Santa Clarita, California
Musician Jacob Astor Spell lost his three-year-battle with esophageal cancer on December 30, 2010 at age 65. He died at his home in Canyon Country, California, surrounded by friends and family. Jay was admired as one of the finest keyboard players in the music industry. Jay also played fiddle...
Read MoreI will never forget our friendship during 2002 & 2003. We met at The Londoner in Canyon Country when he played with Alan Wright. The day we got chicken and grits in Hollywood, and then went to a Dwight Yoakam concert at the El Rey theater I will treasure the rest of my days. We went early, and Jay introduced me to his bass player, Dave Roe. Shooter Jennings was there too. Rest in Peace old buddy.
Greg Sherrow
July 12, 2025 | Friend
I only knew Mr. Spell from listening to Tower Of Power and always reading on the back of each album “Thanks to Jay Spell for all the fine piano”. I have re-discovered my old love for ToP and have been listening to their early albums, the ones I grew up with, and I listen once again to all the “fine piano”, and I am amazed by the delicate touch and beautiful lines he wove around the band. I only just now looked him up on the Internet and read his story. FINE piano?! No, BEAUTIFUL and TOUCHING...
Scott Hauge
January 27, 2021 | Acquaintance
I meet Jay at the Cameron Underground in Raleigh in the early 70's when he was playing with the Coral Reefer Band. He was such a great talent and will be greatly missed. May God bless his family and loved ones.
David Groves
April 19, 2011 | Lumberton, NC
Early '80's at the Little Nashville Club in Sherman Oaks, CA. Left to Right, Jay Spell, Richard Kane, Johnny White, Micheal Scott, Don Swigert
Jay was the best musician I ever knew. I had the honor and privilege of playing with him and knowing him for 30 years. He was a dearest, most generous and unforgettable friend. He rests now in peace awaiting ressurrection and then a wonderful encore performance forever. I can't wait!
April 18, 2011
Fay
I am so sorry to hear of Jays passing. Any time I hear a keyboard I will think of Jay.
Pete ( the PET guy)
February 08, 2011
Jay, some awesome keyboard work with Tower of Power. Loved him on the song Just Another Day. Just a gifted man. May God Bless and keep him. My prayers are with family and friends of this gifted man. Pastor Richard Moore. Middletown. Ct
Rich Moore
January 27, 2011 | Middletown, CT
Jay was an exceptional human being and will be missed.
Mollee Craven
January 26, 2011 | Hemet, CA
i love you
amanda Taylor
January 25, 2011 | Oxford, MI
Jay is my 2nd cousin and will be dearly mised.His grandmother Rosa Lee Wrench Spell was my fathers sister. We both grew up in North Carolina and our familes would visit each other regulary. Jay would come to our house and play my mothers piano as a boy. We were all amazed at how well he could play even at a very young age. I moved to Texas in the seventies about the time Jay moved to California when his carrer took off. I am sure he is in heaven playing the piano for everyone.
Gary...
Gary Wrench
January 23, 2011 | Dallas, TX
