The International Submarine Band

Biography

The International Submarine Band (ISB) was formed in 1965 by Gram Parsons while he was briefly a theology student at Harvard University. Parsons, inspired by his Southern upbringing and exposure to country music, was encouraged by guitarist John Nuese—who had deep roots in country—to pursue a fusion of country and rock. Alongside Parsons and Nuese, the original lineup included bassist Ian Dunlop and drummer Mickey Gauvin, all of whom were active in the Boston-area folk and rock scene. The band's name was inspired by a 1934 'Our Gang' comedy short, referencing a fictional group called 'The International Silver String Submarine Band.'

After relocating to New York City in 1966, the ISB recorded several singles but struggled to find commercial success. By 1967, the group had moved to Los Angeles, where Parsons and Nuese, now joined by drummer Jon Corneal and various session musicians, signed with Lee Hazlewood's LHI Records. This lineup recorded the band's only full-length album, 'Safe at Home' (1968), which is now recognized as a pioneering work in the country rock genre. Despite their brief existence and limited commercial impact, the ISB laid the groundwork for Parsons' later influential work with The Byrds and The Flying Burrito Brothers.

Musically, the ISB was groundbreaking for blending traditional country instrumentation and songwriting with the sensibilities of 1960s rock and folk. Their innovative approach prefigured the emergence of country rock and Americana, influencing countless artists who would follow. Although the band dissolved before 'Safe at Home' was even released, their legacy endures as a catalyst for the genre's development and as the launching pad for Gram Parsons' storied career.

Fun Facts

• The band's name was inspired by a fictional group in a 1934 'Our Gang' comedy short called 'Mike Fright.'
• ISB's only album, 'Safe at Home,' was released after the band had already broken up.
• Gram Parsons used his trust fund to support the band during their early days in New York City.
• Despite their lack of commercial success at the time, ISB is now recognized as a foundational act in the development of country rock and Americana.

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• John Nuese - Nuese persuaded Gram Parsons to pursue a country-rock sound, introducing him to deeper country influences. (ISB singles and 'Safe at Home' album) [1965-1968]

Key Collaborators

• Gram Parsons - Founder, primary songwriter, and frontman; collaborated with all ISB members. (ISB singles, 'Safe at Home') [1965-1968]
• Ian Dunlop - Original bassist and co-founder; later co-founded the first version of The Flying Burrito Brothers with Mickey Gauvin. (ISB singles, early recordings) [1965-1967]
• Mickey Gauvin - Original drummer; co-founded the first version of The Flying Burrito Brothers with Ian Dunlop after leaving ISB. (ISB singles, early recordings) [1965-1967]
• Jon Corneal - Drummer for the later ISB lineup and key session musician on 'Safe at Home'. ('Safe at Home') [1967-1968]
• Chris Ethridge - Session bassist on 'Safe at Home'; later a founding member of The Flying Burrito Brothers with Parsons. ('Safe at Home', The Flying Burrito Brothers) [1967-1968]
• Lee Hazlewood - Producer and label owner who signed ISB to LHI Records, enabling the recording of 'Safe at Home'. ('Safe at Home') [1967-1968]

Artists Influenced

• The Byrds - Gram Parsons joined The Byrds after ISB, bringing country-rock elements to their album 'Sweetheart of the Rodeo'. ('Sweetheart of the Rodeo') [1968]
• The Flying Burrito Brothers - Formed by Parsons and ISB alumni, the band expanded on ISB's country-rock innovations. (The Gilded Palace of Sin) [1968-1970]
• Emmylou Harris - Collaborated with Parsons after ISB, carrying forward his country-rock vision. (GP, Grievous Angel) [1972-1973]
• Wilco - Cited ISB and Parsons as foundational influences in the alt-country and Americana movement. (Being There, Summerteeth) [1990s-2000s]
• Uncle Tupelo - Early alt-country band influenced by ISB's pioneering blend of country and rock. (No Depression) [1990-1994]

Source: Wikipedia

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. Blue Eyes (Safe at Home)
2. Miller's Cave (Safe at Home)
3. I Must Be Somebody Else You've Known (Safe at Home)
4. A Satisfied Mind (Safe at Home)
5. Luxury Liner (Safe at Home)
6. Knee Deep in the Blues (Safe at Home)
7. I Still Miss Someone (Safe at Home)
8. Do You Know How It Feels to Be Lonesome? (Safe at Home)
9. Strong Boy (Safe at Home)
10. Folsom Prison Blues / That's All Right (Safe at Home)

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia- MusicBrainz