John York

Who is John York?

John Foley York is an American bassist and guitarist. He is best known for his work with The Byrds, whom he joined in September 1968 as a replacement for the band's original bass player Chris Hillman. He remained with the group until September 1969, when he was fired by the other three members of the band and replaced by Skip Battin. Despite only being with The Byrds for a year, his bass playing and singing appear on two of the group's studio albums, Dr. Byrds & Mr. Hyde and Ballad of Easy Rider, as well as on the non-album single "Lay Lady Lay". York also wrote the song "Fido", which appears on Ballad of Easy Rider, and co-wrote the song "Candy", which is included on Dr. Byrds & Mr. Hyde. He also appears on the Columbia/Legacy Byrds' live album Live at the Fillmore - February 1969.

Prior to joining The Byrds, York was a member of the The Bees and the Sir Douglas Quintet, and also worked as a session musician for The Mamas & the Papas and Johnny Rivers. He was also the bassist in ex-Byrd Gene Clark's touring band. Following his dismissal from The Byrds, York again worked with Clark during the mid-1980s, along with Pat Robinson, in the group CRY.