Dennis Provisor is a name synonymous with the vibrant and enduring sound of The Grass Roots, a band that defined an era with their string of unforgettable hits. As a songwriter and musician within the group, Provisor played a crucial role in shaping their signature “Grass Roots Songs,” contributing to their massive popularity and lasting legacy in American rock music.
Provisor’s musical journey began early, fueled by childhood curiosity and classical piano lessons. This formal training provided him with a strong foundation, but it was the burgeoning sounds of early rock and roll and rhythm and blues that truly ignited his passion. Artists like Ritchie Valens, Ray Charles, and doo-wop groups became his early idols, shaping his musical sensibilities and inspiring him to explore his own creative path.
The Grass Roots photo from the July 1970 edition of 16 Magazine
Before joining The Grass Roots, Provisor honed his skills in various bands, each experience adding a new layer to his musical persona. From The Persuaders, a popular West Coast group, to The Hook, featuring former Leaves guitarist Bobby Arlin, and the psychedelic sounds of Blue Rose, Provisor’s versatility and talent were evident. These formative years were crucial in developing his songwriting abilities and stage presence, preparing him for the whirlwind that awaited him with The Grass Roots.
The Persuaders (1967) | David L. Johnson, Dennis Provisor, Joanne Vent | Photo by Charlene O’Grady
The Persuaders at Wayne Manor (1967) | L-R: Joanne Vent, Dennis Provisor, David L. Johnson, Lynn Ready | Photo by Charlene O’Grady
His early songwriting efforts led to a recording contract with 20th Century Fox Records as a teenager, followed by singles on Valiant Records. While these early releases didn’t catapult him to stardom, they were vital steps in his development as an artist, allowing him to experiment with his sound and gain valuable studio experience. He recalls writing songs even in these early years, a natural extension of his musicality. His songwriting process, often sparked by melodies heard while driving, demonstrated an innate ability to translate musical ideas into complete songs, encompassing chords, melody, and structure.
Denny-Provisor-It-Really-Tears-Me-Up
The audition for The Grass Roots marked a turning point. Recruited from the psychedelic band Blue Rose, Provisor’s keyboard skills and musicality impressed the band, seeking a replacement for Creed Bratton. Joining The Grass Roots in 1968, Provisor was immediately thrust into the spotlight. Just three days after joining, the band had a Top 10 hit with “I’d Wait a Million Years,” a testament to their existing momentum and Provisor’s seamless integration into their sound.
The Hook
His songwriting began to feature prominently on Grass Roots albums, starting with “Leaving It All Behind.” This album marked his first opportunity to contribute original material, with tracks like “Walking Through The Country” showcasing his distinctive songwriting style within the band’s established sound. “Walking Through The Country,” in particular, became a significant song for Provisor, and while not as commercially pop-oriented as some of their other hits, it resonated deeply with audiences and became a staple “grass roots song” in their repertoire.
The Grass Roots – Leaving It All Behind
The album “More Golden Grass” further solidified Provisor’s songwriting role, featuring “I Can Turn Off The Rain” and “Come On And Say It.” The latter became a hit single, demonstrating the commercial appeal of Provisor’s compositions and his growing influence on the band’s musical output. These “grass roots songs” were integral to the band’s continued success and cemented Provisor’s position as a key creative force.
The live performances with The Grass Roots were legendary, especially during their peak popularity. Provisor vividly recalls the Newport Pop Festival in 1969, an event that drew massive crowds and featured iconic acts like Jimi Hendrix, Santana, and Janis Joplin. The sheer scale of the audience, estimated at 60,000 people, was a defining moment. An almost mythical anecdote from this festival involves Jimi Hendrix inviting Provisor to jam onstage, an invitation that was unfortunately declined due to the Grass Roots’ manager’s schedule. This story underscores Provisor’s recognition within the elite circles of rock musicians at the time.
The Grass Roots promo
Despite leaving The Grass Roots for a period in the early 1970s to pursue a solo deal, Provisor’s contributions to the 1972 album “Move Along” remained significant. He penned numerous tracks for the album, working closely with Rob Grill. However, his departure led to a somewhat minimized acknowledgment of his role in this particular project, a reflection of the internal dynamics within the band at the time.
The Grass Roots – Move Along
Looking back at his time with The Grass Roots, Provisor highlights the sheer excitement of their peak years. The string of hits like “Temptation Eyes,” “Heaven Knows,” “Two Divided by Love,” and “Sooner Or Later” created a frenzy wherever they went, particularly among their young female fans. This period of intense popularity and musical creativity remains a career highlight.
While Dennis Provisor’s career extended beyond The Grass Roots, including collaborations and his long-standing involvement with the band The Hits in Wisconsin, his legacy is inextricably linked to the iconic “grass roots songs” he helped create. His songwriting, keyboard playing, and musical contributions were essential components of The Grass Roots’ signature sound, ensuring their place in the history of American music. His advice to aspiring musicians and songwriters is simple yet profound: “listen to the radio, listen to other songs and take it from there,” a testament to his own journey of musical discovery and creation within the world of “grass roots songs.”
Dennis Provisor
