Willie Nelson has confirmed via twitter the death of bass player and former member of The Flying Burrito Brothers Chris Ethridge.
Chris Ethridge co-wrote several songs with Flying Burrito Brothers and International Submarine Band bandmate Gram Parsons. He had worked extensively as a session musician and band member, playing with the likes of Judy Collins, Leon Russell, Johnny Winter, Randy Newman, Ry Cooder, Linda Ronstadt, The Byrds, Jackson Browne and Willie Nelson with whom he played bass as a member of The Willie Nelson Family Band.
As early as last Thursday it was known that Ethridge was not well, according to a tweet posted by Booker T; "Just talked to Chris Ethridge, (Burritos, Willie Nelson), hospitalized in Meridian, MS - send love and hope - doctors say he will pass soon."
Willie Nelson confirmed the doctors fears with the following tweet today;
"We are sad to hear of the passing of Family member & friend Chris Ethridge he was a talented musician & we were honored to call him Family" The cause of Ethridges death is not yet known.
The Flying Burrito Brothers are perhaps best known for their 1969 album " The Gilded Palace of Sin". The following clip is a performance of the tune Christine's Theme a.k.a "Devil in Disguise" from the album and showcases the Flying Burrito Brothers ability to meld country with a rock n roll sensibility. They were pioneers and masters of their craft.
