James Lowe, the founding and longtime lead singer of the pioneering psychedelic-rock band The Electric Prunes, has died at the age of 82. His family reported that he died “peacefully of natural causes” on May 22nd.
“It is with heavy and electric hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved dad, James Lowe – lead singer and founder of The Electric Prunes,” wrote his children in a collective statement posted on the band’s Facebook page. “Dad leaves behind a legacy of sound, love, and boundless creativity.”
Lowe formed The Electric Prunes in Los Angeles in 1965 initially as a garage/surf rock band originally named The Sanctions. They changed their name to The Electric Prunes shortly thereafter, took on a psychedelic-rock sound, and released their self-titled debut album in 1967, featuring the hits “I Had Too Much to Dream (Last Night)” and “Get Me to the World On Time.”
Related Video
The Electric Prunes released four more albums over the next couple years before breaking up in 1970, although Lowe left the group in 1968.
They re-formed in 1999 with Lowe once again fronting the band, and had been active ever since. The Electric Prunes released four more albums in the 21st century, with the most recent being 2014’s WaS.
Lowe also worked as a producer and engineer, with credits on albums by Todd Rundgren’s band Nazz, among others.
Our condolences go out to James Lowe’s family, friends, and bandmates during this difficult time. Revisit a couple of The Electric Prunes’ biggest hits in the videos below.
Content shared from consequence.net.