Before the country rock movement began to take shape, a garage band from San Francisco started sporting Old Western gear and became one of the first rock acts to do so. The Charlatans wanted to stand out from the hordes of American bands who were copping the British Invasion look of smart 3-button suits, turtlenecks, and the like. They desired a "strong American identity" according to founding member George Hunter. Their wardrobe, which included pin-striped suits, string ties, and low-slung holsters, was 19th century period perfection. In 1965, they became the resident band for the legendary Red Dog saloon, the Virgina City, Nevada joint complete with crystal chandeliers, waitresses dressed as saloon girls, and a Washo Indian bouncer.

At the other end of the fashion spectrum was Gram Parsons who can arguably claim the title of "Father of Country Rock". First with his college-born group The International Submarine Band and later with The Flying Burrito Brothers (and then with his solo career), Gram helped develope the blue-print for country rock. He never sold very many records when he was alive, but his influence was and still is, enormous. He was responsible for two of country rock's seminal albums: Sweetheart of the Rodeo during his brief time with the Byrds, and the The Gilded Palace of Sin, as a member of the Flying Burrito Brothers.

		Costume-wise, Gram was more influenced by the outrageously flashy get-ups of 1950's country & western stars. He sought out one of that era's master costumiers, Nudie's Rodeo Tailors, while still with his college band. This developed into a strong relationship with the suit-maker and his son-in-law Manuel who had taken over most of the technical and design responsibities by this time. It was Manuel and Gram who collaborated on the singer's signature "Sin City" ensemble (the one with a cross appliqued across the back and marijuana leaves on the front). With endless yards of embroidery, millions of sequins, and embellishment fit for the Grand Ole Opry, Gram's style not only infiltrated the covers of the Burritos' albums but also rubbed off on some of his friends. Best bud Keith Richards became a customer of Nudie's and is rumored to have place on order for a suit adorned with a certain part of the male anatomy.