James Joseph McGuinn III was born in Chicago to Dorothy and James Jr. At 14, he took up guitar and soon attended the Old Town School Of Folk Music. He was discovered at 17 and began touring with The Limelighters shortly after his 18th birthday. He later toured and recorded with The Chad Mitchell Trio, Bobby Darin, and Judy Collins before forming The Byrds in 1964. The Byrds had several million-selling singles and hit albums, finally disbanding in 1973 except for a brief reunion in 1990. McGuinn changed his name to "Roger" McGuinn in late 1967 for religious reasons, causing most fans to believe Jim McGuinn was replaced by his brother, seriously damaging The Byrds' popularity. His REAL brother Brian never played professionally. McGuinn continued as a solo artist and member of McGuinn, Clarke & Hillman (1979-1981). He still tours and records worldwide.
