1.04.2020

THE STORY OF THE GRASS ROOTS


The band the Grass Roots had so many hits back in the 1960s-70s and yet I do not know one of their band members names! How is that possible? Were they a studio created band with the Wrecking Crew playing all of their music? Or were they a really good band on their own?

Today I delved into these questions.


The Grass Roots is an American rock band that charted frequently between 1966 and 1975.

The band was originally the creation of Lou Adler and songwriting duo P. F. Sloan and Steve Barri. In their career, they achieved two gold albums, one gold single and charted singles on the Billboard Hot 100 a total of 21 times.

Among their charting singles, they achieved Top 10 three times, Top 20 three times and Top 40 eight times. They have sold over 20 million records worldwide. But keeping their band lineup together was a challenge. Eventually, 3 different lineups all used the name Grassroots. No wonder I never knew any of the band guys.


The 3rd version of The Grassroots finally began making the hits we all know. Keeping up with the players coming and going is too long to share here. But..that answers my original question. Why don't I know any of their players? Read More about of their history here

They finally had their first Top 10 hit in the summer of 1967 with "Let's Live for Today". "Let's Live for Today" sold over one million copies and was awarded a gold disc. With Rob Grill as lead singer, they recorded a third version of "Where Were You When I Needed You." The band continued in a similar hit-making vein for the next five years (1967–1972).


The great lead singer on those hits was Rob Grill 1943-2011

Here are my favorites of The Grassroots songs list

Bella Linda
I'd Wait A Million Years
Let's Live For Today
Midnight Confessions
The River Is Wide
Sooner or Later
Temptation Eyes
Two Divided By Love
Where Were You When I Needed You

4 comments:

John Steele said...

Thanks again Kimmer! They are among a few groups from that era that have not received the credit and honor they deserve!

Michele Hanchett Ososki said...

Rob Grill lead singer. My friend Nancy Grill is his widow. Great songs.

Christopher Hopp said...

My first "official" encounter with the band was winning a cutout 45 of "Bella Linda" at a carnival at some point in the 70s. Shortly after, I came to identify them with "Let's Live for Today," (!) "Midnight Confessions," and so many other great tunes. Eventually, I knew of Barri and Sloan but only knew Creed from -- of all things -- The Office (US)...

Michael McDaniel said...

I think that is because they were a “three-minute “ band just like the Association Et all. Nothing heavy, just commercial pop which I still enjoy!

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