In Memory

Christopher Lloyd "Chris" Darrow - Class Of 1962

Christopher Lloyd Chris Darrow

 Jul 30, 1944 - Jan 15, 2020


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Chris Darrow, multi-instrumentalist, singer and songwriter, country rock pioneer and member of multiple influential bands including the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band and The Corvettes who backed up Linda Ronstadt, has passed away according to his representatives. He was 75-years-old.

A centerpiece to the country rock movement spanning from the mid 60’s into the 70’s, Chris Darrow’s list of contributions and accomplishments are vast, including being one of the founding members of California’s influential bluegrass outfit the Dry City Scat Band in 1964, playing with David Lindley, Richard Greene and others, and hanging out with Chis Hillman of The Byrds at the time. Darrow would follow Hillamn as a bluegrass musician transitioning into more rock-oriented music, doing time in The Floggs, and eventually the well-known psychedelic band Kaleidescope in the mid 60’s along with fellow Dry City Scat member David Lindley.

1967 is when Chris Darrow’s name would go more national when he joined the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, replacing Bruce Kunkel, recording two albums with the outfit, Rare Junk and Uncle Charlie & His Dog Teddy, as well as appearing in the Clint Eastwood Western musical film, Paint Your Wagon with the band.

From there he formed The Corvettes with fellow Nitty Gritty Dirt Band member Jeff Hanna in 1969, and they were soon tapped to be the backing band for Linda Ronstadt just as her country rock career was exploding. Jeff Hanna eventually left The Corvettes to return to Nitty Gritty, and was replaced by Bernie Leadon, which put together one of the early building blocks of The Eagles—speaking to how deep Chris Darrow was embedded in the earliest incarnations of country rock.

From there Chris Darrow launched a solo career, releasing a total of 10 records between 1972 and 2006, while composing songs and playing on multiple recordings from numerous artists, including James Taylor, John Stewart, Hoyt Axton, Harry Chapin, and others. Chris Darrow was also considered a mentor to Ben Harper, who recorded his song “Whipping Boy” on his 1994 record Welcome to the Cruel World. Ben Harper posted upon hearing about the death of Chris Darrow,I didn’t go to college, I went to Chris Darrow…”

Born Christopher Lloyd Darrow on July 30th, 1944 in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, he grew up in Southern California in the Los Angeles suburb of Claremont. His father was a jazz clarinet player, and Darrow began to play ukulele at an early age, transitioning to guitar at 13. His interest in American roots music came from attending Pitzer College in Claremont where he studied folk and bluegrass music under well-known musicologist and musician Guy Carawan. He also attended the Claremont Graduate school, eventually earning a master’s degree in art. Darrow’s first professional gigs were playing with the Dry Scat Band at Disneyland, and at the famous Ash Grove folk club in Hollywood.

Darrow was also passionate about photography, and was responsible for numerous cover photos for records.

“The number of musicians he supported, inspired and helped launch made him a godfather of California’s country rock of the late sixties,” said Everloving Records upon his passing, who reissued his well-regarded 1973 self-titled release in 2009.



 
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02/01/20 10:52 AM #1    

Joseph Ernest Wolfe III (1962)

RIP Chris.  You will be missed.  Your music will live on.  It is enjoyed by all in my family, even my grandchildren who know not of 'folk' music, just music that moves them.

 

Joe Wolfe  Class of '62


02/01/20 12:26 PM #2    

Fred Heilbrun (1965)

Two days after moving to Claremont in August 1963, I posted a sign at the Folk Music Center offering banjo lessons. The store was still on First Street and presided over by Mr. Chase. Two weeks later I received a phone call from a guy named Chris. He said he wanted to meet me. He, and a friend, Pete Fullerton came over to my folks house on Piedmont Mesa Drive. We talked for a while and enjoyed each others BS. He invited me to a party the next night where we had a chance to play some music together. Before it was over, he asked me to join his band, "The Reorganized Dry City Players". I accepted.

Because of people like Chris and Pete, I was welcomed into the music community quickly. Chris introduced me to a score of people. He taught me the fine points of playing in a group. Being a good guy seemed to come naturally to him. I am one of the honored ones for knowing him.  Fred

 


02/01/20 03:02 PM #3    

Don Davis (1962)

Chris, thank you for taking me under your wing when I first came to CHS in 61.  I have listen to your music for many year,  God bless you and your family.

Don Davis class of 62


10/24/21 08:55 AM #4    

Rhea Ellen Penter (Moore) (1962)

Never realized the accomplishments Chris made. Sat next to him at a Peter, Paul and Mary concert at Mt Sac. He was upset about a song they had stolen from him. Again at a reunion where he talked about writing a book on the Spanish conquering of Mexico. Chris had many interests. He came along way from the red headed little boy I remember from school. 


04/25/22 09:46 PM #5    

Christine Pedroni (1970)

Chris was one of Claremont's icons, and a kind ,fun soul. He was always warm and welcoming to me, even though I was a bit younger. His sister, Liz CHS 69' and I are friends, and he always remembered my name (since it was the same as his perhaps ? ).

A musical talent, and kind soul, extraordinaire. 

Christine Pedroni 70'

 

 


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