Kent Morrill
April 2, 1941 – April 15, 2011
Kent Morrill was the lead singer and keyboardist for Seattle, Washington-area ’60s rock band, the Fabulous Wailers. Having been with the group since inception, Morrill was the only original member still playing with the group in recent years. Formed at the tail end of the ’50s, many consider the Fabulous Wailers THE first garage rock band due to their down-and-dirty mix of saxophone driven R&B and rave-up rock ‘n roll. The band released several albums and 45s throughout the years, but it was their late 50s/early 60s output that is generally included in any respectable first generation garage rock collection. Records like “Tall Cool One,” “Dirty Robber,” and “Out Of Our Tree” received significant airplay during their peak years, but it was their recording (with Rockin’ Robin Roberts) of Richard Berry’s “Louie Louie” that inspired Paul Revere & the Raiders to do the same, and lead to fellow Northwest band, the Kingsmen to ultimately record its definitive version. In more recent years, Morrill was also performing as a Roy Orbison impersonator in Las Vegas and other parts of the world. Kent Morrill was 70 when he passed away on April 15, 2011. Cause of death was not immediately released.
What You Should Own
Kent Morrill was from Tacoma all the way. Kent passed away at home peacefully in his spleep early Friday morning. He had a four year battle with Cancer. Kent was a deeply religious humble man and just an incredible individual. His passing is a huge loss to his family and friends and all his fans and to the music community. He was considered to be the best Rock and Roll singer to ever come out of the Northwest and could be ranked among the top in the world.
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Vince