Jay Ferguson

Jay Ferguson (born May 10, 1947, Burbank, California, United States) is an American rock and roll musician, known for his work with Spirit and Jo Jo Gunne, and his 1978 solo hit "Thunder Island". His later career has been as a composer of music for television programs and films. He was born in Burbank, California, in the San Fernando Valley. He grew up in the cities of Van Nuys and then Canoga Park. At the age of twelve, Ferguson's parents encour... more

Jay Ferguson (born May 10, 1947, Burbank, California, United States) is an American rock and roll musician, known for his work with Spirit and Jo Jo Gunne, and his 1978 solo hit "Thunder Island". His later career has been as a composer of music for television programs and films. He was born in Burbank, California, in the San Fernando Valley. He grew up in the cities of Van Nuys and then Canoga Park. At the age of twelve, Ferguson's parents encouraged his musical abilities with classical piano lessons. At age sixteen, Ferguson's interest transferred to the banjo. Along with his brother Tom, an accomplished fiddle player, he formed a bluegrass group called The Oat Hill Stump Straddlers including Michael Fondiler and Steve Fondiler. Ferguson was a member of local garage bands, Western Union and The Red Roosters. He also held part-time jobs at different points as a theater usher and architect's assistant for his father John Ferguson, taught piano in a music store, and studied at UCLA... less