The Ace of Cups
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1967 in San Francisco, United States |
| Headquarters | San Francisco , United States |
| Products | Rock music, albums, live performances |
Ace of Cups is a rock group from the United States that originated in San Francisco in 1967, coinciding with the Summer of Love movement. It holds the distinction of being among the pioneering all-female rock ensembles.
The founding members were Mary Gannon (on bass), Marla Hunt (handling the organ and piano), Denise Kaufman (playing guitar and harmonica), Mary Ellen Simpson (as lead guitar), and Diane Vitalich (on the drums). Except for Vitalich, all contributed lead vocals and harmonies, while songwriting was a shared effort among the group.
Background
Originally from New York, Gannon relocated to San Francisco in the early 1960s. She briefly played bass with a band named Daemon Lover. Hunt, who grew up in Los Angeles, had been studying piano since she was three years old and also moved to San Francisco around that time. A mutual acquaintance introduced Gannon and Hunt, after which Gannon suggested creating an all-female rock band.
Simpson, hailing from Indio, California, began learning guitar at age twelve and moved to San Francisco during the early 1960s. Vitalich, a native San Franciscan with experience in multiple bands including drumming for Bill Haley and the Comets, joined alongside Simpson.
Kaufman was the final addition to Ace of Cups, bringing an intriguing history. She had been arrested during the Free Speech Movement at Berkeley and was associated with Ken Kesey and the Merry Pranksters, earning the nickname "Mary Microgram." Before Jann Wenner established Rolling Stone magazine, she had been engaged to him. Hunt described Kaufman’s unique arrival:
She wore cowboy boots, an extremely short skirt, a wild fur coat, and a fireman's hat. Her hair stuck out sideways. Sporting large glasses and carrying a guitar case nearly as tall as herself—she made an impression even in San Francisco.
The group's name, Ace of Cups, was chosen by their manager, astrologer Ambrose Hollingworth. He drew inspiration from the tarot card named Ace of Cups, which features a cup pouring five streams of water—representing each member—and symbolizing musical fluidity.
Management
Hollingworth, who also managed Quicksilver Messenger Service, became paraplegic following a 1967 automobile accident near Muir Beach, California. Subsequently, management responsibilities were transferred to Ron Polte, recognized for his commitment to artists' well-being. For instance, when studio musician Nicky Hopkins joined Quicksilver in 1969, Polte ensured he received fair compensation from both live performances and recordings. Hollingworth passed away in 1996; Polte died in 2016.
Late 1960s
Ace of Cups made their initial appearance in early 1967. In June of that year, Jimi Hendrix invited them to perform as the opening act at a free event held in Golden Gate Park. Later that December in London, Hendrix commended the group in Melody Maker for their original compositions and exceptional lead guitarist.[1]
In San Francisco, promoter Polte frequently arranged performances for Ace of Cups alongside Quicksilver, with the Cups headlining more intimate venues such as The Matrix and supporting acts at larger locations like the Avalon Ballroom and the Fillmore.[2] By mid-1968, they appeared on the local television show West Pole, sharing the stage with Jefferson Airplane and the Grateful Dead.[3] In 1969, they served as the opening act for The Band during their inaugural concert under that name, performing alongside The Sons of Champlin.[4]
Despite interest from multiple record labels, Hollingworth and Polte felt the band's worth exceeded the offers received. Due to concerns about mandatory touring schedules and family obligations, they chose to reject recording contracts. Consequently, Ace of Cups never produced professional studio albums,[5] though they contributed vocals on Jefferson Airplane's Volunteers, Mike Bloomfield's It's Not Killing Me, and Nick Gravenites' My Labors.[6]
At the December 1969 Altamont Speedway Free Festival, Kaufman—who was pregnant and married to saxophonist Noel Jewkes at the time—was hit by a full beer bottle thrown by an unidentified individual amid disorderly crowd behavior linked to the Hell's Angels.[7] She suffered a fractured skull requiring emergency surgery at San Francisco’s Mt. Zion Hospital.[8]
1970s
A combination of factors led to Ace of Cups dissolving, including dissatisfaction with limited commercial achievements and members exploring other pursuits. The demands of parenthood also complicated maintaining active music careers for some. During the early 1970s, male musicians joined to fill spots left by departing female members. Kaufman remained the final original member when the band ceased activities in 1972.
2000s
In 2003, Ace Records (UK) issued It's Bad for You But Buy It!, a collection comprising rehearsals, demos, and live recordings by Ace of Cups, which garnered favorable critiques. The band’s 1968 appearances on the television program West Pole were released on DVD in 2008 by Eagle Vision.
2010s
Throughout subsequent decades, members engaged in various individual and creative endeavors, occasionally reuniting for performances. On May 14, 2011, during Wavy Gravy’s 75th birthday celebration and SEVA Foundation fundraiser, George Baer Wallace of High Moon Records proposed releasing archival live recordings and invited the group to produce their first studio album.
By 2016, Ace of Cups commenced work on their debut studio record featuring four original members: Mary Gannon (claps), Denise Kaufman (bass, harmonica), Mary Ellen Simpson (lead guitar), and Diane Vitalich (drums). The album was produced by Dan Shea—known for collaborations with Mariah Carey and Santana—and includes contributions from prominent musicians such as Jorma Kaukonen, Jack Casady, David Freiberg, Barry Melton, Pete Sears, David Grisman, Steve Kimock, Terry Haggerty, Norman Mayell, Sid Page, and Charlie Musselwhite. The lead vocalists feature Bob Weir, Taj Mahal, Buffy Sainte-Marie, and Peter Coyote. Released on November 9, 2018 through High Moon Records, the reformed Ace of Cups lineup consists of Gannon, Kaufman, Simpson, Vitalich, and Dallis Craft.
2020s
On October 2, 2020, The Ace of Cups unveiled their second studio album, Sing Your Dreams, under the High Moon Records label. This 12-song collection was produced by Dan Shea, known for his work with Santana, Mariah Carey, Phil Collins, and Bruce Hornsby. The album includes notable guest appearances such as a duet with Jackson Browne on "Slowest River," contributions from Sheila E. alongside the Escovedo Family, bassist Bakithi Kumalo—famous for his role on Paul Simon’s Graceland—guitarist Steve Kimock, peace advocate Wavy Gravy, Jack Casady of Jefferson Airplane and Hot Tuna fame, and David Freiberg from Quicksilver Messenger Service and Jefferson Airplane/Starship.
Albums
- It's Bad For You But Buy It! (Big Beat/2003) – compilation
- Ace Of Cups 2XLP/2XCD (High Moon/2018)
- Sing Your Dreams (High Moon/2020)
Compilation appearances
- Girls In The Garage Volume 5 (Romulan/1988) – track: "Grass Is Always Greener"
- Love Is The Song We Sing (San Francisco Nuggets 1968-1970) 4XCD (Rhino/2007) – track: "Glue"
- Cocktail Mo1618v 2XCD (Le Maquis/2001) – track: "Glue"
- Girls With Guitars (Ace/2014) – track: "Stones"
- The Rebel Kind: Girls With Guitars 3 (Ace/2014) – track: "Stones"
- Girls In The Garage-A Collection Of Girl Garage And Girl Groups From The 60s! Volumes 1-6 6XCD (Past & Present/2018)
- Girls With Guitars Gonna Shake (Ace/2022) – track: "Circles"
- Shouting Out Loud cassette (Noods Radio) – track: "Stones"