Complete List Of Bread Band Members

Feature Photo: CBS Television, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

It didn’t matter what types of music you liked in the 1970s, from heavy metal to disco to R&B, everyone loved Bread. The reason was simple, they wrote and recorded terrific songs. Bread formed in 1968 in Los Angeles, California. The band initially consisted of David Gates, James Griffin, Robb Royer, and later added members like Mike Botts and Larry Knechtel. Bread released a total of six studio albums between 1969 and 1977, achieving significant commercial success. Their music often climbed the charts, with hits like “Make it With You” and “Everything I Own.” The band underwent several lineup changes throughout its active years and experienced a couple of disbandments and reunions. Their influence was marked by a blend of soft rock and pop, which left a lasting impression on the genre.

David Gates

David Gates was a founding member of Bread, serving as the band’s primary vocalist and songwriter. He joined the band at its inception in 1968 and was a key figure until their initial breakup in 1973 and during subsequent reunions in the late 1970s and mid-1990s. Gates played on all Bread albums, including their debut “Bread,” “On the Waters,” and their most successful album, “Baby I’m-a Want You.” His songwriting skills were pivotal in crafting many of Bread’s hits, such as “Make It With You” and “Diary.” Outside of Bread, Gates had a successful solo career, especially noted for the hit “Goodbye Girl” from the 1977 movie. He continued to produce and release music into the early 2000s.

James Griffin

James Griffin also joined Bread at the band’s formation in 1968 and stayed until their first disbandment in 1973. He returned for their reunions in the late 1970s and mid-1990s. Griffin contributed significantly as a vocalist and songwriter, co-writing some of the band’s hits, including “If.” His tenure with Bread included all their major albums. After his time with Bread, Griffin continued in the music industry, teaming up with Terry Sylvester of The Hollies in the early 1980s. He also won an Academy Award for Best Original Song for co-writing “For All We Know” for the film “Lovers and Other Strangers.”

Robb Royer

Robb Royer was one of the original members of Bread when they formed in 1968. He played a variety of instruments and was involved as a songwriter until he left the band in 1971. Royer contributed to Bread’s first three albums, including their self-titled debut “Bread,” “On the Waters,” and “Manna.” After departing from Bread, Royer continued his career in music, notably winning an Academy Award along with James Griffin and Fred Karlin for the song “For All We Know.”

Mike Botts

Mike Botts joined Bread in 1969, just in time to play on their second album “On the Waters,” and remained with the band until their breakup in 1973. He was part of the lineup during all subsequent reunions until his death in 2005. Botts’ drumming was integral to the band’s sound during their most successful periods. Outside of Bread, he worked as a session musician for numerous artists and bands.

Larry Knechtel

Larry Knechtel joined Bread in 1971, replacing Robb Royer. His first album with the band was “Baby I’m-a Want You.” Knechtel was a highly versatile musician, contributing keyboards, bass, and guitar. He played with Bread on their subsequent albums, including “Guitar Man.” Knechtel was also a well-respected session musician before and after his time with Bread, playing on notable recordings like Simon & Garfunkel’s “Bridge Over Troubled Water” and albums by artists such as Elvis Presley and The Beach Boys.

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