Alan Merrill

Alan Merrill
Merrill in 2013
Merrill in 2013
Background information
Birth nameAllan Preston Sachs
Born(1951-02-19)February 19, 1951
New York City, U.S.
DiedMarch 29, 2020(2020-03-29) (aged 69)
New York City, U.S.
GenresGlam rock, pop, rock
Occupation(s)Musician, songwriter, singer
Instrument(s)Vocals, guitar, bass guitar, keyboards. harmonica
Years active1968–2020
LabelsRCA, RAK, Atlantic, Polydor, Toshiba-EMI, Denon/Columbia
Formerly ofArrows, The Lead, Vodka Collins, Runner
WebsiteOfficial website

Alan Merrill (born Allan Preston Sachs; February 19, 1951 – March 29, 2020) was an American vocalist, guitarist and songwriter. In the early 1970s, he was one of the few resident foreigners in Japan to achieve pop star status there. He wrote the song "I Love Rock 'n' Roll",[1] and was the lead singer on the original recording of it, made by the band the Arrows in 1975.[2] The song became a breakthrough hit for Joan Jett in 1982.

Merrill was primarily a vocalist and songwriter, but also played the guitar, bass guitar, harmonica, and keyboards.[3] He died during the COVID-19 pandemic due to complications brought on by the virus.

  1. ^ "Edgy Edgy Edgy — Fascinating interview with Alan Merrill, lead..." Edgy Edgy Edgy. January 2017. Retrieved January 8, 2018.
  2. ^ "Outsight Radio Hours interview, February 12, 2012". Archive.org. Retrieved March 18, 2012.
  3. ^ "Alan Merrill profile". AllMusic.com. Retrieved September 25, 2016.