Chris Hillman is an American singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist, best known for his pioneering contributions to the country rock genre. Born in Los Angeles in 1944, Hillman was exposed to a variety of musical styles as a child, including folk, bluegrass, and country. He got his start playing mandolin in a folk trio, The Scottsville Squirrel Barkers, and went on to join the Byrds in 1964.
Hillman was a key member of the Byrds, playing mandolin and bass and contributing to the group's early albums. His songwriting talents were highlighted on the Byrds' fourth album, Sweetheart of the Rodeo, which featured many of his original compositions. After leaving the Byrds in 1968, Hillman joined Stephen Stills and Richie Furay to form the band Buffalo Springfield. He then went on to form the Flying Burrito Brothers with Gram Parsons in 1969.
The Flying Burrito Brothers' blend of country, folk, and rock combined with Hillman's dynamic vocal range helped define the country rock genre. The band released two influential albums, The Gilded Palace of Sin and Burrito Deluxe. Hillman left the Burritos in 1971 to form the Souther Hillman Furay Band with Stills, Furay, and J.D. Souther. The band released two albums before disbanding in 1975.
In 1976, Hillman formed the Desert Rose Band with Herb Pedersen and released a string of successful records in the 1980s. He also became a member of the supergroup the Highwaymen, alongside Johnny Cash, Kris Kristofferson, and Willie Nelson. Hillman has also released numerous solo albums over the years, including 1995's Bidin' My Time and 2016's The Other Side.
Hillman's impact on the music world has been profound. He has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of the Byrds, and his influence can be heard in the music of countless artists, from the Eagles to Wilco. He continues to perform and record to this day, having released a new album in 2020. Chris Hillman is a true pioneer of the country rock genre, and his legacy as a musician and songwriter will live on forever.
