In 1957, he enrolled as a student at Chicago's Old Town School of Folk Music, where he learned the five-string banjo and 12-string guitar. Around the same time, he was also influenced by country artists and/or groups such as Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins, Gene Vincent, and the Everly Brothers. (During the early 1980s, he paid tribute to the song that encouraged him to play guitar by including 'Heartbreak Hotel' in his autobiographical show). He became interested in music after hearing Elvis Presley's ' Heartbreak Hotel', and asked his parents to buy a guitar for him. His parents worked in journalism and public relations, and during his childhood, they had written a bestseller titled Parents Can't Win. McGuinn was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois, United States, son of James Joseph McGuinn Jr (b. The 12-string Rickenbacker guitar is his signature instrument.
As a solo artist he has released 10 albums and collaborated with, among others, Bob Dylan, Tom Petty and Chris Hillman. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame for his work with the Byrds. He is best known for being the frontman and leader of the Byrds. James Roger McGuinn / m ə k ˈ ɡ w ɪ n/ (born James Joseph McGuinn III July 13, 1942) is an American musician.
