R.I.P. Ed Cassidy

Ed is the bald "old dude."

Ed Cassidy taught me a valuable lesson at a young age; its OK to be an "old guy" in a rock band. Ed died today at the age of 89. The man played with some leading jazz lights like Cannonball Adderly, and formed a band with his stepson, Randy California, called the Rising Sons, which became Spirit. There was a always a strong jazz element to the band, and as a matter of fact, one could often hear touches of the late Dave Brubeck, who passed away yesterday.