Chris Ethridge of the Flying Burrito Brothers Dead at 65

Bassist Chris Ethridge, who along with Gram Parsons founded the Flying Burrito Brothers and also played on records by Graham Nash & David Crosby, Dave Mason and the Doors, had died from unknown causes at age 65.

It was last Thursday when legendary organist Booker T revealed via Twitter that Ethridge was in gravely ill health: "send love and hope - doctors say he will pass soon." Today (April 23) country legend Willie Nelson sent out his condolences in the same manner: “WN&F are sad to hear of the passing of Family member & friend Chris Ethridge he was a talented musician & we were honored to call him Family."

Ethridge and Parsons joined forces under the Flying Burrito Brothers banner in 1968, following the latter's departure from the Byrds, and released their influential masterpiece 'The Gilded Palace of Sin' the following year. The album was hailed as a innovative blend of country, rock, and folk influences.

The bassist departed before the recording of the group's 1970 follow-up, 'Burrito Deluxe,' but would work with Parsons again on various projects over the years, as well as appear on a variety of other records including Crosby & Nash's 1972 album 'Graham Nash David Crosby' and the Doors' post-Jim Morrison album 'Full Circle.'