The founder of the 1960s iconic music venue The Ash Grove, Ed Pearl died on Feb. 7 from complications of COVID-19 and pneumonia. He had been living in an assisted living facility for about a year. Ed Pearl was 88. 

The Ash Grove was the focal point in Los Angeles for folk, blues, and ethnic music through the ‘60s into the early ‘70s. This unique venue located on Melrose (now a comedy club) was the home in Southern California for many traveling bluesmen and folk artists as well as more popular musicians. Among those who graced the boards of The Ash Grove were artists such as Johnny Cash, Jim Croce, The Byrds, Zydeco star Clifton Chenier, bluesman Lightnin’ Hopkins and the Chamber Brothers. 

The Ash Grove was the place where young people would go and literally sit at the feet of this incredible array of artists. Actress/singer Katy Segal would climb out her window of her parents’ home to go to The Ash Grove. Brothers Phil and Dave Alvin would hitchhike from Downey to the Melrose night club. Linda Ronstadt, Jackson Browne and Ry Cooder would be among many soon to become famous musicians who would frequent the venue.

The seeds for The Ash Grove began when Pearl, a student at UCLA, and his fraternity were denied the ability to present a folk concert featuring Pete Seeger on campus. This was at the tail end of the House Un-American Activities, where Seeger had been branded a Communist threat. The university would have none of that influence on school grounds so Ed went next door to the large Presbyterian church just off campus and filled the huge church in Westwood. In that move, he saved Pete’s career and set him on his path as a music producer, promoter  and venue operator. 

Ed was a soft-spoken man, of strong convictions. He was a political activist who was involved in the Civil Rights struggle by organizing locally the Freedom Riders trip to the South. He continued to be very involved in politics and the Israeli-Palestinian situation. 

Ed is survived by his daughter Jolie Pearl, granddaughter Ari Pearl Butler as well as brothers Bernie, Stanley and Sherman. 

—By Bob Barr

RLn

Recent Posts

County to Protect Medi-Cal and CalFresh Access for 1.7 Million Residents Amid New Federal Work Requirements

The motion also calls for the expansion of workfare and volunteer opportunities across county departments…

8 hours ago

Governors Briefs: CalRx® Insulin, $11 a Pen, Will Soon be Available and Appointment Announced

This launch marks a significant step in the state's ongoing effort to lower prescription drug…

8 hours ago

Purdue Student Paper Shows Solidarity With Rival

  After the Indiana University Media School fired its director of student media and banned…

9 hours ago

POLA Lead Attorney Steve Otera Named Corporate Counsel of the Year by LA Business Journal

  LOS ANGELES — The Los Angeles Business Journal has given a top legal honor…

9 hours ago

Ports Briefs: POLB Cargo Slows as Clean Truck Study and Air Quality Report Highlight Progress

The Final 2024 Class 8 Drayage Truck Feasibility Assessment Report focuses on battery electric and…

12 hours ago

Public Health Investigating Possible Local Spread of Clade I Mpox; Third Case Confirmed in Los Angeles County

So far in 2025, Public Health has reported 118 cases of clade II mpox.

1 day ago