Guestbook
If you’d like to leave a comment for us, please do so below – we would love to hear from you. Some of the messages you’ll see here are for Gram Parsons (as part of a competition we ran a while back) and will be included in the real Room 8 guest book at the Joshua Tree Inn. Though the competition is now closed, do leave a note for him if you feel inspired to do so! MPx
P.S. If you’re on Facebook, why not join the Missing Parsons community by visiting our page.
62 Responses to “Guestbook”
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19. May 2010 at 20:27
Chris & Joe! Wanted to say THANK YOU so much for writing Live Fast, Die Young. I have just finished reading it and when I got to the end I wanted to turn back to page 1 and start again. Your writing is so funny the book should come with a health warning: “WILL CAUSE INVOLUNTARY LAUGHING IN PUBLIC PLACES”!!! I feel like I have got to know you both a little bit. PLEASE write another book soon! Love from Beth. x
25. August 2010 at 15:57
Hi
just wanted to thank you both for one of the best books i have read, i am the original slow reader,taking months to get through so called “cant put down books” but i went through your book in a few days, i enjoyed sharing your journey
kieran fron Dublin
26. August 2010 at 14:46
Hi,
Just finished the book and, even though most of my knowledge of Gram Parsons, Flying Burrito Bros, etc is somewhat limited to having heard their names but not having listened to much of their music (sorry guys) it has made me want to acquire some and give it a spin. I don’t think any better praise can be given for a book i.e. that it inspired me to seek out more about the content, so thanks guys, I enjoyed ‘sharing’ the trip. I’ve crossed the USA coast-to-coast by Amtrak and took my own music to help ‘illustrate’ the scenery. In my case it was largely Springsteen, Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin and Tangerine Dream (particularly for the Grand Canyon part of my trip) and it really provided a great soundtrack for the journey. Hope you are going to do a similar trip somewhere and write about it. GET.IN.!
Steve, Hockley
24. October 2010 at 13:03
Just finished reading the book which I purchased at the Gram Guitar Pull in Waycross. Can’t tell you how much I enjoyed it. I’m quite pleased that two crazy Brits followed through on a crazy idea. I became a Gram fan after attending the Guitar Pull in 2009. I’m 63 years old and can clearly see some kind of Misadventure looming ahead. Thanks guys.
5. November 2010 at 20:55
Thanks for all the inspiration, Gram. You were one of a kind, that’s for certain.
5. November 2010 at 21:00
Shining like the stars,
Ringing like a bell,
Living life between heaven and hell,
Burning flame, shine on…
5. November 2010 at 21:54
Gram,
You are my hero. Your music means more to me than anything else on Earth. You have inspired me in more ways that I can even begin to express and I will forever be grateful for you and everything you left behind. I love you. Thank you.
Your fan forever,
Justin Caleb Higdon
(Polecat Swagger)
5. November 2010 at 21:59
Happy Birthday, Dear Gram
My life was changed forever by the love and friendships I made through a little weekend called Return to Sin City.
Thank you for being the common thread that has brought so much love and joy into my life. You are a gift to the Universe, indeed, and I am blessed to have ‘met’ you.
With love…shine on.
5. November 2010 at 22:24
whatever is going on where you are must have some darn good music playing cause there sure are a lot of wonderful and love musicians there!
callin’ me home…hickory wind… ? ? ?
5. November 2010 at 23:02
If you had any idea how much you would influence so many, would you have left us so soon?
Thank you for all the gifts you gave us, there’s a bit of you still, everywhere~ Happy Birthday, no matter where you are…
5. November 2010 at 23:09
Loved Gram ever since my dad’s awesome Fisher tube amp record player, where I used to sing “Ooh Las Vegas” all the time & wondered how it got “lost”….
6. November 2010 at 01:12
GRAM, WE HARDLY KNEW YE….
But he was just a country boy,
his simple songs confess
And the music he had in him,
so very few possess
6. November 2010 at 01:23
Happy birthday Gram! Thank you for the music, the inspiration and the magic you have brought to my life. Sometimes I think you are my personal guardian cowboy angel. Your ever-present spirit has led me to the most amazing experiences and adventures and introduced me to many of the people I hold most dear.
I was even blessed to meet two fascinating British blokes on their epic (mis)adventure across the country in honor of your 60th birthday.
I’m honored to be one of the humble recipients of your many blessings. May you continue to shower your cosmic Gram-magic upon all of us until we can meet you on the other side.
… and thanks to Chris and Joe for capturing an amazing moment in time! I’ll never forgot the fun we had when Gram brought us all together!!
6. November 2010 at 02:01
Another young man safely strummed his silver-stringed guitar
And he played to people everywhere
Some say he was a star
But he was just a country boy, his simple songs confess
And the music he had in him, so very few possess
Happy 65th birthday, Gram. One of these days I’ll make it out to Joshua Tree for a visit.
6. November 2010 at 02:49
So today would have been the official beginning of your retirement years. Still, there’s nothing remotely retiring about your music’s impact.
When an old friend turned me on to your self-titled album all those years ago, the universe became a much larger yet comprehensible place. I appreciate the uncanny talent to markedly transform anything seriously approached, something that’s second nature to you. Making the mediocre extraordinary time and time again can’t be readily dismissed.
And this amazement has only intensified over these decades without you. When I listen your songs, it’s my opportunity to peer inside your mind and soul, and glimpse into the inner workings of genius.
Never can I thank you enough for being such a gracious guide along this engaging journey.
Requiescat in Pace, brother.
6. November 2010 at 04:13
Happy Birthday Gram. Seems like you’ve been part of my life ever since my older brother turned me on to your music back at the country hippie farm in Atlanta in 1976. Then my family moved to Winter Haven, Fl. Ironically I seemed to be the only one in your hometown who actually listened to your music and that included all the Snivelys that I knew. I followed your lead and moved out west, first California then later to Arizona. I became a DJ and promoter, found a $25 dollar Nudie Suit in a thrift store, and stayed in Room 8 back in 1983 drinking tequila trying to see a vision. I’ve remained in the music buisness long enough to interview Emmylou a couple of times. Befriended Gram’s and Emmy’s manager Eddy Tickner who retired in Tucson. Eddie helped get my band the Hacienda Brothers signed in Nashville and he actually took me over to Emmylou’s house for coffee and cake. The Hacienda Brothers got Dan Penn (writer of Dark End of the Street and Do Right Man) to produce our records filled with Country and Soul, what you had dubbed Cosmic American Music. Gram, happy birthday wherever you are and thanks for the vision.
6. November 2010 at 07:39
On a whim, Halloween weekend of 2004 my buddy and I decided to make the pilGRAMage(yep, I just wrote that) to the Joshua Tree Inn. We had never been before and seeing as our band was greatly influenced by Gram we figured it was time. On our arrival, we explained to the manager our purpose for the stay and he promptly showed us to room 8 even before giving us our room assignment.
Later that night we returned and started playing acoustics outside our room. The manager came walking down and we asked if we were being too loud. He said no, “I was coming to see if I could join you”. He said considering what Gram’s music has done for us, it would be a little insulting if we didn’t keep playing.
Keep Playing.
6. November 2010 at 12:02
hey Gram,
your music was a catalyst in my life in so many ways.
the lyrics, the melodies, the vibe. from the upbeat rockers to the lonely aching ballads you were/are a healer and i have been healed & uplifted by your body of work.
if there is a Great Beyond (beyond the high desert) i look forward to meeting you there one fine day.
love and gratitude,
kathleen
6. November 2010 at 14:03
some must live on to tell the story, in order to spread the word – keep the flame burning !!
6. November 2010 at 18:02
Gram,
You and your music mean more to me than you will ever know. You have personally opened so many doors for me, introduced me to so many true friends, and soothed my soul more times than anything else. I wish you were still here today!!!!!!!!!!!!! We could celebrate our birthdays together!! Happy birthday GP…
I love you!!!!!
Mishy
7. November 2010 at 03:57
I met you in San Diego and you were so sweet to me and my brother after your show with the Flying Burrito Bros. I have followed in your footsteps ever since. Gram, you complete me.
9. November 2010 at 20:39
Gram,
From 70′s rock through rock-n-roll, rockabilly, punk, real country, R&B, you’ve been my constant companion and a guiding light. Thank you hardly seems good enough.
9. November 2010 at 22:37
Gram,
Thanks for leading me to the Cosmic American Mojave Desert – where I’ve spent so much of my life.
Sending you blessings and much gratitude across space and time from Sin City.
10. November 2010 at 20:50
I discovered Gram in ’73 right after his death. He changed the way I think about music. I never play without singing at least one of his songs.
10. November 2010 at 20:56
This is the 2nd message I am leaving you in this book-the 1st time I was staying at the JT Inn in room 8 with a girl I had recently met. It was our first roadtrip together and we laid under the stars by the pool drinking red wine & listening to GP on a cassette tape (remember those). Years later, I would ask that girl to be my wife and she is now pregnant with our first child. You will be forever intwined in the memories of our time in Joshua Tree & the start of our lives together…
Thanx for the inspiration Gram…Hope you are shooting out the lights in Heaven’s Honky-Tonk!!
Aa
10. November 2010 at 20:57
Hello!
Love Gram’s music.
Nothing like Cosmic American Music.
True Americana….
If he were still around, he would be a mega-star.
Gotta go with “Sin City” as my fave.
Gram is a HUGE inspiration to my songwriting.
Ed.
10. November 2010 at 20:57
Hey Gram!
I was born a year before you died (too young!) in a small town (Geldrop) in a small country (the Netherands)on the other side of the world, so what change did I have of hearing of you???
But I did! And I still do!
38 years later, I’ve been to The States 3 times, I’ve seen places that mattered to music history (such as Memphis, Tupelo -Elvis and Dyess, Hendersonville – Johnny Cash) and The Gram States are next on my “to visit”!
Love you music, mad about your Nudi suit (I did see that, in Nashville!)!
Simone
10. November 2010 at 21:00
Gram,
Thank you for crafting your art. You added your own interpretation and changed the direction of music. You inspired not only myself, but a wide range of musicians from a number of genres. Hope you’re resting peacefully, say “hello” to Towns, and have a stellar Birthday!
10. November 2010 at 21:09
Gram,
Thank you for the many gifts over the years… your vision of Cosmic American Music, inspiration to others, the “Gram Magic” that appears regularly as we put shows together and for the incredible family that we all have thanks to you. You are a connector and have brought so many of us together. Thanks for the good times thus far and those that have yet to come. We shall continue to support and nurture those with a Cosmic American spirit!
Shine a light,
Shilah aka Mama Shi
Sin City Social Club
LA * Austin * Nashville
10. November 2010 at 21:13
Gram,
I want to thank you for the music you gave the world in the short time we had you. Your inspiration is evident in so much of what we hear today. You opened my mind up to new styles of music that I may never have given the time to listen to if not for hearing your songs. You got me excited about music again. And you gave me a reason to sing, dance, cheer, think, feel, love, hope, wonder, laugh and cry. Thank you for sharing your Cosmic American Music with us all!
Chris in Chicago.
10. November 2010 at 21:16
Dear Gram,
Thank you for all you brought to the world and mine in particular. Your music has influenced everyone I love musically and the gifts of Pamela (through SHE), Polly and Harper Lee in my life is as important as anything in my life.
Cosmic American spirit!
With love and respect,
Roggie Lynn Baer
10. November 2010 at 21:18
Gram,
Thank you for blurring the lines for us. Your influence is felt in all the best music of which I listen and also try to create.
You will always live on through the smiles of those who hear your music for the first time and truly “get it”. It’s like the big sigh of contentment you let out after realizing you don’t need to look any further; you know you’ve found your home.
10. November 2010 at 21:36
Absolutely love Gram, song for you is probably one of the greatest songs ever written!!!
10. November 2010 at 21:43
Dear Gram,
We have made the trip twice to Joshua Tree and can’t wait to come back! We just named our little girl after you too
Hopefully we’ll be celebrating your induction into the Rock Hall soon!
10. November 2010 at 22:05
I would say i’m not your typical Gram Parsons fan.
If I had to pick a favorite, i would go with Hickory Wind….. So thanks to Gram, I would say my taste in music has improved greatly!
I’m in my 20′s and grew up listening to mostly metal music.
And then one day, I heard my Dad listening to him and I fell in love.
10. November 2010 at 22:17
Gram you are the premiere and ultimate cosmic cowboy. See you on the other side.
10. November 2010 at 22:32
Gram, I have spent many great times in Joshua Tree. Music isn’t the same without you. Love to the hereafter>
Jill
10. November 2010 at 22:49
Gram, the great Sage of Joshua, was the real all-American and we’ve all been deprived when he tragically checked-out from Room # 8. He left a hole in my soul but I have been blessed to feel his cosmic spirit is still around me now, and he knows, just as others have surely felt the strength of his spiritual essence, that we will always miss him and love him. Cosmic American Music will live forever.
10. November 2010 at 22:50
Gram – thanks for the great songs you wrote, and for the sweet sound of your voice. You influenced an entire generation of musicians, and have brought joy to countless fans.
In gratitude,
Courtney
10. November 2010 at 23:03
Dear Mr Gram,
My mom died 10 years ago; I was 13 years old. Sure, old enough to remember, but not old enough to know her as well as I wish I could.
In her collection of music years later, I stumbled upon the CD of GP/Grievous Angel, and wondered what it was. Needless to say, I was drawn into your world, and expanded to her Emmylou collection, her Byrds, her Flying Burrito Bros (all of which were in her vinyl collection, so I had to dig out the record player for those). After listening, absorbing, and otherwise enjoying everything you and your associates have done, I have to say…thank you for giving me the chance to get to know my mother better. It all put her in a new light. You’d be amazed what you can learn about somebody by listening to their music collection (and their music, in your case).
For school this semester, I am in the process of writing a paper for a class about the impact of you and your music on music both back then and today; I only hope I can put it in strong enough words to MAKE people understand.
Thanks again Mr Gram,
~Anna
10. November 2010 at 23:40
Gram
It seems that not only does real music come from one’s heart, but also that another’s aught to recognize it. In your remarkable intuition you showed us what that aught to sound like, and what it aught to feel like. Thank you for doing it your way, the music and the lesson. Sorry you had to leave so soon, but I have the feeling you’re still around.
I have to cut this short because my cat is biting me and he needs attention. Oh, and the Sin City patch went very well on the back of my coat. It looks great.
Thanks again,
Bob
11. November 2010 at 00:02
I’ll never forget stumbling upon the most wonderful group of people who were behind the Gram Parsons Tribute held at the Union Chapel, London, in 2003. You know who you are. Since then so many friendships have been made, songs have been sung, feet have danced and relationships have begun. All because of one man’s music. I hope to make it out to Joshua Tree in the not too distant future with a man I probably wouldn’t have met without the songs of Gram Parsons in my heart. With love and thanks, Lucy x
11. November 2010 at 00:11
Hi GP, hope you’re not on the dark side of the street.
11. November 2010 at 00:14
Gram, wherever you are in the Cosmic Sky, know you have influenced literally thousands of musicians and changed brains forever!
Happy Birthday; Rest In Peace, cowboy.
11. November 2010 at 01:36
My favorite song by Gram is “A song for you”.
One of his songs recorded in 1965 “Codine” is at the top of my list also. I think Codine was writen when he was still in his teens. An amazing song for a teenage boy. Listen,REALLY listen to the lyrics and the soul in his voice…
Waycross
11. November 2010 at 01:44
You came and went like the desert sand. A brilliant artist with pained love songs, nice songs like Oh Las Vegas, and best of all a partnership with Emmy. Though you were great in previous bands, your best work was you as a single. Know that your soul was pained in many ways but believe you are in a better place. We miss you and would have loved to see what you would be giving us today with your great talents. And that is the Hickory Wind……..
11. November 2010 at 06:46
Me and my husband went to JTI in September and stayed in Gram’s room. We lit candles and listened to Gram all night long! We drove up to Cap Rock and added our sentiments! I also wrote in the Room 8 guest book. I wrote to Gram – sorry about Avis and Coon Dog (mommy and daddy).
We want to go back to Joshua Tree. On Friday, Gram’s B-day, I listened to his music at work! I am so grateful for Gram’s music! I just wish I would have had the chance to meet him. I also wish he was still here and making beautiful music with Emmylou and others. I was 10 when Gram passed and didn’t realize for a long time that so many musicians were influenced by him. He was just the handsome man on the album jacket. Now I tell as many people as possible about Gram’s music. His music makes a bad day better. I love Zah’s Blues, November Nights, Hickory Wind, Hot Burrito #1 (the way his voice cracks when he says, “I don’t want no one but you to love me”).
Gram, I am sorry about all of the pain you experienced in your short life. You seemed such a gentle soul, a sensitive Southern gentleman. You will never be forgotten and your heartbreakingly beautiful music will live on…..
11. November 2010 at 08:06
Hey you,
roadie pilgrim that follows that star in the western skies
Don´t forget it´s shining more brightly at the cold dawn
Keep your attention, just that moment, when the sun arise
Can you hear that voice singing above Mojave sands?
“Warm evenings, pale mornings with a bottle of blues”
Fine and mellow, shakes softly your stoned heart
And a million of Nudie rhinestones claim your dues
On each and every little drop of American dew.
Take care to manage that “deadly Denver bend”,
Although “we all got wheels to take ourselves away”
But your hands must be firm and your eyes open wide,
Farther along from Boulder it´s placed Cheyenne.
Me and not heading west “to grow up with the country”
So faraway over that deep blue Atlantic sea,
Where “truckers, kickers and cowboy angels”
Only could be found high on whiskey daydreams
But some sleepless nights when the sky is clear
My burning throat spread impossible tunes,
Flowing to the west, across the eternal Milky Way
Riding on chords, sounding just for you
11. November 2010 at 11:04
Gram,
I just wanted to thank you for all of the wonderful music that you created. I am amazed that I just came across it 5 years ago and that it was not more well known.
I was at the Joshua Tree Inn this Summer but did not have a chance to sign the guestbook so I am doing so now.
RIP,
Mike
11. November 2010 at 12:48
Wherever a guitar play a soulful chord
and a gentle voice spread it´s lamment
will be your presence truly noticed
cause you were the music,more than any other.
11. November 2010 at 12:49
Happy Birthday Gram! The evening of your birthday was spent watching the wonderful Jim Lauderdale perform in Marblehead, MA. He took a moment to remind the crowd that it was your birthday and then did a song he wrote in honor of you (and George Jones) called “King of Broken Hearts”. It was a fitting tribute. Thanks for all you gave in your short time on this planet. Your legacy has had many lasting results.
11. November 2010 at 13:36
Happy Birthday Gram,
Just daydreaming about how this world would have been different if you had not left us so early. Thank you for the light you put in my soul with your music. The sun comes up without you, it just doesn’t know you’re gone. I grieve for the life you missed, and rejoice with Polly that you gave her life, and that you left the beautiful music with us and the amazing influence on so many musicians and music lovers. Maybe you didn’t think we were listening; maybe we weren’t so much then, but we are now and also through so many others. Ryan Adams, Elvis Costello, the plastic dry f**k Eagles (who actually took alot of what you were doing and ran with it later), Linda R. too many to name… and of course, sweet Emmylou, who came into her own long ago and bloomed just like a magical desert rose. I think Keith is a little jealous from watching his interviews about you!!! With love, gratitude and sadness, Jenjen
11. November 2010 at 15:34
Gram had what 99% of musical acts DON’T have…he had IT. He is IT, and will always be IT. Amen.
11. November 2010 at 19:41
I’ve stayed in Room 8 several times. There is always a dove hanging out in the courtyard. I have my suspicions…
11. November 2010 at 20:00
Made an offering of tobacco on your grave in Louisiana as a Native American friend told me it’s one of their customs to offer this to the departed one’s spirit. Thank god the spirit of your music is still living on. I continue to thoroughly enjoy it to this day… I’m glad you broke down the barriers between classic country music and rock n’ roll. I’m glad there are contemporary artists from time to time that will create in the “cosmic American music” medium.
11. November 2010 at 20:47
Discovered you very late Gram, but love you all the more. Many trips to Joshua Tree NP and room 8. A Song For You, everything with Emmlou (I knew her before you did at the Red Fox Inn in Bethesda, MD) and The Guilded Palace of Sin. You still tear me up. Happy, happy birthday!!
12. November 2010 at 04:21
Thanks to Gram for all he left us in his short time here. Thanks to everyone who takes the time to listen and to share his gift…Happy B.Day G.P.
12. November 2010 at 17:26
Gram
Thank you for just being you and for the gift of music you left for the world to enjoy!!
RIP Cosmic Cowboy
JackieG
12. November 2010 at 17:34
Thanks for all your awesome music over the years… May it continue forever.
15. January 2011 at 20:43
Chris, It’s taken me almost 5 months to catch my breath after our quick into at Waycross- I read your great book, and fell off my chair when I realized the day you were in Room #8- only the spirit of GP himself could have orchestrated such a crossroads-this was exactly the same day I was THERE! Not to stay overnite, but I opened the unlocked door ( the inn was deserted because of the music fest)and went in! Only to find a gymbag on the foot of the bed, I assume was yours- took a bunch of pics, -savored the moments as it was desolate, and almost eerie, but a perfect memory. The next day we found cap rock, and left our own mementos – a pirate sticker, and rock-formed cross. – headed out across the desert. My pilgramage was the exact opposite course, from Winter Haven to Joshua Tree, and all the same stops, and wack-o experiences – Memphis, Nashville, where the music would lead. So your book was such a dejuve (?)- and so hilarious, no one could have enjoyed it more- I lived it, and you told about it! So much I could share with you guys – hope will have a chance next GP pull- also, latest Gram twist – the guy who claims to have taught GP the guitar -I believe him, visited me on Tues, and I will catch his show tonite- … and what color was the Calico bonnet?
20. June 2011 at 21:27
Gram, thank you for the music and the inspiration. I wish I had heard your music earlier in my life.
Chris & Joe – amazing book, what a trip.
(can’t believe you got to shake hands with John Carter Cash)
7. September 2011 at 22:27
After a recent hard drive crash, I lost a bunch of pictures from Metarie,Louisiana, the cemetary and headstone for Gram. But I do have the coordinates on my GPS, I will post, if anyone is in the area and can post pics…would be cool