Paul Revere, leader of the 1960s rock band Paul Revere and the Raiders, died Saturday at his home in Idaho at age 76, according to the band’s website.
The organist and his group recorded a string of hits including “Kicks,” “Hungry” and “Indian Reservation (The Lament of the Cherokee Reservation Indian).” The group paid tribute to Revere with a heartfelt open letter on its website composed by “everyone who has ever met” him.
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“Generous to a fault with your family, your friends and your band, there seemed to be no limit to your kindness,” the letter said. “When you turned your attention towards someone, you made that person feel special and in your spotlight. You had a pet name for each person, and you never hesitated to tell them how exceptional they were.
“We are all blessed to have known you, and we’ll miss you more than you could ever know,” the letter continued.
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Revere — whose birth name was Paul Revere Dick — was born in Nebraska in January 1938 and played in bands in Idaho and Oregon.
He formed Paul Revere and the Raiders in 1958 with Doug Heath (the group’s lead guitarist for over 35 years), Ron Foos (bassist for over 35 years), Danny Krause (keyboardist for over 28 years), Darren Dowler (lead vocalist and Vocal Group Hall of Fame inductee) and Tommy Scheckel (drummer and newest member). Mark Lindsay was the group’s original lead singer, but he left because of creative differences.
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The band’s fame soared in the ’60s and ’70s after they appeared on “
Revere was often called “The Last Madman of Rock n’ Roll” because of his sense of humor and Revolutionary War-style costumes.
Below is a classic video of Paul Revere and The Raiders performing “Kicks.”