The American Spectator : The Spectacle Blog : Rob Grill, R.I.P.

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Rob Grill, the longtime lead singer of The Grass Roots passed away yesterday of complications from a stroke at the age of 67. Grill sustained a severe head injury after a fall a few days ago. He also developed other health problems in recent years.

I had no idea Grill had been ill. A few years back, I had the opportunity to see The Grass Roots perform on a couple of occasions in Boston at The Oldies 103.3 Free Summer Concerts on The Esplanade. Grill always made time to sign autographs and I still have his signature on a Grass Roots compilation CD.

The Grass Roots were at the peak of their success in the late 1960s to early 1970s with hits like "Two Divided By Love", "Temptation Eyes" and "Let's Live For Today" which his wife Nancy said Grill was listening when he passed away in her arms. The chorus of that song owes a great deal to "I Count The Tears" by The Drifters.

I'll leave you with The Grass Roots "Bella Linda" in one of the earliest music videos ever made.

View all comments (7) | Leave a comment

Occam's Tool| 7.12.11 @ 10:45AM

I watched the Stones play in B'ham, AL about 16 years ago, and the boys played for 4 frickin' hours. Simply an incredible work ethic. I miss the old ones and their devotion to music.

Columbo| 7.12.11 @ 11:45AM

Ahhhh, Ahhhhh, just one more question Mr. Golldstein.
Where were you when Mr.Grill had his fall?

Ummmmm, Gee Mr.Goldberg I hate to be a pest. Just one more question. You say you were in Maine when you heard about Dick Williams death.
Can anyone back your alibi ?

Seek| 7.12.11 @ 11:53AM

The Grass Roots made an incredible debut album around 1966-67. I'd rate their cover of P.F. Sloan's "Where Were You When I Needed You?" as one of folk-rock's greatest singles. They made some decent records after that, even if never achieving the early peak again. All in all, it was a fun ride.

Rob Grill, R.I.P.

MusicGuy| 7.12.11 @ 7:40PM

Seek,
The debut album didn't actually feature Rob Grill's voice. At that time, as I understand it, The Grass Roots was a strictly studio band, with no real plan for success. They were really a band called The Bedouins, led by Bill Fulton. They sang all Sloan/Barri songs. After the debut album's success, there was some sort of a shakeup, and they hired Rob Grill to be the face of the group. I believe that on the greatest hits album, we hear Rob Grill dubbed over the original music of Where Were You When I Needed You.

Janette Love| 7.13.11 @ 1:49AM

I loved and still love The Grass roots. Rob Grill was always my favorite! Golden Grass was the first album I ever bought! I am so sad to hear of his passing, I can;t believe it. Love you, Janette

Gloria| 7.15.11 @ 9:06AM

R.I.P. Rob, you will be missed by so many. Nancy prayers to you! I saw Rob play in Grand Forks, ND at the very first rock concert while a sophmore in high school. They were touring with Flash Cadillac and the Continental Kids. 1972 to be exact. It was a small concert at the Armory. I have always loved the music the roots did. Well low and behold we met again when his wife taught my son in high school and here it is 40 years after seeing my first concert, Rob is gone. I have lived in Florida over 30 years and met Rob and his wife through a friend I will say, so life does go in strange directions. I will always remember that beautiful smile of his, his kindness to his fans, both young and old, and he and his wife being just like everyone else. Very Genuine, which is hard to find in this day and age! You may be gone but not forgotten, and your music will live on.

Jean| 7.17.11 @ 4:31PM

So sad to hear of Rob's untimely passing...my husband and I are longtime GrassRoots fans and saw Rob and the band several times and met him; he always gave a great show and was always gracious and seemed so authentic. What a guy! He will certainly be missed; condolences to his wife/family.