* En anglais uniquement
Dillard & Clark, a duo featuring former
Byrd Gene Clark and
Doug Dillard of
the Dillards, was one of the first country-rock groups to form in the late '60s. The group formed in 1968 and became one of pioneers of country-rock, releasing two albums before dissolving after releasing only two albums.
In 1968,
Dillard recorded his first solo album, The Banjo Album, which featured such rock musicians as
Clark and
Bernie Leadon. In the spring of 1968,
Dillard toured England as a member of
the Byrds, which led to the duo of
Dillard & Clark, which officially formed later that summer. The duo secured a record contract with A&M and released their debut album,
The Fantastic Expedition of Dillard & Clark, late in 1968. The record was recorded with
Bernie Leadon (guitar),
Don Beck (dobro, mandolin), and David Jackson (bass).
Dillard & Clark toured following the release of the album; their supporting band featured former
Byrd Michael Clarke on drums.
Dillard & Clark began recording a second album early in 1969 with a new supporting band. The new lineup featured
Leadon, fiddler
Byron Berline, drummer
Jon Corneal, and guitarist
Donna Washburn; steel guitarist
Sneaky Pete Kleinow and
Chris Hillman, who were both members of
the Flying Burrito Brothers, also guested on the album. The resulting record,
Through the Morning, Through the Night, appeared later in the year. After its release,
Leadon left the duo; he would join
the Eagles soon after his departure.
Clark decided to pursue a solo career in early 1970.
Dillard continued his solo career, using the remaining members of the duo's backing band as the core of his new outfit,
the Expedition.
Dillard and
Clark continued to pursue solo careers throughout the '80s and '90s, with
Dillard garnering more success and critical acclaim than
Clark.
Clark died in 1991 at the age of 46. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine