Biography Skip Battin

Clyde "Skip" Battin (born February 18, 1934 in Gallipolis, Ohio, died July 6, 2003 in Salem, Oregon) was a successful singer-songwriter, musician, performer and recording artist. Skip's early musical career began in 1956 when he collaborated with Gary Paxton and formed The Pledges, the same duo, later successfully recording under the appellation Skip & Flip, enjoying some success with their cover of "Cherry Pie". After a few years out of the music industry, he led the short-lived folk-rock group Evergreen Blueshoes, starting in 1967.

Skip is probably best known for his work as bass player and songwriter with The Byrds from 1970 to 1973. He was - by eight years - the oldest member of The Byrds, with whom he recorded three albums and toured extensively. Many of his songwriting contributions were co-written with long time collaborator and songwriter Kim Fowley. After the breakup of the Columbia Byrds, Battin recorded a solo album, Skip. Afterwards, he was invited to join the New Riders of the Purple Sage, with whom he recorded four albums from 1974 to 1976.

Skip's career continued successfully and included stints with the The Flying Burrito Brothers, live and recorded collaborations with notable country rock musicians and numerous solo projects. From 1989-1991 he toured occasionally with Michael Clarke's Byrds, a version which was somewhat controversial but mostly well received.

Skip Battin died on the evening of July 6th, 2003, of complications from Alzheimer's disease in a care facility in Salem, Oregon.

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