Ford Hopkins

b.: August 05, 1942 d.: March 10, 2008 American guitarist and baritone bluesman from South Side Chicago. His musical talents began to develop at age 3, and at age 15, he recorded the single "Pony Tail Partner" under the name Bing Day at Federal Records (1957). Day recorded several singles over the next ten years as 'Bing Day', 'Chuck Day' and also 'Ford Hopkins'. He moved to Los Angeles, California, in 1965 and began a career as one of the most listened to "unknown" artists in rock and roll. He became bassist with Johnny Rivers' Band. Day originated the riff in "Secret Agent Man". Day worked with The Mamas & the Papas in 1967, again as bassist, playing as second guitarist on "Monday, Monday" and "California Dreamin'". During the 1970s and 1980s, Day played on numerous recordings including Shel Silverstein's Freaker's Ball. He also wrote for the soundtrack of Fritz the Cat and performed with musicians Luther Tucker and Merl Saunders. Day formed his own band in 1986. Day resided in Fairfax, California from 1969, and continued to play locally in the San Rafael area of California until he was taken ill in January 2007. After three months of care at Marin General Hospital, he was admitted to Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital before being relocated to District Hospital in Healdsburg, where he remained until his death on March 10, 2008. A memorial and parade was held in Fairfax for Day on March 22, 2008.