Strawberry Alarm Clock veteran Jimmy Pitman has died. The singer-guitarist was a key player and songwriter on the band’s fourth album, “Good Morning Starshine.” He was 72.
Pitman also was known for his work with the North Florida band the Nightcrawlers, famed regionally for the garage-band touchstone “My Little Black Egg.”
The guitarist joined the Strawberry Alarm Clock in 1969, after it had lost several key members. “I engulfed myself in a bit of rock ‘n’ roll fame,” Pitman later said of the experience.
Keyboardist Mark Weitz said he was “very saddened” to hear the news of Pitman’s death. He remembered him as “a good guitarist and lead vocalist. I wrote with Jimmy and we worked well together as writers.”
“Good Morning Starshine” and its singles failed to light up the charts. It proved to be the Strawberry Alarm Clock’s final album for many years. Pitman left in mid-1969, replaced by Paul Marshall (currently of I See Hawks in L.A.). Marshall said upon hearing of the death that he “had the greatest respect and admiration” for Pitman’s singing.
“Jimmy Pitman was a super talent but even more he was a very down-to-earth no bs kinda guy,” said bassist George Bunnell, who had left the band temporarily before Pitman arrived. “He brought with him an arsenal of musicianship, songwriting and the lead vocals the band needed.
“His style fit right in. He had the rock and blues chops that were core to the sensibilities of (group guitarists) Ed King and Lee Freeman. Both musically and vocally. Sadly, now all three are gone.”
Pitman first came to L.A. with the help of Murray Wilson, father of three of the Beach Boys. He brought to town a Southern twang and a love of the blues.
Hanging out on the Sunset Strip in its glory days, Pitman said, “I met and became friends with the likes of Clapton, Morrison, Hendrix, Buddy Miles, the boys from Iron Butterfly and many more.”
In Hollywood, he hooked up with his Florida pals Gregg and Duane Allman, jamming with their short-lived group the Hour Glass.
After SAC, Pitman returned to Florida, mostly keeping a low profile. He never stopped writing songs, though, and in 2007 he started Big Bad Wolf, which played “originals and classics” for the Baby Boomer crowd.
Pitman said his biggest influence growing up was the Ventures. “I learned to play guitar in the record department at Sears,” he said. “I would play their records then go to the guitar area and played what I just listened to.”
Pitman was born Sept. 28, 1946. He died in hospice care Aug. 29, 2019.
Sad news for all – especially SAC – but I still have to be grateful that Jimmy did what he did. So many of us artists and musicians opt out of our true calling to do other meaningless jobs and it just hurts the universe in the long run. I will keep all of you in my prayers and meditations and let’s all help Jimmy pass onto his next beautiful life. XXOX
RIP Jimmy Legend😊💙
I met Jummy in Cody, Wy. In about 1982? He was a unique person and an awesome musician who became a friend
Sorry to hear of his passing. Im sure hes in a better place and probably jammin with Hendrix! Miss ya Jimmy. … Bev
Somehow just heard about Jimmy’s passing. I used to do some regional band promotional work when Jimmy came up to Salt Lake City, around 1978. Thoroughly enjoyed kicking back and chatting with him. He drove this old beater car all the way from Florida and we joked about how amazing it was that it could make that drive. The first time I introduced him, I remember saying that he “looked like Daltrey, played like Hendrix and sang like Stewart”. He told me “Well, Thank You!” Play on, Jimmy, Play On!
Beverly, I was the bass player for The Strawberry Alarm Clock who played The Bronze Boot in Cody, Wyoming. Were you in the crowd the night that out Flash Pots went ballistic and practically blew us all of the stage? I have some photos of The band if you email me or go to my Facebook Page and sent a PM I can get them to you. Well Damn another friend who I played with in The New Strawberry Alarm Clock has passed on. The Legendary Jimmy Pitman shown seated. Here’s an excerpt from Wikipedia. Meanwhile, in 1982, late-1960s SAC member Pitman was playing with a band called Thunderchicken in Salt Lake City, Utah, and decided to recreate his own version of SAC, teaming up with Preston Kofoed (bass), Mordecai Noble (guitar), Dave Stone (keyboards), and Dave (Plumb) Derrick (drums). This version of the group played a benefit for the Veterans of the Vietnam War at New Faces Roadhouse and toured extensively throughout the western US. They disbanded a few years later. See Less
Plumb recently passed away. Just thought you’d want to know. I was a friend of his and played in a band with him in Salt Lake City back in the 1990s
I am sorry to hear about Jimmy’s passing. When he told me he was formerly of the SAC, I wasn’t sure if he was being truthful or not. I used to sit in with him and play the harmonica on a stage along the wall behind the bar at the Castaways lounge in Jacksonville Beach, Florida. He had a band he started called: “BALLS”. When he played, he played great…a real smoker!!!
I was the “Clock’s roadie when Jimmy joined the band. I was excited about having a strong guitarist and new singer in the line up. I loved his playing on “Standby”. I did one tour with him before I left. Shocked and saddened by his passing.
I just read about Jimmy’s passing. It is sad. I met up with Jimmy in Salt Lake City and became his drummer in a band called Hot Rockets. I stayed with the band for 2 years or so before moving on. That band was one of the highlights of my playing career. He was so much fun to play with. The consummate professional. I’m glad we reconnected a few years ago. I miss him.
I played with Jimmy for a couple of years in SLC. He was on his way to Seattle from Jacksonville and I was trying to find a guitar player for Thunder Chicken since our guitar player, Gregg Adams, was headed for LA.
I asked him if he was good enough to play with this band and he said, I’ve got my stuff in the car (a ‘53 Plymouth as I recall) want me to bring it in. I said “yes”. I’m not right that often, but I sure struck gold that night. I played with Jimmy for a couple of years in Thunder Chicken before I moved back to Idaho. What a treat. He would talk a lot about his friends in Skynyrd, MolleyHatchet, and 38 Special. Monster talent and a true professional. Has anybody played his song “Fetch Me The Bottle”. Great memories; great guy.
After I moved back to Idaho I delivered a piano with my guitar player in the Affection Collection, Mike Doggett, owner of Mike’s Music. Gary Rossington had bought a baby grand piano to surprise his wife for Christmas. They lived just off the Elk Refuge in Jackson, WY. As Gary wound down I asked him if he knew Jimmy. I wish you all could have been there. I am glad I was. He obviously worshiped Jimmy in his younger days.
Thanks, Jimmy, for the good times and the music lessons.