Spirit (band)

Spirit
Spirit, 1990. L-R: Mike Nile, Randy California, and Ed Cassidy.
Background information
Origin	Los Angeles, California
Genres	Psychedelic rock, progressive rock, hard rock, jazz-rock
Years active	1967–73, 1974–79, 1982–97
Labels	Ode, Epic, Repertoire Records, Mercury, Rhino Records, Beggars Banquet, Line Records
Past members	Members

Spirit was an American rock band founded in 1967 and based in Los Angeles, California. Their most commercially successful single in the United States was "I Got a Line on You". They were also known for their albums, including their self-titled debut album, The Family That Plays Together, Clear, and Twelve Dreams of Dr. Sardonicus.

The original lineup of the group evolved from a Los Angeles band, the Red Roosters, which included Randy California (guitars, vocals), Mark Andes (bass), and Jay Ferguson (vocals, percussion). With the addition of California's stepfather, Ed Cassidy (drums), and keyboard player John Locke, the new band was originally named the Spirits Rebellious (after a book by Kahlil Gibran), but the name was soon shortened simply to Spirit. In 1966 California played with Jimi Hendrix (then known as Jimmy James) in his band Jimmy James and the Blue Flames.

Cassidy was recognizable by his shaven head (hence his nickname "Mr. Skin", later the title of a Spirit song) and his fondness for wearing black. He was about twenty years older than the rest of the group (born in 1923). His earlier career was primarily in jazz and included stints with Cannonball Adderley, Gerry Mulligan, Roland Kirk, Thelonious Monk, and Lee Konitz. He was a founding member of Rising Sons with Taj Mahal and Ry Cooder.