Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Jacob Spell Obituary
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 and accordion and was a vocalist, a music producer, writer and arranger. He played throughout the Santa Clarita Valley with the Alan Wright Band and Jerry Sockorsky.
Jay was born on December 22, 1945 in Sampson County, North Carolina. He started life with a handicap that in the end, only helped to make him the person he was. Born blind, he attended the "Blind School" in Raleigh where he met Ronnie Milsap in 1956. The two of them remained life-long friends, often touring and recording together.
Jay often said he was the luckiest man alive in that he was able to make a living with his favorite hobby.
Jay performed and recorded with many bands including: Baillee And The Boys, Jimmy Buffett, Canned Heat, David Clayton-Thomas, Judy Collins, Steve Cropper, Clifford Curry, Jose Feliciano, Eddie Floyd, Earle Gaines, Vern Gosdin, Roy Head, Emmylou Harris, Robert Earle Keen, Tim Krekel, Sam Lay, Jim Leslie Band, Little Texas, John Mayall, Ronnie Milsap, Buddy Miller, Don Nix, The O'Kanes, Dan Penn, Poco, Larry Raspberry and the Highsteppers, Jeannie C. Riley, Steve Ripley, Dan Seals, Roscoe Shelton, Michelle Shocked, Greg "Fingers" Taylor, Richard Torrance and Eureka, Tower Of Power, The Tractors, Randy Travis and Conway Twitty.
Jay had a website with samples of his music at JaySpell.com. He also has several videos on You Tube and MySpace.
Jay leaves behind his long-time girlfriend Faye Benafield, brothers Glen and Danny Spell, and hundreds of friends who loved him dearly and will miss him the rest of their lives. Those who wish, please make a donation in Jay's name to your favorite charity. A celebration of his life will be held at a later date.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Jacob Spell
Victor Herstein
November 10, 2025
I fondly remember playing with you and Alan Wright. I was sorry to hear of your passing.
Greg Sherrow
July 12, 2025
I 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.
Scott Hauge
January 27, 2021
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 piano! Thank you, Jay, for your contribution to the world of music. You were one of the few musicians that led me to continue my own career and life in music. Love to you and to your loved ones.
David Groves
April 19, 2011
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.
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
April 18, 2011
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!
February 8, 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)
Rich Moore
January 27, 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
Mollee Craven
January 26, 2011
Jay was an exceptional human being and will be missed.
amanda Taylor
January 25, 2011
i love you
Gary Wrench
January 23, 2011
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 T. Wrench
Dallas, Texas
LaVaine Butler
January 10, 2011
LaVaine Butler
Pam Koch
January 10, 2011
I will miss talking to Jay - he usually said something unexpected and could turn a phrase into precision. See you on the other side pal.
Janet Phillips
January 9, 2011
I only knew Jay through Ronnie and Myra, but it was always obvious what a great, talented and strong person he was. Jay's many friends and family are in my prayers during this difficult time.
John & Mary Ann Roebuck
January 9, 2011
John & I attended the Governor Morehead School with Jay Spell. We know of his great talent,the world has lost. Music lovers and friends will always remember Jay. We pray God's peace and comfort for all of his family and friends.
Heidi and Bill Webber
January 9, 2011
Jay, you were a dear friend for 30 years and me and Bill feel so privileged to have been included in your life. We will miss you so much.
Showing 1 - 15 of 15 results
Make a Donation
in Jacob Spell's name
Memorial Events
for Jacob Spell
How to support Jacob's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Jacob Spell's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
