Founding Moby Grape Guitarist Jerry Miller Passed Away At 81

Guitarist and the founding member of Moby Grape, Jerry Miller, passed away at 81. The sad news was relayed on the group’s Facebook fan page and was reported by journalist Eric Brenner.

Miller was born on July 10, 1943, in Tacoma, Washington. His talent was first noticed when he played on an early version of Bobby Fuller’s 1960 hit “I Fought the Law.” Miller transferred to San Francisco with his Frantics bandmate and drummer Don Stevenson in 1966. There, they formed Moby Grape with bassist Bob Mosley and fellow guitarists Peter Lewis and Skip Spence. The band quickly earned fame with their unique eclectic sound, blending psychedelic rock, pop, and country genres.

The band’s self-titled debut album was released in 1967. Despite the competitive bidding war, it was a critical success. All five members contributed to songwriting and vocals, creating a distinctive and innovative sound with notable songs from the album including “Omaha” and “Hey Grandma.”

Miller continued to record with Moby Grape, producing four more albums over the next four years before their initial breakup. The band faced ongoing legal battles over the rights to their name with their former manager. This led to various reunions and performances under different names over the years. Despite these challenges, Miller remained a central figure in the band, contributing his impressive guitar skills and songwriting talents.

Aside from his works with Moby Grape, Jerry Miller also led his group, the Jerry Miller Band. But he continued collaborating with his former bandmates on their solo projects. Miller celebrated his 81st birthday on July 14 with a party in his hometown of Tacoma, surrounded by friends and family.

Jerry Miller’s legacy as a pioneering guitarist and songwriter lives on through his contributions to Moby Grape and his extensive musical works. His inventive blend of genres and his enduring influence on psychedelic rock will be remembered by fans and musicians alike.