In Memoriam: Jim Mouradian

Jim MouradianBassist and luthier Jim Mouradian has passed away after a massive heart attack following a performance with Ronnie Earl and the Broadcasters in Connecticut.

Mouradian grew up in a family of musicians, picking up the bass in junior high school. His family owned a rug business, which he worked at around college. He created a rug with his favorite band Yes’s logo on it and presented it to them, which gained him favor with the prog-rock royalty. Four years later, Mouradian showed Chris Squire a futurist bass design, which the bassist then asked him to make. This launched the Mouradian Guitar Company, and the design became the CS bass that Squire often played and used in the video for “Owner of a Lonely Heart.”

Mouradian had been playing blues mainstay Ronnie Earl since 2000. He is featured on eight albums, including last year’s Maxwell Street. The news of Mouradian’s death was shared on the Ronnie Earl and the Broadcasters Facebook page.

“We are devastated to share the passing of our dear brother Jim Mouradian of a massive heart attack last night following our show at The KATE,” the band wrote. “Jim was a man we all loved who exuded compassion, joy, faith, and gratitude for every person he met and every note he played. Please keep his wife Michele and his entire family in your prayers. We will update you when we hear of plans to celebrate his life.”

Our thoughts are with the friends and family of Jim Mouradian.

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