 Following his induction into the band , Gram Parsons began to assert his own musical agenda in which he intended to marry his love of country and western music with youth culture 's passion for rock and in doing so , make country music fashionable for a young audience . He found a kindred spirit in Hillman , who had played mandolin in a number of notable bluegrass bands before joining the Byrds . In addition , Hillman had also persuaded the Byrds to incorporate subtle country influences into their music in the past , beginning with the song " Satisfied Mind " on the Turn ! Turn ! Turn ! album . Although McGuinn had some reservations about the band 's proposed new direction , Parsons convinced him that a move towards country music could theoretically expand the group 's declining audience . Thus , McGuinn was persuaded to change direction and abandon his original concept for the group 's next album , which had been to record a history of 20th century American popular music , and instead explore country rock . 
