Mike Pinder, one of the founders of the Moody Blues and the last surviving member of the band’s original line-up, passed away on Wednesday, April 24th at the age of 82.
As the group’s primary keyboardist, Pinder was responsible for adding the mellotron, an early synthesizer, that gave the band its distinctive orchestral sound, especially after Pinder tinkered with the instrument, doubling the number of string section tape loops.
Mike also was the one who called up his pal, Justin Hayward to join the group after their initial vocalist, Denny Laine, quit. The group then added bass player John Lodge and locked in the personnel that would carry them to international fame beginning with the new line-up’s first effort (and second Moodys LP), Days of Future Passed.
Among the many songs Pinder wrote for the group are “Dawn (Is a Feeling),” “Thinking Is the Best Way to Travel,” “Om,” “Have You Heard,” “Out and In” (co-written with Hayward), and "Melancholy Man.”
Pinder passed away at his home in northern California surrounded by family.
