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The Byrds (/bɜːrdz/) were an American rock band formed in Los Angeles, California, in 1964. The band underwent multiple lineup changes throughout its existence, with frontman Roger McGuinn (known as Jim McGuinn until mid-1967) remaining the sole consistent member. Although their time as one of the most popular groups in the world existed only in the 1960s, the Byrds are among the most influential rock acts of their era with their signature blend of harmony and McGuinn's 12-string Rickenbacker guitar.

The Byrds pioneered the musical genre of folk rock as a popular format with the 1965 release of "Mr. Tambourine Man". In the 1960s, the band was influential in originating psychedelic rock and raga rock, with their song "Eight Miles High" and the albums Fifth Dimension (1966), Younger Than Yesterday (1967), and The Notorious Byrd Brothers (1968). The band played a role in the development of country rock, with the 1968 album Sweetheart of the Rodeo.

The band's original five-piece lineup was McGuinn (lead guitar, vocals), Gene Clark (tambourine, vocals), David Crosby (rhythm guitar, vocals), Chris Hillman (bass guitar, vocals), and Michael Clarke (drums). By 1966, Clark left due to health problems and his isolation within the group. Crosby and Clarke left the Byrds in 1967. McGuinn and Hillman added Gram Parsons before they, too, left the band in 1968. McGuinn returned to rebuild the band's membership, which included a revolving door of musicians, including guitarist Clarence White. In 1973, McGuinn reunited the original quintet. Before disbanding in 1973, the Byrds released their final album in March 1973.

In 1991, the Byrds were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, where the original members performed together for the last time. Gene Clark died of a heart attack later that year and Michael Clarke died of liver failure in 1993. Crosby died in 2023. (Full article...)