Flying Burrito Brothers

"It's not the chart position or sales that count. It's the influence and legacy."

Signed to A&M Records in 1969. Disbanded in 1972.

A&M Records held a listening party for the release of The Gilded Palace of Sin. The invitations contained packets of hay. The U.S. Postal Service tested the hay for drugs. No drugs were found but the story made the news, creating more promotion for the band and the album. Gilded Palace sold about 40,000 copies between February and August 1969. The album cover is considered iconic as the band wore hand-embroidered Nudie Cohn suits. 

In Toronto, Canada the Burrito Deluxe album was supported by two concert dates and radio ads plugging them.

Flying Burrito Brothers, the band's third album, was ranked #192 on Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Albums of All Time.

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^{Flying Burrito Brothers Nudie Suits photo by Jim McCrary}

NUDIE SUITS

The Burrito Brothers used a portion of their signing money from A&M Records to buy their Nudie suits. Nudie Cohn began as a tailor making custom suits. He was the first to put rhinestones on clothing. Known as The Rhinestone Cowboy, he made custom embroidered and rhinestone studded apparel that reflected each buyer's interest. The Burritos' suits were edgy, blending the western motifs Nudie was famous for with the 1960's pop culture. Nudie found himself with a clientele that ranged from John Wayne to Elvis Presley to Elton John. Of the Burritos suits, the one most often talked about was Gram Parsons because it incorporated marijuana leaves into its design.

^{Flying Burrito Brothers Nudie Suits to Country Music Hall of Fame}

OFFICIAL PROMOTION BY A&M RECORDS

Sleepless Nights New Music On A&M Records
20th Century Masters press release

Official biographies:

Hot Burritos: the True Story of the Flying Burrito Brothers. John Einarson, Chris Hillman.

Time Between: My Life As a Byrd, Burrito Brother and Beyond. Chris Hillman.