Chris Hillman (1944- ) is a bluegrass musician best known as the founding bassist for legendary 60s pop group The Byrds and for his pioneering work in country rock with Gram Parsons and The Flying Burrito Brothers.

As the Byrds grew to be one of the most popular groups of their time, internal strife within the band forced them apart, though Hillman kept on as long as he could. By his last album with them, 1968’s Sweetheart of the Rodeo, he and McGuinn were the only ones left in a wholly unrecognizable band. Now helmed by Gram Parsons, the group was a full-fledged country band. When Parsons left shortly after, Hillman went with him to help form The Flying Burrito Brothers. He was also a member of Stephen Stills‘ Manassas throughout their run.

Since the 1970s, Hillman has enjoyed some success with his solo career and the Desert Rose Band. He continues to record and occasionally perform to this day.