Songs of an Unsung Hero
Gram Jam VI, Nov. 7 at the Showdown, honors Gram Parsons, whose marriage of country and rock changed the American music scene. Proceeds benefit The JWF.
Shorty and the Mustangs
L to R: Marilee Hord, Fiddle/Vocals; Mike Moore, Guitar/Vocals; Phil Hornik, Bass; Lara Carlisle, Lead Vocals; Mitch Gilbert, Guitar/Pedal Steel/Vocals; Ken Woodside, Drums.
By Claire Levine
Imagine being a teenager on a weekend Explorers outing who loves the music of the era, like Led Zeppelin and Aerosmith. And you’re delighted to learn that one of the campers has smuggled a cassette player into his backpack.
It’s just that he only has one cassette with him – and it’s got a bunch of guys in sequined cowboy suits on the cover. A young Mike Moore took a look and wondered, “What is this?”
But since it was all they had, the Explorers listened to The Flying Burrito Brothers’ Gilded Palace of Sin every night of the trip.
And despite his early resistance, Mike ended up liking it – a lot.
(He wasn’t alone. Bob Dylan answered the question of what his favorite country rock album was by saying, “The Flying Burrito Brothers. Boy, I love them. Their record instantly knocked me out.”)
Most of the songs were written by Gram Parsons and Chris Hillman, former Byrds bandmates. And the Burrito Brothers propelled Mike on a quest for more of the same.
Parsons had already died, but Mike worked backwards, listening to his brother’s copy of Sweetheart of the Rodeo – the Byrd’s ground-breaking album that introduced rock fans to country music.
Shorty and the Mustangs are paying tribute to Gram Parsons this Nov. 7 at the Showdown - TICKETS
Parsons and Hillman called it Cosmic American Music, and along with Poco, they jump started the genre of country rock, which soon got lots of radio play – competing with the British invasion, soft and hard rock and Motown. Bands that followed were The Eagles, Pure Prairie League, New Riders of the Purple Sage, Commander Cody and so many more.
Parsons himself was never a commercial success. But the music he created or inspired reshaped the music scene.
Keeping alive a legacy
In 1998, Mike began playing guitar with Shorty & the Mustangs – performing a blend of western swing, classic country and country rock. In 2005 they decided to commemorate the 37th anniversary of Sweetheart of the Rodeo by performing the whole album live.
Shorty and the Mustangs perform Gram Parsons - Nov. 7, 8 p.m. at the Showdown, 1195 SE Powell. Doors open at 7. Tickets
Twenty-two musicians got together to play that night in the much-missed Duff’s Garage.
The Mustangs knew they had a hit on their hands when they arrived to set up – and found a line all the way around the block waiting to get in.
In 2016, the band decided to celebrate its own 20th anniversary with Gram Jam – a tribute to Gram Parsons. They contributed the proceeds to the Jeremy Wilson Foundation. That party, too, was a big success.
And the party continues – as does support for The JWF’s Musicians Health & Services Program.
Janet Julian and Nina Yates
Beloved artist Janet Julian holds up her original artwork depicting Gram Parsons with angels.
The 2026 celebration
It’s been 10 years since the first Gram Jam, and this year’s tribute will celebrate many milestones.
This November, near what would have been Parsons’ 80th birthday, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is inducting him as a member.
And Shorty and the Mustangs are celebrating 30 years as a band.
The Mustangs have invited a couple dozen musicians to join them on songs all written or recorded by Parsons. Some former Mustangs, including Shorty himself, will be singing, with the Mustangs acting as the house band.
Fred Coates, who played at the 2005 Sweethearts tribute concert, will join the party. Josh Cole and his band will play some bluegrass-leaning songs, and the Resolectrics will do a stand-alone mini set with Robin Susskind helping out on pedal steel.
You’ll recognize many of Portland’s most popular musicians – who also are regular performers at JWF events.
Y’all Come
Many years have come and gone since Sweetheart of the Rodeo was released and since Gram Parsons’ last ill-fated stay at the Joshua Tree Inn.
But for those who were listening when Parsons made his mark on popular music, and for those who found his music in the intervening years, there is still so much to be grateful for.
For many, Parsons was the gateway to George Jones and Merle Haggard. For others, he started our enduring love affair with Emmylou Harris.
We’re still listening to Grievous Angel, Sweetheart of the Rodeo and everything the Burrito Brothers produced. We still love country rock, as we love the alt-country genre that owes its roots directly to the Burrito Brothers.
Come out to pay tribute to the man who left us way too early – but left us with so much.
And know that your presence will help support the health and welfare of today’s music community.
Buy your tickets here – and look forward to a wonderful evening.
Nov. 7, 8 p.m. at the Showdown, 1195 SE Powell. Doors open at 7.
