way to a recording contract but met an obstacle when Kenny Fukomoto was drafted into the army. The group lacked a bass player and singer so they visited the Musician Union #69 in Hollywood. There they saw a posting for Rob Grill. Rob tried out for the open slot and was dynamite. In 1967, the group changed their name to The Grass Roots to take advantage of prior name recognition and recorded "Let's Live For Today". The iconic song peaked at #8 on the Billboard Hot 100. Capturing the mood of the era, "Let’s Live For Today" kicked the group into stardom. With the help of producers like Steve Barri and pushed forward by Coonce's energetic drumming, which often emphasized the bass beat, the band evolved a unique sound. Some of the hits that continue to get airplay are "Midnight Confessions", "I'd Wait A Million Years", and "Temptation Eyes". Coonce appeared with the group on many television programs such as American Bandstand and The Ed Sullivan Show. The Grass Roots appeared in a major motion picture starring Doris Day called With Six You Get Eggroll. Coonce also composed songs with The Grass Roots, co-authoring "Feelings" and "Get it Together" (a theme song for the ABC television show) and self composing "Truck Drivin' Man". Coonce was able to work with drummer legend Hal Blaine, who was an importance influence. Coonce left the band in 1972 and moved to Vancouver, Canada, where he played in many local groups and recorded music in his home studio. Coonce died of heart failure on February 25, 2011. Discography Singles ++- Gold Record - RIAA Certification +++ - Composed by Italian superstar Lucio Battisti Albums ++- Gold Record - RIAA Certification References External links The-GrassRoots.com - official site 1946 births 2011 deaths Songwriters from California American rock drummers Musicians from Los Angeles