Merl Saunders

With a career that began as Johnny Mathis' first bandleader, to his work with Jerry Garcia and The Grateful Dead, as well as his own extensive recording and constant touring, Merl Saunders may be best known for his 1992 release Blues From The Rainforest.

He began playing music at age seven, when the organist at his church got him started on the pipe organ. From that time on, he knew that he wanted music to be his life.

Several years later, when he was hanging out with legendary Hammond organist Jimmy Smith, Merl chose to concentrate on the B-3. Jimmy became Merl's music mentor, and the music of Duke Ellington and Count Basie influenced Merl's style.

Recalling his early days of music, Merl said, "The very first band was called 'Merl Saunders and His Educated Men of Music,' featuring myself; Johnny Mathis; Mary Stallings, a vocalist who later ended up with Count Basie; Freddie Gene Smith, who later became the flute player for Smokey Robinson; and Gene Turner, a vocalist who ended up with Stan Kenton." In 1950, they used to play at San Francisco's Ellis Theatre every Monday, where they won the talent contest every week.

His first big break was playing with the Billy Williams Quartet, which led to a television special and a recording with Harry Belafonte and Lena Horne in the mid 60's. Merl's first "big band" experience was playing with Lionel Hampton.

When we asked Merl his process for composing new songs, he simply replied, "They come to me in my dreams."

Merl felt strongly about the importance of music programs in the schools. "That's how I started. I wouldn't be where I am today without the music programs in the schools. Unfortunately the trend has been to cut those very same programs. I make it a point to stay heavily involved with the schools, by participating in programs like 'Grammys in the Schools' and playing for the kids anytime I get a chance all across the country."

We asked Merl what advice he would you give to a young person considering a career in music, and his reply was to "stay focused, and go for your dreams!"

Merl Saunders passed away in 2008, after fighting infections and suffering from a stroke in 2002.