Merl Saunders

From the Matrix to the Amazon: A life in keys and collaboration.

Merl Saunders (February 14, 1934 – October 24, 2008) was an American multi-genre musician renowned for his mastery of the piano and the Hammond B-3 console organ. Born in San Mateo, California, he began his career attending Polytechnic High School in San Francisco before serving in the U.S. Air Force from 1953 to 1957. Saunders became a central figure in the Bay Area music scene, collaborating extensively with Jerry Garcia starting in 1971 at The Matrix nightclub. His career spanned decades of diverse partnerships, ranging from high school collaborations with Johnny Mathis to leading his own ensembles like Legion of Mary and the Rainforest Band, leaving a lasting mark on jazz, rock, and world music.

Quick Facts

Birth name

Merl Washington

Born

14 February 1934

Died

24 October 2008

Birthplace

San Mateo, California, U.S.

Place of death

San Francisco, California, U.S.

Instrument

Hammond organ, piano

Years active

1960s–2006

Past member of

Dinosaurs
Legion of Mary
Saunders/Garcia Band
Rainforest Band

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.

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 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.