American rock musician, singer, songwriter, composer, artist and founding member and guitarist of Big Brother and the Holding Company | https://samandrew.com/
American rock musician, singer, songwriter, composer, artist and founding member and guitarist of Big Brother and the Holding Company | https://samandrew.com/
Sam Houston Andrew III, born in Taft, California, passed away on February 12, 2015, at UCSF Medical Center in San Francisco. A versatile American musician, singer, and guitarist, he co-founded Big Brother and the Holding Company, achieving three platinum albums and two hit singles. Born to a military family, Andrew's early life involved frequent relocations, fostering his musical talent from a young age. Forming his first band, the "Cool Notes," at seventeen in Okinawa, he later contributed iconic compositions like "Call on Me" and "Combination of the Two" to Big Brother. Joining forces with Janis Joplin, Andrew's searing guitar work became legendary, earning recognition for the solo on "Summertime." Departing briefly in 1968, he returned to Big Brother's fold. From New York City to San Francisco, his journey included film scoring, music studies, and collaborations with various projects. Andrew's influence extended to Woodstock's 40th-anniversary concert and the musical Love, Janis. Married to Elise Piliwale, with a daughter, Mari Andrew, his death resulted from complications after open-heart surgery following a heart attack. Sam Houston Andrew III's legacy remains an integral part of Taft's musical history, leaving an indelible mark on the world of music.
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