member of the famous folk rock band the Byrds. Gene Clark wrote many of the Byrds' most well-known songs between 1964 and 1966. These included hits like "I'll Feel a Whole Lot Better" and "Eight Miles High". Even though he didn't become a huge solo star, Clark was a very important musician. He helped shape new types of music like psychedelic rock and country rock. In 1991, he was added to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of the Byrds.
Gene Clark's Life and Music
Early Life and Musical Start
Gene Clark was born in Tipton, Missouri. He was one of 13 children in his family. When he was a boy, his family moved to Kansas City, Missouri. There, his father taught him to play the guitar and harmonica. He loved playing songs by artists like Hank Williams and Elvis Presley.
Gene started writing his own songs when he was just 11 years old. By the time he was 15, he had a strong singing voice. He even started his own rock and roll band called Joe Meyers and the Sharks. Like many young people back then, he became interested in folk music because of groups like the Kingston Trio. After high school in 1962, he formed a folk group called the Rum Runners.
Forming The Byrds
Gene Clark was invited to join a folk band called the Surf Riders. While performing with them in 1963, he was discovered by The New Christy Minstrels. He joined them and recorded two albums. But after hearing the Beatles, Gene decided to leave the Minstrels.
He moved to Los Angeles and met another folk musician, Jim (later Roger) McGuinn. In early 1964, they started putting together a new band. This band would become known as The Byrds.
Gene wrote or co-wrote many popular songs for The Byrds' first three albums. Some of these songs include "I'll Feel a Whole Lot Better", "Set You Free This Time", and "Eight Miles High". He first played rhythm guitar, but then became the band's tambourine and harmonica player. Chris Hillman, the bassist, later said that Gene was the "power" in the early Byrds. He called Gene "the songwriter" who had a special "gift."
Gene's songs brought him extra money, which caused some tension in the band. He also had a strong fear of flying, which made touring difficult. These issues led him to leave The Byrds in early 1966. He then formed a new group called Gene Clark & the Group.
Solo Career and Other Bands
After leaving The Byrds, Gene signed with Columbia Records as a solo artist. In 1967, he released his first solo album, Gene Clark with the Gosdin Brothers. The album mixed pop, country rock, and psychedelic sounds. Critics liked it, but it didn't sell well. This was partly because The Byrds released their own album around the same time.
Gene briefly rejoined The Byrds in 1967. He filled in for David Crosby for about three weeks. During this time, he sang on TV with the band.
In 1968, Gene teamed up with banjo player Doug Dillard. They formed a band called Dillard & Clark. They released two albums: The Fantastic Expedition of Dillard & Clark (1968) and Through the Morning, Through the Night (1969). These albums were very important for country rock music. Songs like "Train Leaves Here This Morning" became classics. Even though their albums didn't sell many copies at the time, they are now seen as key albums in country rock.
After Dillard & Clark broke up, Gene took a break from music. He bought a house and got married in 1970. He had two sons, Kelly and Kai. He lived off the money he earned from his Byrds songs.
White Light and Roadmaster Albums
In 1971, Gene released his second solo album, White Light. This album was very personal and mostly acoustic. It featured many thoughtful songs written by Gene. Critics loved the album, and it was even voted album of the year in the Netherlands. However, it didn't sell well in the U.S. because Gene didn't promote it much.
In 1972, Gene tried to record another album, but it was stopped before it was finished. The songs from this project, along with some earlier recordings, were released in 1973 as Roadmaster, but only in the Netherlands.
The Byrds Reunion Album
In late 1972, the original five members of The Byrds reunited to record a new album. The album, simply called Byrds, came out in 1973. Gene's songs on the album, "Full Circle" and "Changing Heart," were praised. However, the album got mixed reviews, and the band decided to break up again.
No Other Album
In 1974, Gene signed with Asylum Records. He spent a lot of time writing songs for his next album, No Other. The album combined country rock, folk, and gospel music with deep, poetic lyrics. Critics liked it, but its unique sound and high cost to make meant it didn't sell many copies.
Two Sides to Every Story Album
After No Other, Gene released Two Sides to Every Story in 1977. This album mixed bluegrass, country, and country rock. The songs on the album reflected some of the personal changes in his life. Gene felt this was one of his best albums. He even went on an international tour to promote it, despite his fear of flying.
McGuinn, Clark & Hillman
In the late 1970s, Gene started touring with his former Byrds bandmates, Roger McGuinn and Chris Hillman. They formed a group called McGuinn, Clark & Hillman. They signed with Capitol Records and released an album in 1979. Gene wrote several songs for this album, including "Backstage Pass."
The album was successful, reaching No. 39 on the Billboard charts. They released another album in 1980, but Gene left the group by 1981.
Later Career and Final Years
In 1982, Gene formed a new band called the Firebyrds and recorded the album Firebyrd, which came out in 1984. He also gained new fans among younger bands who were inspired by The Byrds. In 1986, he recorded a well-received album with Carla Olson called So Rebellious A Lover.
In 1985, Gene tried to get the original Byrds to reunite for their 20th anniversary. When they weren't interested, he formed his own "Byrds" band with other musicians. This caused some disagreements with the original members.
Gene Clark's health began to decline in his later years. In January 1991, the original Byrds lineup, including Gene, performed together at their induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Gene Clark passed away on May 24, 1991, at the age of 46. He was buried in Tipton, Missouri. His gravestone reads "No Other," the title of one of his most famous albums.
Songs Covered by Other Artists
Many artists have covered Gene Clark's songs over the years.
- Iain Matthews covered "Polly" and "Tried So Hard."
- Yo la Tengo covered "Tried So Hard."
- Death in Vegas and Paul Weller covered "So You Say You Lost Your Baby."
- The Scottish band Teenage Fanclub wrote a tribute song called "Gene Clark."
- In 2007, Alison Krauss and Robert Plant recorded "Polly Come Home" and "Through the Morning, Through the Night."
- This Mortal Coil covered "Strength of Strings" and "With Tomorrow."
- Soulsavers with Mark Lanegan recorded "Some Misunderstanding."
- A song by Kanye West called "Gorgeous" uses parts of The Turtles' cover of "You Showed Me."
Documentary About Gene Clark
A documentary film about Gene Clark's life was released in 2013. It is called The Byrd Who Flew Alone. The film includes interviews with his family, friends, and the other original members of The Byrds.
Discography
Solo Albums
- Gene Clark with the Gosdin Brothers (1967)
- White Light (1971)
- Collector's Series – Early L.A. Sessions (1972)
- Roadmaster (1973)
- No Other (1974)
- Two Sides to Every Story (1977)
- Firebyrd (1984)
- Echoes (1991)
- Gypsy Angel – The Gene Clark Demos 1983–1990 (2001)
- Under The Silvery Moon (2003)
- Silverado Live & Unreleased (2008)
- Here Tonight – The White Light Demos (2013)
- Back Street Mirror (2018)
- The Lost Studio Sessions 1964–1982 (2018)
- No Other (box set LP, CDs, Book, etc...) (2019)
Collaborations
- The Fantastic Expedition of Dillard & Clark (1968; with Doug Dillard)
- Through the Morning Through the Night (1969; with Doug Dillard)
- McGuinn, Clark & Hillman (1979; with Roger McGuinn and Chris Hillman)
- City (1980; with Roger Mcguinn and Chris Hillman)
- So Rebellious A Lover (1987; with Carla Olson)
- Silhouetted in Light – Live in Concert (1992; with Carla Olson)
See also
In Spanish: Gene Clark para niños
