J Geils RIP

2017-04-12

John Warren "J" Geils Jr
February 20, 1946 – April 11, 2017
American guitarist
Founder, J Geils Band

Since I enlisted in the Navy, one of my favorite musical groups has always been the J. Geils Band. Beginning in the brass section during his education, he formed the J Geils Band which had influences based on rhythm and blues, soul, and rock.

They enjoyed good commercial success early on but various conflicts and tensions caused their break up in 1985. Their commercially successful music included the albums Love Stinks, Freeze Frame with the song Centerfold ... and my personal favorite of all times Monkey Island with it's piano riff for the ages.

It was at this time there was a hiatus whereby Geils immersed himself in auto racing and mechanical pursuits.

In 1982, he relocated to Groton, Massachusetts. The town celebrated him — proclaiming J. Geils Day on December 1, 2009 in his honor.

Yesterday, the Groton Police conducted a well-being check on him finding him unresponsive at his home. At the age of 71 he was pronounced dead from natural causes.

Rest in peace.