Merl Saunders

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Lore & Background

Saunders' musical journey took a pivotal turn in 1971 when he began playing with Jerry Garcia at The Matrix. This partnership quickly evolved into the Saunders/Garcia Band, which produced three albums before expanding with saxophonist Martin Fierro to become Legion of Mary in 1974. Although that group disbanded the following year, their collaboration continued through the band Reconstruction in 1979, featuring Ed Neumeister on trombone and Gaylord Birch on drums. Beyond these core groups, Saunders led 'Merl Saunders and Friends,' performing with a vast array of legends including Mike Bloomfield, David Grisman, Tom Fogerty, Vassar Clements, and Sheila E. He also worked closely with Mickey Hart in the band High Noon. His influence extended to guiding Garcia back to his guitar following a diabetic coma in the summer of 1986, showcasing their deep musical bond.

In Their Own Story

In 1990, Saunders released 'Blues From the Rainforest,' a collaboration with Garcia and Muruga Booker that blended world music and New Age styles. This project sparked a decade-long journey into environmental advocacy and performance, leading to a video chronicling his trip to the Amazon rainforest. The success of this venture birthed subsequent albums like 'Fiesta Amazonica' and 'It's in the Air,' with one track even appearing on the soundtrack for the TV series 'Baywatch.' For ten years following 1990, Saunders performed regularly with the Rainforest Band, using his platform to support charitable organizations such as the Seva Foundation and the Rex Foundation. He also headlined the Haight Street Music Fair for 24 consecutive years, maintaining a vibrant presence in San Francisco until a stroke in 2002 curtailed his playing.

Reader's Guide

Musicians seeking inspiration can look to Saunders' extensive discography, which includes over 30 main studio and live releases ranging from 'Soul Grooving' (1968) to the posthumous 'Garcia Live Volume 22' (2026). His work is characterized by a willingness to experiment with diverse ensembles, from his own label Sumertone Records—named for his children Susan, Merl Jr., and Tony—to major labels like Fantasy and Relix. Fans should explore his contributions to soundtracks for films such as 'Fritz the Cat' and 'Steelyard Blues,' or his role in creating the theme music for the 1985 TV show 'The Twilight Zone.' His legacy also includes a Doctorate of Music from Unity College in Maine, awarded for his contributions to music and community service. Even after his stroke in 2002 left him paralyzed on one side, his estate continued to settle royalty disputes amicably with Jerry Garcia's estate regarding the 2004 live album 'Pure Jerry: Keystone Berkeley, September 1, 1974.'

Did You Know?

• Saunders attended Polytechnic High School in San Francisco where he played in a band with singer Johnny Mathis.
• He served in the U.S. Air Force from 1953 to 1957 before his full-time music career took off.
• His record label, Sumertone Records, was named after his three children: Susan, Merl Jr., and Tony.
• Saunders worked with the Grateful Dead on the theme music for the 1985 TV show 'The Twilight Zone' as musical director for two-and-a-half seasons.
• A lawsuit filed by Saunders' estate against Jerry Garcia's estate in December 2008 regarding a 2004 live album royalties was later settled amicably.