What were their musical backgrounds?
McGuinn had been an accompanist for the Limeliters, the Chad Mitchell Trio, Bobby Darin (recorded as the City Surfers with Darin) and musical director for Judy Collins’ third album before forming the Byrds with Clark and Crosby. Gene Clark had been a member of the New Christy Minstrels. David Crosby had been a member of Les Baxtre’s Balladeers. Chris Hillman had been a member of the Hillmen. Michael Clarke had been a conga player in San Francisco.