 The Byrds / <unk> / were an American rock band , formed in Los Angeles , California in 1964 . The band underwent multiple line @-@ up changes throughout its existence , with frontman Roger McGuinn ( known as Jim McGuinn until mid @-@ 1967 ) remaining the sole consistent member , until the group disbanded in 1973 . Although they only managed to attain the huge commercial success of contemporaries like the Beatles , the Beach Boys , and the Rolling Stones for a short period ( 1965 – 66 ) , the Byrds are today considered by critics to be one of the most influential bands of the 1960s . Initially , they pioneered the musical genre of folk rock , melding the influence of the Beatles and other British Invasion bands with contemporary and traditional folk music . As the 1960s progressed , the band was also influential in originating psychedelic rock , raga rock , and country rock . 
