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.