One of Austin’s best-loved musicians, pianist Earl Poole Ball, played with Gram Parsons on the International Submarine Band’s Safe at Home album, as well as the Byrds’ Sweetheart of the Rodeo. After discussing Parsons, Ball shared the following via e-mail. – J.C.
“The young man came from out of the South – full of purpose – with long hair, natural charm, and a passion for the music – country music! He pulled you in. Made you a believer. Me too!
His heart was in full Communion with the Spirit of the Mother Church, but the Mother Church ignored him. Only a few younger members rallied ’round him. California became his mission field.
His rags were made of Nudie with the Cross and Mary Jane Rhinestones. Cultures clashed. Stones rolled away.
During his lifetime his followers were few. Today they are legion.
His Message was for the youth of his day – and forever – who are always in quest of the more organic and meaningful in music and life. The Music needed Cosmic Restoration of its Lifeforce. It was his Job.
He came not to destroy the Music, but that the Music might have life and have it more Abundantly – and that through the Music the World might be Saved.
In the end, Dark Forces surrounded him and cut him off. He died what some would call a martyr’s death, and in so doing, he became larger than life.
Many say his Spirit still lives on. Some even say he died for our Sins.
– Earl P Ball, Austin, Texas, May 22, 2006
This article appears in June 30 • 2006.