Time Between: My Life as a Byrd, Burrito Brother, and Beyond

Chris Hillman is not only a masterful musician, he is a wonderful writer.His entry into the musical arena is chronicled from his boyhood, to being in the seminal 60's group The Byrds, the country rock Flying Burrito Brothers, and the influences of his faith, love, and family on his journey.Excellent book.

Although I found some of this books narrative to be preachy, in the last chapter Chris says he started out playing for the love of the music. He goes on to state that his initial affection for songs has never diminished throughout his lengthy career. That, my friends, should be the reason for every artist to play music whether they make it big or not. This was a gentle read & if you liked ANY of Chris Hillman's musical endeavors, you will like this memoir.

Chris Hillman’s autobiography is honest, informative, well written and balanced with humility.

I've been a fan of The Byrds (and Flying Burrito Brothers, Desert Rose Band, etc.) for most of my life, but this book taught me so much about Hillman that I didn't know. He's had a very interesting background, and I am glad he found time to write this book.

This was a very enjoyable read. Great stories from a great time in music from a great musician who was actually there and was part of the story. This is told warts and all.

I've read many rock and roll memoirs which were very good, but this one I wouldn't count among them. The most enjoyable part of the book was the first half, which went into his years of growing up in a very idyllic neighborhood, to the family tragedy, to his start in the music business, including his evolution into the Byrds. There it ends. The second half of the book talks about his other bands and a whole lot of inside baseball information. For example, he drops names of this or that producer that the everyday consumer of rock and roll would not be able to pick out in a line up. And there is the whole religious awakening, which got very tedious after a while. I managed to finish the book. But a lot has been skipped over, in my view. He makes veiled references to "making bad choices," which could mean drug use, which he never cops to. He gets all over Gram Parsons for his drug abuse, but are we to believe that he was squeaky clean? If so, how did he end up with hepatitis C? After reading both of David Crosby's books and another one by Graham Nash, these guys were not angels. Crosby's and Nash's books get very graphic on the matters of sex, drugs and rock and roll. Some of it is hard to read. But Hillman's book seems to pretend none of that was happening.

I have read many biographies of musicians and other celebrities. Usually when I finish the book, I am not a fan of the person. This book is one exception. Hillman writes openly and honestly of his struggles and trials in a straightforward manner, yet spares the reader of the gory details. Thus, I appreciate what he DOESN'T include as well as what he does include.His spiritual biography is also chronicled and I find that very refreshing. His commitment to the Christian faith is not preachy nor excessive.This book is well written; not just some stream of conscious musings of a celebrity trying to cash in on his or her fame. It is thoughtful and reflective and highly recommended.I was not so much a Byrd, Burrito Brother or Hillman fan before I read this book, but I am now. Chris seems so much like a regular guy one could easily approach and thus, comes across as very likeable.It is to be recommended for all those interested in this slice of Rock/Bluegrass/Country history.

I've been a Chris Hillman fan since the earliest records by The Byrds and have followed him through the Flying Burrito Brothers, the Manassas "supergroup" with Stephen Stills and on to the Souther, Hillman, Furay Band and beyond. This book covers his entire life with some surprising stories from childhood to his most recent album produced by the late Tom Petty. A great read.

Chris Hillman comes across as a thoughtful talented musical person with none of the excesses that we are used to reading about in other rock star biographies-you know the usual ones that end up taking lives before their time. But as you will discover in his book, which I found to be an absorbing read, his life is not without its tribulations but thanks to family, faith and career involvement he is able to survive.Chris writes about his time with the Byrds, The Flying Burrito Brothers, Manassas featuring Stephen Stills, and the Desert Rose Band as well as many other reunions and projects with other musicians-truly a rich career in music. Recommended .

Interesting read but could have left out all the God bothering bits.

Full of real information from a master storyteller. A real gem in his time.

An interesting read, especially when compared with Rogan's history of the Byrds. Brings Hillman's story right up to date including the fires and the death of Tom Petty. Would recommend to anyone interested in the Byrds and how the lives of the founders developed over the years. Nice to hear that Hillman and McGuinn are still friends.

Amazing story of this great musician and lovely man. I met him a few years ago after a concert and spent time with us signing autographs and photographs. A very talented musician with a great story to tell. Excellent read.