Fans of classical experimental music are in mourning at the news that Joseph Byrd has passed away. He was known as a veteran of the Fluxus art movement and as a member of the band The United States of America.
According to The New York Times, Byrd was 87 when he passed away on November 2. Though his passing was announced days after, it is only now gaining media attention.
Angela Blackthorne Biggs, his friend and former wife, said of Byrd, “Joseph was a unique and quintessentially American man. For good or ill, freedom was his creed, and he lived life entirely on his own terms. He was a brilliant musician, who could pick up any instrument he happened upon and play a lovely tune extemporaneously. [Joseph] was capable of profound empathy and eloquence. He made his mark on the world, much as he intended from the beginning.”
Byrd is survived by his daughter, Clarissa Byrd, two grandsons, and a brother. He also left behind a host of friends.
Joseph Byrd Accomplished Quite a Bit
Byrd may not have become one of the most famous names in music, but he was a groundbreaking artist and composer. He put together the United States of America in 1967 with singer Dorothy Moskowitz, electric violinist Gordon Marron, bassist Rand Forbes, and drummer Craig Woodson. He and the band went on to gain praise for early use of rock techniques commonly used today.
The band released its self-titled debut album in 1967 but broke up the following year. After that, he went on to release albums with the Field Hippies. The first album was “The American Metaphysical Circus” from 1969.
Additionally, Byrd provided the score for multiple films. Some of them include 1969’s “Lions Love,” 1971’s “1971 The Ski Bum,” and 1980’s “The Ghost Dance.” He also taught, including at California State University and the College of the Redwoods in Eureka.
Fans Are Paying Tribute to His Legacy
Many fans are taking to social media to pay tribute to Byrd’s legacy. This is both when his passing was first announced and now that it’s gained more attention. The Legacy Tributes account on X said, “RIP Joseph Byrd, Musician and Songwriter. The United States of America, Joe Byrd and the Field Hippies Theme for the CBS Evening News, Developed Sounds used in Mattel Toys.”
Someone else wrote, “Just found out that Joseph Byrd of the band United States Of America passed away earlier this month, at 87. Their 1968 album is a great, classic psych record. You should give it a listen if you haven’t heard it in a while. RIP”
Byrd will be missed, but his legacy will live on forever.
