A mid-1960s signed letter from Gram Parsons and his fellow members of The Shilos, soliciting a recording contract.  This letter was reproduced in the booklet included in the album Gram Parsons: The Early Years. 

We obtained this from John Delgatto of Sierra Records, who explained: I obtained this from the late Paul Surrat, a member of Parsons’ mid-60’s folk group, The Shilos.  Paul had previously obtained it from Gram Parsons’ now-deceased sister, Avis Parsons.  In 1979 my label, Sierra Records, released ‘Gram Parsons-The Early Years,’ an album of tracks by Parsons and The Shilos.  One year earlier, I purchased this and a number of other Parsons-related items from Surrat, for possible inclusion in the package.

The letter, hand signed in blue ink by Parsons and fellow Shilos Paul Surrat and George Wrigley, was intended to be sent to potential record labels along with a Shilos tape.  It notes We believe we have the newest and freshest style to come along in the folk field for many years.  As performers, we have won tremendous acclaim in night clubs, coffee houses, college campuses, radio and television. Youth is on our side since no one in our group exceeds eighteen years of age.

The letter includes a number of references, mostly contacts at Southern clubs at which they had performed.

The letter is reproduced in full in the booklet included in Gram Parsons: The Early Years (booklet pictured for reference only and not included).  Parsons autographs are extremely rare, as he died tragically at age 26, before achieving fame.

8 1/2″ x 11″ in very good condition, with some minor creasing and a few spots of Wite-Out (presumably this was the master copy of the letter, from which copies were made to be sent out.)

An extraordinary Gram Parsons collectible, with Delgatto’s letter of authenticity, and Recordmecca’s written lifetime guarantee.