Michael Parks - Closing The Gap (1969) Vinyl LP • Then Came Bronson, Country

Catalog Number:

SE4646

Musical Styles:

1960s, Ballad, Country Folk, Cowboy Country, Folk Rock, Singer-Songwriter, Soft Rock, Traditional Country

Sleeve Grade:

Very Good (VG)

Record Grade:

Excellent (EX)

Condition Details:

Vinyl plays with occasional light-crackles (play-graded). Cover has a few creases near edges; noticeable scuffing (front/back); surface impressions on back. Inner-sleeve is original (generic white). Spine is mostly readable with wear. Minor shelf-wear along bottom-edge, top-edge is entirely split, wear to corners. Opening is crisp with signs of light use and divots. (Not a cut-out.)

Tracks:

1. Oklahoma Hills
2. Pretty Piece Of Paper
3. Midnight Wind
4. San Antonio Rose
5. Soldier's Last Letter
6. Wayfarin' Stranger
7. Ride 'Em, Cowboy
8. Softly And Tenderly
9. Tie Me To Your Apron Strings Again
10. Won't You Ride In My Little Red Wagon
11. Treasure Untold
12. Sneakin' In The Back Door Of Love
13. My Little Buckaroo

About The Record:

Closing The Gap, by Micheal Parks, released during the height of his popularity from starring in the TV series Then Came Bronson, which showcased his musical abilities and facilitated a rare crossover between Hollywood acting and Nashville country music. Recorded at Sunset Sound Studios in Hollywood with elite session players including James Burton on lead guitar, the album blends traditional folk-country covers with original songs, highlighting Parks' warm baritone and authentic Americana vibe. Historically notable as one of five charting albums from Parks' late-1960s period, it underscores his unique success as a TV actor breaking into country music, later celebrated by directors like Quentin Tarantino for his artistic range. The album's raw, acoustic sessions feature tracks like Oklahoma Hills, San Antonio Rose, and a touching duet My Little Buckaroo with his mother, evoking intimate live performances. Though no major hits emerged from the album, the single Tie Me to Your Apron Strings Again reached No. 117 on the Billboard Bubbling Under Hot 100, representing an early chart milestone in Parks' discography.