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The Byrds (/bɜːrdz/) were an American rock band formed in Los Angeles, California in 1964 by Roger McGuinn (known as Jim McGuinn until mid-1967) (lead guitar, vocals), Gene Clark (tambourine, vocals), David Crosby (rhythm guitar, vocals), Chris Hillman (bass guitar, vocals), and Michael Clarke (drums). The Byrds are among the most influential rock acts of the 1960s, with their signature blend of vocal harmonies and McGuinn's electric 12-string Rickenbacker guitar.

The Byrds pioneered the musical genre of folk rock as a popular format with the 1965 releases of "Mr. Tambourine Man" and "Turn! Turn! Turn!", both of which reached No. 1 in the US singles charts that year. The band was also influential in originating psychedelic rock and raga rock, with their song "Eight Miles High" (1966) and the albums Fifth Dimension (1966), Younger Than Yesterday (1967), and The Notorious Byrd Brothers (1968). The Byrds also played a role in the development of country rock with the 1968 album Sweetheart of the Rodeo, and achieved critical and commercial success with the 1970 double album (Untitled).

Gene Clark left the group in early 1966 due to health problems, personal issues with the other members, and his fear of flying which made it difficult for him to tour. The remaining four members continued until David Crosby and Michael Clarke both departed in late 1967, with Crosby going on to co-form Crosby, Stills & Nash. McGuinn and Hillman chose to recruit new members, and over the next five years the Byrds underwent multiple lineup changes which eventually saw McGuinn as the only remaining original member, with other members during these years being Kevin Kelley, Gram Parsons, Clarence White, Gene Parsons, John York, and Skip Battin. In 1973, McGuinn broke up the then-current lineup and reunited the original quintet. The reformed Byrds released a final album in March 1973 before disbanding shortly after.

In 1991, the Byrds were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, where the five original members performed together for the last time. Gene Clark died of a heart disease later that year, Michael Clarke died of liver failure in 1993, and David Crosby died after years of multiple health issues in 2023. Roger McGuinn and Chris Hillman remain active in music. (Full article...)