Don Murray
November 8, 1945 – March 22, 1996
An avid surfer, drummer Don Murray spent much of his youth surfing along the south bay area of Southern California. During high school he joined a Westchester band called the Nightriders, which included Al Nichols (guitar), Howard Kaplan (tenor sax), Chuck Portz (bass), and Glen Wilson (drums). According to Mark Volman, “The name would change again to The Crossfires with the addition of Dale Walton on Rhythm guitar and Mark Volman on sax. Dale would eventually be replaced by Tom Stanton. Jim Tucker would replace Stanton and that line-up of Nichol, Kaylan, Portz, Murray, Kaplan (Kaylan) & Volman would become the Turtles.” On January 1, 1996, Murray entered the surf for what would be his last time. Just two days later he was admitted into the hospital for a routine ulcer surgery. He died from post- operative complications two months later.
Special thanks to Mark Volman for the assist.
What You Should Own
The band was never called Don Murray and The Crossfires.
it was formed in Westchester California as The Nightriders with Al Nichol on guitar, Chuck Portz on Bass, Howard Kaplan on tenor sax and Glen Wilson on drums.
The band changed its name to The Nightriders and Don Murrray joined.
The name would change again to The Crossfires with the addition of Dale Walton on Rhythm guitar and Mark Volman on also sax. Dale would eventually be replaced by Tom Stanton. Jim Tucker would replace Stanton and that line-up of Nichol, Kaylan, Portz, Murray, Kaplan (Kaylan) & Volman would become The Turtles.
It was never called Don Murray and the Crossfires.
Chocolate Necco’s forever.
I miss you Don.
i have one of Don’s old wetsuits if anyone wants it. Jamie gave it to me & i’m clearing out the house.
I first met Don while he was dating my cousin Kathy Koontz. I believe they were engaged at the time. He was a very nice guy and very friendly. As I was attending a private Catholic school and intending to enter the religious life I rarely got to see Kathy and her family, who I absolutely loved. After leaving the Catholic school I recall a commercial that Don backed for a bank and he sang “we’ve Only Just Begun”. Very touching. I never knew why he left the Turtles. But it doesn’t matter. He was a hell of a nice guy and missed by many.