DS, two pages, 8.5 x 13, January 3, 1968. Agreement stating that members of the Byrds have “agreed that it is in the best interests of all concerned that Michael Clarke resign as a member…and transfer his one-third (1/3) interest partnership interest to the remaining partners,” James Roger McGuinn and Christopher Hillman. In the contract, Clarke allows McGuinn and Hillman to “continue to carry on the business of The Byrds under its partnership name,” and acknowledges that he has “no further rights in and to the partnership name ‘The Byrds.’” Clarke also remains entitled to receive his “share of recording royalty income from Columbia Records with respect to each and every recording on which [he has] performed to date.” Signed at the conclusion in black ballpoint, “Michael Clarke,” and blue ballpoint, “James Roger McGuinn” and “Christopher Hillman.” Two horizontal storage folds, a few light creases, expected staple and filing holes to the top, and Clarke’s signature light but legible, otherwise fine condition. After having been a major act of the 1960s, the Byrds began to disintegrate at the end of the decade. Gene Clark left in early 1966, due to the rigorous tour schedule and his fear of flying, followed by David Crosby in 1967, over creative differences. Michael Clarke quit the band over dissatisfaction with songwriting and disputes over his playing ability. Interestingly, despite the terms of this contract, Clarke began performing under the Byrds name and attempted to trademark it in the late 1980s. He successfully defended a lawsuit from past Byrds members and assumed legal ownership of the name, which David Crosby then purchased from his estate in 2002. Pre-certified Roger Epperson/REAL and RR Auction COA.
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