Roger McGuinn (1942- ) is a folk songwriter best known as the bandleader of The Byrds.

Born and raised in Chicago, McGuinn came of age performing in the burgeoning folk club circuit, working with popular acts like The Limeliters. Having grown tired of the Greenwich Village scene he was cutting his teeth in, McGuinn moved to L.A. and began playing the Troubadour. There, he met Gene Clark and the seeds of The Byrds were planted.

McGuinn was the only one of the original members to stay with the band through their original run (1964-1973). He’s since enjoyed a rather successful solo career, working often with Bob Dylan and Tom Petty. McGuinn continues to record, frequently releasing new recordings through his blog, Roger McGuinn’s Folk Den.