MERL SAUNDERS
Hammond B3 player Merl Saunders has recorded with numerous renowned artists since the early '70s and has led many of his own dates in a variety of genres from jazz to blues to new age to rock. Born on Valentine's Day, 1934 in San Mateo, CA, Saunders began learning to play the piano at the age of 10. He was a classmate and bandmate of Johnny Mathis through junior high school. Saunders decided on music as a profession after seeing how much fun was had by audience and performers alike at concerts by such musicians as Cab Calloway. He apprenticed early on with Jimmy Smith for a time, and attended various music schools.
Starting in the 1960s, Saunders collaborated on and off with Jerry Garcia, and the Grateful Dead. He also began working as a jazz keyboardist in the early '70s, and since has performed and recorded with Harry Belafonte, Frank Sinatra, Lionel Hampton, Miles Davis, B.B. King, Bonnie Raitt and Paul Butterfield. One of his several albums with Jerry Garcia, Blues From the Rainforest, hit the Top 5 of the U.S. Billboard New Age charts in the early '90s.
Saunders runs his own label, Sumertone, which includes much of his catalogue, as does the Fantasy label. In 1998, Saunders released his 20th album as a leader, Merl Saunders With His Funky Friends: Live! (Sumertone), which includes guests Garcia, John Popper (of Blues Travelers) and Trey Anastasio (of Phish). In addition to his active touring schedule, the San Franciscan has also written scores for TV and movies, including Tales From The Crypt, Twilight Zone, Heavy Traffic and Fritz The Cat.
In early 2000, Merl Saunders became the first recipient of the lifetime activist award from a Florida environmentalist group for his environmental activism that goes beyond just the titles of albums like Save the Planet So We'll Have Someplace to Boogie and Blues from the Rainforest. Later that fall, Saunders released Struggling Man.
In 2002 Merl suffered a stroke and has been recovering with the help of family and friends.
Merl Saunders passed away this morning, October 24, 2008 from complications related to the stroke which he suffered in 2002. The family appreciates all the well wishes.
Condolences can be sent to :
The Saunders Family
PO Box 22184
San Francisco, CA 94122
There will be a statement from the family later.
Thank You,
Tony, Merl Jr., Susan Saunders
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Well I moved and got a new myspace page and guess I lost touch. Much love is sent out to Merl and family...and gratefulness for so many good memories and the small friendship that I shared with such a special person. Thank you Merl for your music and your positive energy to make this world a better place.
We are very excited about playing at such an awesome jazz club. We have some great sets lined up for you, so don't miss it. Friday and Saturday November 20th and 21st, 5:00-8:30p at Andy's Jazz Club in Chicago
Aaron Koppel -Guitar, Matt Nelson; (Lupe Fiasco, Matthew Santos) -Keyboard, Graham Czach; (Chicago Afrobeat Project) -bass, Robert Tucker (Matthew Santos) -drums
I have heard there are troubles of more than one kind. Some come from ahead and some come from behind. But I've bought a big bat. I'm all ready you see. Now my troubles are going to have troubles with me!
EX SCHWAG GUITARIST Shawn Guyot Benefit Concert ...10-17-09@ AB'S PLACE!!!!$$ We could use some help getting the word out. Saturday Oct 17 Doors 8pm AB's Place 5627 Manchester Ave St Louis Mo Donation $8.00 Shawn has been diagnosed terminal and we're just trying to give him a hand Thanks Tony V
To those who may not have heard, our dear brother Dickie Peterson (OF BLUE CHEER) has passed away from what I understand was liver cancer or complication there of. He left us 10-12-09 in Germany at at 5:00am.
Dickie will be greatly missed by many. He told me that he didn't have "fans" he had "friends" and I know he valued each and every one of them. From the beginning Dickie chose his own path through this journey we call life paving the way for those who dared to follow. Dickie was not just a pioneer in Rock & Roll music but also a LEADER that will continue to guide musicians and music lovers for ever.
I know he wouldn't want us to be sad and I know he's up there turning the Angel's harps up to "11"! Blow the Golden Gates off the joint Dickie!
Hey Merl I'm a big fan. Thanks for the music. Some of my favorite music is the stuff you did with Jerry. Garcia/Saunders and Legion of Mary is what I'm thinking about while I was playing this.
Merl (RIP) I just love you so much, was thinking about you and your family (that don't remember me) and just wanted to send my love and a note to express, my continued sense of loss. I love and miss you, and all the sweet notes we exchanged. I'm so glad we have your music and so many great pics of all your finest moments. Hope your playing up storm there, with so many others that we love and cherish in our hearts! Love Peace & so much Respect! Vivian RN Eugene OR
I'm among the finalists in an European music contest called "Music Against Poverty" and there are a few days left to vote for the winner! So please lend me a hand with your vote and help me get to the 1st place! Thank You!!
The song's mission is to draw people's attention towards one of the biggest problems on Earth - poverty! So by voting, you help me inspire people to make a little step towards the end of poverty! God bless!
I am not here to advertise anything, or talk about me-me-me. I am here to wish you all love and let you know you remain in my heart. -God Bless. Talk at ya soon MJr.
Online Now!
Weekend......Carole
