September 25

 John Locke

September 25, 1943 – August 4, 2006

Born John Tilden Locke, John Locke became the keyboard player for Spirit in 1967 and remained closely associated with the group throughout most of his career. His piano, organ, and keyboard work helped shape the band's blend of rock, jazz, classical, and psychedelic influences on albums such as Spirit, The Family That Plays Together, Clear, and The Twelve Dreams of Dr. Sardonicus.

Locke continued working with various versions of Spirit after the original lineup began to change in the early 1970s. Between 1980 and 1982, he played keyboards with Nazareth and appeared on the albums The Fool Circle, 'Snaz, and 2XS. He also contributed to recordings by artists including Tom Rush, Randy California, and the Stray Cats.

His career remained closely tied to Spirit, with several reunions and later recordings featuring members of the band. Locke's keyboard work was an important part of Spirit's sound from its formation through its later years.

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Burleigh Drummond

September 25, 1951

Burleigh Drummond co-founded Ambrosia in 1970 with David Pack, Joe Puerta, and Christopher North. As the band's drummer, he played on every studio album from Ambrosia in 1975 through Road Island in 1982. His drumming helped support the group's blend of progressive rock, pop, and soft rock on hits such as "Holdin' on to Yesterday," "How Much I Feel," "Biggest Part of Me," and "You're the Only Woman (You & I)."

When Ambrosia paused activity in 1982, Drummond remained active as a songwriter, producer, and session player. He later co-founded Tin Drum with his wife, keyboard player Mary Harris, and continued working with a variety of recording artists and projects.

Since Ambrosia reunited in 1989, Drummond has remained a central part of the group's touring and recording activities. He remains active in music in 2026.

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