Clarence White

Clarence White was an American guitarist, best known for being a member of The Byrds. White’s professional career began in 1962 with the Kentucky Colonels; White’s work with the Colonels gained him respect from the bluegrass community for his flatpicking guitar skills. After the Colonels' split in 1965, White switched to electric guitar and became a sought-after session musician, working with artists such as Ricky Nelson, The Monkees, Arlo Guthrie, the Everly Brothers, and The Byrds. White’s experience with The Byrds eventually led founder Roger McGuinn to invite him into the group in 1968, where he remained until 1973. On July 15, 1973, White was struck by a drunk driver while loading his gear into his car following a White Brothers concert. White was 29 years old.