Gerald McCabe
January 30, 1927 – January 17, 2010
Gerald McCabe was the founder of Santa Monica, California’s McCabe’s Guitar Shop, a popular instrument store as well as beloved concert venue. Opened in 1958, the club became the focal point of the folk scene of the ’60s and continues to host the most respected singer-songwriters to this day. Over the years, the store’s intimate backroom stage has presented the likes of Linda Ronstadt, Beck, Hoyt Axton, Steve Earle, Jeff Buckley, Peter Case, Jim Carroll, Guy Clark, Townes Van Zandt, The Dillards, John Hammond, and PJ Harvey, to name just a few. Hanging on the walls throughout is a remarkable collection of vintage acoustic instruments for sale. And on the upstairs walls hang live photos of those who have graced the stage. It’s as close to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame we have in Los Angeles. A furniture builder by trade, it was McCabe’s love of folk music and the fact that his wife’s musician friends came to him for instrument repairs that lead to him opening the shop / club. Following the folk boom of the ’60s, and with his desire to focus more on furniture design, McCabe sold the shop in 1986. His furniture work has been featured in respected design magazines and related art exhibits over the years. On Sunday, January 17, 2010, Gerald McCabe died two days after suffering a stroke. He was 82. If you’re in Los Angeles, be sure to visit McCabe’s at 3101 Pico Blvd, Santa Monica.