70s Country Rock

History

This was the foundational commercial era of country rock, from the Byrds' transformation and Parsons's theoretical blueprint through Poco, Eagles, Linda Ronstadt, and Nitty Gritty Dirt Band. By decade's end, the style had shaped both soft-rock radio and later mainstream country-pop.

Defining artists

• The ByrdsSpotifyYouTube
• Flying Burrito BrothersSpotifyYouTube
• EaglesSpotifyYouTube
• PocoSpotifyYouTube
• Linda RonstadtSpotifyYouTube
• New Riders of the Purple SageSpotifyYouTube

Essential listening

• Chestnut Mare — The ByrdsSpotifyYouTube
• Sin City — Flying Burrito BrothersSpotifyYouTube
• Take It Easy — EaglesSpotifyYouTube
• Crazy Love — PocoSpotifyYouTube
• Blue Bayou — Linda RonstadtSpotifyYouTube
• Panama Red — New Riders of the Purple SageSpotifyYouTube

Sources

• Britannica
• PBS Country Music
• Rock Hall Library
• country-rock histories