RIP Jim Dickson….Byrds, Burritos, Parsons
Jim Dickson, a recording engineer, producer, and eventual manager of the Byrds passed away at age 80 on April 19th 2011. He is often cited as one of the foundations of the ’60s folk-rock movement, particular that which was coming out of Southern California. During his early years, Dickson produced records by the likes of Hamilton Camp, David Crosby, and the Dillards.
He soon began managing a new band formed by Crosby and Chris Hillman who at first went by the Beefeaters and then the Jet Set. It was their desire to become Los Angeles’ answer tothe Beatles. In 1964, Dickson was sent a demo of Bob Dylan’s then-unreleased “Mr. Tamborine Man,” which the band, now known as the Byrds, recorded and released. It would became one of the era’s definitive songs, and it helped launch a sound that inspired countless other musicians. To help the band build a following in those early days, Dickson enlisted the help of such famous friends as Jack Nicholson and Albert Grossman to champion them.
After the group disbanded in 1967, Dickson went on to manage and produce the Flying Burrito Brothers which included Hillman, Michael Clarke, and Gram Parsons. He later worked with Parsons on his solo albums as well as Gene Clark, and eventually retired to Hawaii where he became a competitive sailor.
This post originally ran on The Music’s Over website. Thanks to VH for bringing it to my attention.