He was a member of the International Submarine Band (ISB) and The Flying Burrito Brothers,[3] and co-wrote several songs with Gram Parsons.
Ethridge worked with Nancy Sinatra, Judy Collins, Leon Russell, Delaney Bramlett, Johnny Winter, Randy Newman, Graham Nash, Ry Cooder, Linda Ronstadt, The Byrds, Jackson Browne, and Willie Nelson.
[3][4] He began playing in local bands in the South before moving to California aged 17,[3] having been spotted in Biloxi.
[3] He played bass and piano on The Gilded Palace of Sin, but left before Burrito Deluxe due to creative differences.
[8] He had been a session musician throughout his career, recording with many leading country-tinged acts, including Nancy Sinatra, Judy Collins, Johnny Winter, Ry Cooder, Leon Russell, Randy Newman, Linda Ronstadt, The Byrds and Jackson Browne.