On Nov. 14, more than five decades after his death, Gram Parsons will finally be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. It’s an overdue achievement for the country-rock pioneer, who would have turned 80 on Nov. 5. But the celebration doesn’t end there: As Rolling Stone can confirm, a Parsons tribute concert will take place days before the ceremony, held on Nov. 11 at the Troubadour.
Presented by the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, the lineup for A Song for Gram (a play off his 1973 track “A Song for You”) features Parsons’ friend and musical collaborator Emmylou Harris, as well as Elvis Costello, the Black Crowes, and Margo Price. The Head and the Heart, Grahame Lesh, Harper Simon, Grace Potter, Jesse Welles, Jim Lauderdale, Madison Cunningham, and more will also perform, with Beachwood Sparks supplying “cosmic accompaniment.”
Earlier this year, Polly Parsons spoke to Rolling Stone about her father joining the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame class of 2026. “It’s really mind-blowing and special,” she said. “2026. He was 26 when he passed. And it’s his 80th birthday [this year]. There’s so many little nuances that indicate such a perfect moment for this, and I’m really, really grateful.”
She added: “Now, let’s talk about the fact that his music never gets old. Let’s talk about the fact that there’s a handful of albums that you put on and the production value is literally perfect. The sound and the way it makes you feel is identical, and it just doesn’t get old. I love Gram’s music for that reason. It’s always fresh.”
A Song for Gram will benefit the Friendly House Foundation and Backline, two organizations supporting addiction and mental health needs in L.A. Tickets for the event go on sale on Thursday, Oct. 22.
This year’s Rock & Roll Hall of Fame ceremony will be held at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. Parsons will be presented with the Early Influence Award, alongside Queen Latifah, Celia Cruz, Fela Kuti, and MC Lyte. The inductees in the Performer category include Phil Collins, Billy Idol, Iron Maiden, Joy Division/New Order, Oasis, Sade, Luther Vandross, and Wu-Tang Clan. “Induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame is music’s highest honor,” said John Sykes, Chairman of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. “We look forward to celebrating these remarkable artists at this year’s ceremony — it’s going to be an unforgettable night.”
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