
Five Rock Legends Mark Birthday Milestones
Celebrated rock figures mark birthday milestones and enduring legacies, including Clem Clempson’s long stint with Humble Pie after replacing Peter Frampton and Don Brewer’s pivotal role in Grand Funk Railroad. The lineup and contributions of Gene Parsons with the Byrds and Al Jardine’s lead vocal on “Help Me, Rhonda” highlight the era's diverse, multi-instrumental artists who shaped 1960s-70s rock.
Entertainment · 5 sources · Sep 9, 2026Read itThe journal
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About Gene Parsons
Gene Victor Parsons is an American drummer, banjo player, guitarist, singer-songwriter, and engineer, best known for his work with the Byrds from 1968 to 1972. Parsons has also released solo albums and played in bands including Nashville West, the Flying Burrito Brothers, and Parsons Green. Along with guitarist Clarence White, he is credited with inventing the B-Bender —a device which allows a guitarist to emulate the sound of a pedal steel guitar. The device is often referred to as the Parsons/White B-Bender, a trademarked name.
Everything about Gene Parsons →- Occupation
- musician, singer, banjoist, singer-songwriter
- Citizenship
- United States
- Born
- September 4, 1944
- Website
- http://stringbender.com/