| Birth: | Apr. 18, 1946 | | Death: | Apr. 16, 1999 | 
Musician. Born Alexander Lee Spence, he was initially the drummer for the influential San Francisco rock band Jefferson Airplane. He formed Moby Grape with Peter Lewis (son of Loretta Young), Jerry Miller, Bob Mosley and Don Stevenson, switching to his first instrument - the guitar. Extremely influential as a composer, singer and high-profile figure on the psychedelic scene, he helped bring the Doobie Brothers to national attention and was noted for his innovative trend-setting. "Omaha" was one of his best known compositions, with a resounding chorus of "Listen, my friends!" that featured the pure maniacal Spence energy spearheading the Grape's forceful attack. Upon Skip's departure from the band he recorded his solo album "Oar" which has been reissued and covered in tribute form by many famous artists who Skip has influenced. He appeared with former bandmembers of Moby Grape live on and off, although hampered through the years by health and mental problems. He died of lung cancer in Santa Cruz, California, approximately a year after a reunion performance with Moby Grape bandmates that showed off Skip's legendary ability to win over audiences.
Search Amazon for Skip Spence | | | Burial:
Soquel Cemetery
Soquel
Santa Cruz County
California, USA |
Maintained by: Find A Grave
Record added: Nov 26, 2005
Find A Grave Memorial# 12508185 |
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Samantha
Added: Oct. 28, 2009 |
Skip, thank you for serving our Nation in the U.S. Navy before embarking on your musical career with Jefferson Airplane and Moby Grape. I was proud to have known you during the 1980s. From one veteran to another, "Keep rocking!"
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Cowboy Mark
Added: Sep. 30, 2009 |
-Anonymous
Added: Sep. 23, 2009 |
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(4.1 after 12 votes)
