Dillard & Clark
Dillard & Clark was a country rock duo which featured ex-Byrds member Gene Clark and bluegrass banjo player Doug Dillard.[1]
Dillard & Clark | |
|---|---|
| Origin | Los Angeles, California, United States |
| Genres | Country rock, progressive bluegrass |
| Years active | 1968–1969 |
| Labels | A&M |
| Past members | Gene Clark Doug Dillard |
History
The group was formed in 1968, shortly after Clark departed the Byrds and Dillard left the Dillards.[1] It was considered part of the Southern California country-rock scene in the late 1960s, along with Poco, the Flying Burrito Brothers, Linda Ronstadt, Michael Nesmith and the First National Band, Rick Nelson & The Stone Canyon Band, and the latter-day Byrds.[2]
Its first album The Fantastic Expedition of Dillard & Clark was released in 1968 on A&M.[3] Personnel included Clark (lead vocals, acoustic guitar, harmonica), Dillard (banjo, fiddle, guitar), Bernie Leadon (vocals, lead guitar, bass, banjo), David Jackson (bass), Don Beck (mandolin, resonator guitar), Chris Hillman (mandolin), Byron Berline (fiddle), and Andy Belling (harpsichord).[1] Most of the songs were written by Clark, Dillard, and Leadon. Drummer Michael Clarke assisted with a few early live performances.[4]
The album is praised by connoisseurs for its iconic quality and innovative character, at the intersection of country rock and americana
The band's only other album, Through the Morning, Through the Night, was released in 1969.[1] Donna Washburn (guitar, vocals) joined the group, and Bernie Leadon departed to co-found the Eagles (in 1971).[1] The new lineup included Clark, Dillard, Washburn (guitar/vocals), Berline, Jackson, and Jon Corneal (drums). Leadon, Hillman, and Sneaky Pete Kleinow (pedal steel guitar) made guest appearances.
When the band split up Gene Clark resumed a solo career.[1] Dillard kept performing as Doug Dillard & The Expedition for a short time, but soon pursued his own solo career. Byron Berline went on to form the Country Gazette with guitarist/bassist Roger Bush.
On June 25, 2019, The New York Times Magazine listed Dillard & Clark among hundreds of artists whose material was reportedly destroyed in the 2008 Universal fire.[5]
Discography
Albums
Singles
- 1968: "Train Leaves Here This Mornin'" / "Out On The Side" (A&M)
- 1969: "Why Not Your Baby" / "The Radio Song" (A&M)
- 1969: "Don't Be Cruel" / "Lyin' Down The Middle" (A&M)
- 1970: "Don't Let Me Down" / "Rocky Top" (A&M)
- 2012: "Why Not Your Baby" / "Lyin' Down The Middle" (A&M / Sundazed)
Compilations
- 1970: Grass Roots (A&M) compiles songs by the Flying Burrito Brothers and Dillard & Clark
- 1973: Kansas City Southern (A&M) Netherlands release
- 1975: G & D (A&M) Netherlands release
- 1989: The Fantastic Expedition Of Dillard & Clark & Through The Morning Through The Night (A&M)compilation of both albums
References
- Colin Larkin, ed. (1997). The Virgin Encyclopedia of Popular Music (Concise ed.). Virgin Books. pp. 374/5. ISBN 1-85227-745-9.
- Roberts, Randall (May 18, 2012). "Dillard & Clark: Celebrating an unsung L.A. country rock classic". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved June 30, 2017.
- Curtis, Jill (June 11, 1969). "The Fantastic Expedition Of Dillard and Clark". The Harvard Crimson. Retrieved June 30, 2017.
- staff writer (November 30, 2007). "The Fantastic Expedition of Dillard & Clark". The Rising Storm. Retrieved June 30, 2017.
- Rosen, Jody (June 25, 2019). "Here Are Hundreds More Artists Whose Tapes Were Destroyed in the UMG Fire". The New York Times. Retrieved June 28, 2019.
