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Dennis Provisor
Dennis Provisor
Dennis Provisor
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Key Information

Dennis Provisor (born November 9, 1943) is an American musician and songwriter. He recorded on several different labels, including 20th Century Fox and Valiant, under the name of Denny Provisor. He released some soulful singles as a solo artist. He later joined the groups The Hook, Blue Rose, and The Grass Roots. Provisor is a lead singer, keyboard player and songwriter.[1]

Overview

[edit]

Provisor is a Los Angeles native who began playing piano at a very early age. He expanded to electric organ and other keyboard instruments as he joined several R&B or rock and roll cover bands while still in high school. He landed a recording contract with 20th Century Fox Records while he was a teenager and worked with producer Tommy Oliver. About two years later, Provisor signed with the Valiant label and released a couple more singles, including some songs he wrote himself. In 1968, he joined The Hook featuring ex-Leaves fuzz guitarist Bobby Arlin. He wrote a song called "Go" that appears on their Hooked album. He also sang lead on this song. He was in a band called Blue Rose when he auditioned for The Grass Roots. Terry Furlong (a future Grass Roots guitarist) was in the band. The Grass Roots actually came to check out Furlong for the open position but after seeing Provisor's musical abilities, they decided on him instead.[1]

The Grass Roots

[edit]

Provisor's first album with The Grass Roots titled Leaving It All Behind immediately proved the wisdom of their choice. Besides writing several songs for the album, Provisor's powerful voice, both on lead and harmony vocals, added an energetic, soulful tone to The Grass Roots sound. The group scored their first hit single which was written by a member of the group, Provisor's melodic "Walking Through The Country", on which he also sang lead. The first concert in which Provisor played with The Grass Roots was a double bill with Creedence Clearwater Revival. Provisor played his first music festival with The Grass Roots at Newport Pop Festival in 1969 at the Devonshire Downs racetrack in California. They played on Sunday June 22 which was the final day of the festival as their top twenty hit "I'd Wait A Million Years" was hitting the airwaves. Jimi Hendrix, who played at this festival, asked Provisor to play with him but The Grass Roots manager wouldn't allow it. In Canada, The Grass Roots played at the Vancouver Pop Festival at the Paradise Valley Resort in British Columbia in August 1969.[1]

Provisor and the group went on The Ed Sullivan Show. He and the group had many appearances on Dick Clark's American Bandstand. The Grass Roots were all set to have their own variety show. The show called "Get It Together" was produced by Dick Clark. The group wrote and performed the show's theme song. The group taped several skits with their first guest Eric Burdon, but the show was never picked up. The record company Dunhill, was constantly releasing hit singles. Many of them had a Provisor composition on the "B" side helping him to gain some writing royalties. The group set a record of 307 weeks on the billboard singles charts.[2] The next Grass Roots album titled More Golden Grass included some Provisor originals including "I Can Turn Off The Rain". Also, "Come On And Say It" became the second hit for The Grass Roots that the group members had written themselves. It was composed by Grill, Entner, and Provisor. It was also the first single to showcase Provisor's soulful vocals set against the main melody at the end of the song. This would become a trademark of the group's sound on subsequent hit songs like "Sooner Or Later", "Two Divided by Love", and "Glory Bound" (which Provisor also co-wrote, with Barri, Price, and Walsh). On "Sooner or Later" and "Two Divided By Love", Provisor shares lead vocals with Grill.

Provisor officially left the group in 1972, shortly after drummer Coonce left the band. Provisor signed a recording contract with record producer Clive Davis as a solo artist. He began to record a solo album. Unfortunately, Davis was fired and Provisor's album was never completed. He was left without a contract or a label. Although Provisor's picture does not appear on The Grass Roots 1972 album Move Along, his stamp is most certainly all over the album. This album contains five songs that he wrote or co-wrote. He also sings lead on two of them ("Someone To Love" and "Only One"). Two other Provisor originals, "Monday Love" and the title cut "Move Along" are on the album and set the tone for the other songs included on it. In South America, Dunhill released the Move Along LP in Columbia with a white cover and photo of Coonce, Entner, Grill, and Provisor. This shows the dichotomy of this release, as it was produced as old group members were leaving and new ones were joining The Grass Roots during 1971–2.[1]

After leaving The Grass Roots, Provisor continued to write songs. One of his songs was recorded by Rare Earth. Then in 1974, he re-joined The Grass Roots when they signed to Haven Records. Provisor's return re-energized the group. Once again trading off lead vocals with Grill, Provisor helped turn two of the Haven album's cuts, "Something About You" and "It's A Cryin' Shame", into instant classics. He wrote a final Grass Roots song appropriately titled "The Last Time Around". Provisor continued to tour with The Grass Roots for many more years, including a highly successful tour of Japan. He also worked on the 14 Greatest album released by Gusto Records with Grill. When Grill decided to produce a solo album titled Uprooted, Provisor was right there to help him and he wrote four songs for the album including the single "Rock Sugar".[1]

Compositions and musical release performance

[edit]

Provisor composed twenty songs for The Hook, The Grass Roots, and Rob Grill. Four of these appeared as single "A" sides. They are "Walking Through The Country", "Come On And Say It", "Glory Bound", and "Rock Sugar". His other sixteen compositions appeared on single "B" sides and albums. He wrote frequently with Warren Entner and Rob Grill. Provisor played with The Grass Roots on seven albums, four of which charted. He took part in fourteen Grass Roots singles released, twelve of which charted.[3]

The Hits

[edit]

Provisor married and moved to Wisconsin where he built his own home and lives with his wife and children today. His son, Ben Provisor, is a U.S. Open National Champion Greco-Roman 74 kg wrestler and a 2012 Olympian. His wife is a World Gold Wrestling Club Leader. Musical talent flows throughout the family with his daughter who sings and has performed with his group The Hits. He is still very actively performing with his group The Hits which has a year around performance schedule. He joined The Hits in 1984 marking over two decades with the group. He plays with experienced drummer/guitarist/front man Cookee Coquoz and veteran Wisconsin guitarist Artie Formiller. There were many other guitarists in the lineup including well known midwest children's and family entertainer Billy Grisack (AKA Mr. Billy). Until the band broke up after the loss of drummer/frontman Cookee Coquoz, Provisor and the group still perform some of his Grass Roots material. The Hits rarely tour outside of Wisconsin, but they have opened shows for many major acts appearing there. These include The Beach Boys, America, The Turtles, and The Grass Roots. When not playing music, Provisor enjoys being active on his computer. He plays video games which include his favorite, Slotomania. His old bandmate Grill passed on a love for fishing many years ago to him and he still enjoys the hobby. He would most like to be remembered for his singer/songwriter contributions to music.[1]

DPX – the Dennis Provisor Experience

[edit]

After the Hits disbanded, Provisor teamed up with former Hits member Billy Grisack (guitar) and his son Wil Grisack (drums) to form DPX – The Dennis Provisor Experience. The band plays classic rock covers and many Grass Roots favorites at concerts, festivals, fairs, casinos and nightclubs in the Midwest. They plan to record new and other previously unreleased songs by Provisor in 2019.

Discography

[edit]

Singles

[edit]
Release date Title Flip side Record Label Chart Positions
US Billboard US Cashbox UK
1964 Mickey Mouse Walk On With Him 20th Century Fox – Denny Provisor 138
1965 Little Girl Lost Dead Letter Valiant – Denny Provisor
It Really Tears Me Up She's Not Mine Anymore Valiant – Denny Provisor
1968 Son Of Fantasy Plug Your Head In Uni – The Hook
Love Theme In E Major Homes Uni – The Hook
1969 I'd Wait a Million Years Fly Me To Havana Dunhill 15 12
Heaven Knows Don't Remind Me Dunhill 24 13
1970 Walking Through The Country Truck Drivin' Man Dunhill 44 30
Baby Hold On Get It Together Dunhill 35 25
Come On And Say It Something's Comin' Over Me Dunhill 61 39
Temptation Eyes Keepin' Me Down Dunhill 15 16
1971 Sooner or Later I Can Turn Off The Rain Dunhill 9 12
Two Divided by Love Let It Go Dunhill 16 8
1972 Glory Bound Only One Dunhill 34 22
The Runway Move Along Dunhill 39 29
Anyway The Wind Blows Monday Love Dunhill 107
1975 Mamacita The Last Time Around Haven 71
Naked Man Nothing Good Comes Easy Haven
1976 Out In The Open Optical Illusion Haven
1979 Rock Sugar Have Mercy Mercury – Rob Grill

Albums

[edit]
Release date Title Record Label Chart Positions
US Billboard US Cashbox UK
1968 Will Grab You Uni – The Hook
Hooked Uni – The Hook
1969 Leaving It All Behind Dunhill 36
1970 More Golden Grass Dunhill 152
1971 Their 16 Greatest Hits ++ Dunhill 58
1972 Move Along Dunhill 86
1975 Self Titled Haven
1976 The ABC Collection ABC
1978 14 Greatest Gusto
1979 Uprooted Mercury – Rob Grill

++ – Gold Record – RIAA Certification

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Dennis Provisor

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Dennis Provisor (born November 9, 1943) is an American musician, songwriter, and keyboardist renowned for his contributions to the rock band during their peak years in the late and 1970s. Born in , , Provisor began his career as a teenager, releasing soulful solo singles on labels such as 20th Century Fox and Valiant Records, including the track "It Really Tears Me Up." His early influences included artists like and , which shaped his and songwriting skills from a young age. Provisor joined The Grass Roots in 1968 after auditioning with his band Blue Rose, becoming their keyboardist and contributing to several hit singles such as "I'd Wait a Million Years" and "Walking Through the Country." During his initial stint with the group from 1968 to 1974, he co-wrote songs for albums including Leaving It All Behind and Move Along, such as "I Can Turn Off the Rain" and "Come On and Say It," while also performing at major events like the 1969 Newport Pop Festival before an estimated 150,000–200,000 attendees over three days, where Jimi Hendrix also performed, and Provisor had previously jammed with him at the Beverly Hills Hotel a month earlier. He briefly left in 1974 to pursue a solo deal with Columbia Records, though the resulting album's master tapes were ultimately lost, before rejoining the band in 1976. Beyond The Grass Roots, Provisor was a member of other groups like The Hook and later spent 35 years performing with The Hits in Wisconsin, drawn to the region's vibrant club scene and talented musicians. As a songwriter, his work extended songwriting as "an extension of something that was done before," blending pop, rock, and soul elements that defined his versatile career. Provisor continues to share his music through solo releases and fan engagements, maintaining a legacy in American rock history.

Early Life and Solo Career

Upbringing and Musical Influences

Dennis Provisor was born on November 9, 1943, in , , and is known professionally as Denny Provisor. Growing up in a musical environment, he was inspired by his cousin to begin lessons at a young age, taking classical instruction for four years that laid the groundwork for his keyboard proficiency. Provisor supplemented these formal lessons with self-taught skills, experimenting with and other instruments while adapting styles from older tunes to develop his unique improvisational approach. His early musical influences were rooted in the burgeoning rock 'n' roll scene and R&B, with key figures such as and shaping his piano technique, alongside early rock artists like who ignited his passion for the genre. These inspirations fueled Provisor's initial interest in songwriting and performing during his teenage years, where he began crafting original compositions drawn from everyday melodies and rhythms. This formative period of self-discovery and musical exploration set the stage for Provisor's entry into a professional solo career in the .

Initial Recordings and Labels

Dennis Provisor began his professional recording career as a teenager, signing with and collaborating with producer on early singles that showcased his . His debut single was "Mickey Mouse," released in May 1964, followed later that year by "Little Girl Lost" in December 1964, both highlighting a budding style influenced by the era's rock and pop scenes. In 1965, Provisor transitioned to Valiant Records, where he issued further solo material under the name Denny Provisor. Notable releases from this period encompassed "It Really Tears Me Up," backed with "She's Not Mine Anymore" in October 1965 (Valiant V-728), and a re-recorded "Little Girl Lost." These tracks blended rock, pop, and early elements, reflecting Provisor's versatile approach to melody and emotional delivery. Despite the promise in his recordings, Provisor encountered the challenges typical of the mid-1960s , including limited promotion and no significant chart placements, though these experiences honed his studio proficiency and songcraft. By 1968, he shifted toward group endeavors, joining , a short-lived outfit featuring former Leaves guitarist Bobby Arlin on , Buddy Sklar on bass, and Dale Loyola on ; Provisor contributed organ and vocals, co-writing the track "Go" for their sole album, Hooked. That same year, he briefly played in Blue Rose, another fleeting band that included future guitarist Terry Furlong, providing a platform for live performances before its quick dissolution.

Involvement with The Grass Roots

Joining the Band

In 1969, following the departure of lead in April to pursue an acting career, sought to fill the void in their lineup by scouting new talent. The band attended a performance by the group Blue Rose at a local club, where they observed both Furlong and keyboardist Dennis Provisor. Although initially interested in Furlong, the band ultimately selected Provisor for his versatile skills, leading to an informal audition that secured his position. Provisor's integration into the band proved remarkably timely, as he joined just three days before the release of "I'd Wait a Million Years," which climbed to number 15 on the Hot 100. His prior experience as a solo artist, including soulful singles released on Valiant Records such as "It Really Tears Me Up," had honed his songwriting and performance abilities, preparing him for the demands of a major touring act. As the new and , Provisor helped steer toward a more polished rock-pop-soul sound, infusing their folk-rock roots with rhythmic energy and harmonic depth evident in his contributions to arrangements. Provisor's debut album with the group, Leaving It All Behind, arrived in November 1969 on Dunhill Records, marking a pivotal recording session where he not only played keys but also supplied original compositions that encouraged bandmates to explore their creative sides. Early tours solidified his role, with the band performing at high-profile events shortly after his arrival. Notably, on June 22, 1969, took the stage at the at Devonshire Downs in Northridge, , drawing an estimated 60,000 attendees amid a lineup featuring acts like Santana, , and . During the event, Hendrix—whom Provisor had briefly met a week earlier at —invited him onstage for an impromptu jam, but the band's manager declined the opportunity, prompting a swift departure after their set.

Key Contributions and Recordings

Dennis Provisor served as , , and occasional songwriter for from 1969 onward, contributing to the band's transition toward a more polished pop-rock sound during its commercial peak. His keyboard work and harmonies featured prominently on singles like "Walking Through The Country," which reached number 44 on the in 1970, and "Come On And Say It," peaking at number 61 the same year; Provisor co-wrote the latter track. He also played a key role on the band's major hits "," which climbed to number 15 in 1971, and "Sooner or Later," achieving number 9 that year, helping solidify the group's string of Top 40 successes. Over his time with the band, Provisor appeared on seven albums, including four that charted on the , such as the 1971 compilation , which peaked at number 58. During this era, the group released 14 singles featuring his contributions, 12 of which charted, bolstering ' remarkable record of 307 consecutive weeks on the from 1967 to 1972. Notable albums from this period include Leaving It All Behind (1969), where he added original songs, More Golden Grass (1970), and (1972), on which he wrote several tracks despite his impending departure. The band's visibility extended to television, with Provisor participating in performances on on December 6, 1970, including "Temptation Eyes" and a medley of earlier hits, and on in 1969 and 1971, showcasing tracks like "I'd Wait a Million Years." Provisor left the group in 1974 to pursue a solo recording deal with under , but rejoined briefly in 1976 for touring and recordings before departing for good in the late 1970s.

Later Career and Projects

The Hits Band

After leaving The Grass Roots in the mid-1970s, Dennis Provisor relocated from to central in the late 1970s following a 1976 tour with the band, where he joined the local band The Hits as its keyboardist and leader in the late 1980s. This move was influenced by his growing family life, including raising his children in the Stevens Point area. The Hits specialized in performing covers and became a staple of the music scene, active for approximately 35 years from the late 1980s until around 2021. Under Provisor's direction, the band built significant local popularity through regular appearances at festivals, clubs, hotels, weddings, fairs, and casinos across the state, often drawing crowds with their energetic renditions of hits from the 1960s and 1970s. Provisor occasionally incorporated selections from his catalog into their sets, blending his professional background with the group's cover repertoire. The band disbanded around 2021 following the death of its drummer and frontman, Cookee Coquoz. In the subsequent transition period, Provisor briefly pursued solo performances while prioritizing family commitments, including supporting his son Ben's career as an Olympic wrestler.

DPX Formation and Activities

DPX – The Dennis Provisor Experience is a rock band formed by Dennis Provisor following his long tenure with the Wisconsin-based group The Hits, with which he performed for approximately 35 years after joining in the late 1980s. The ensemble draws on Provisor's extensive experience from The Hits, incorporating covers alongside favorites from his time with . The band's lineup includes Provisor on keyboards and vocals, alongside former Hits member Billy Grisack on guitar and his son Wil Grisack on drums, emphasizing family and longstanding musical collaborations rooted in the local Wisconsin scene. Performances highlight Provisor's signature keyboard arrangements, blending nostalgic hits with energetic live interpretations that appeal to audiences familiar with his Grass Roots era. As of November 2025, DPX remains active, delivering shows at a variety of venues including concerts, festivals, and fairs primarily in , with occasional appearances extending beyond the state. The group's operations reflect strong local ties, leveraging Provisor's established presence in the regional music community to sustain a schedule of live engagements that keep his keyboard-driven sound central to the performances.

Songwriting and Achievements

Creative Process

Dennis Provisor's songwriting process typically starts with spontaneous musical ideas that arise during everyday activities, such as , where he mentally composes the full structure of a song, including chords, , and overall . Once home, he translates these concepts onto the piano or keyboard to refine them, emphasizing simple, melody-driven techniques rather than complex arrangements. This intuitive approach has been a consistent habit throughout his career, allowing ideas to emerge organically without rigid planning. Provisor's creative evolution began in his teenage years with self-taught compositions on , initially influenced by classical training before shifting to rock 'n' roll, , soul artists like , and pop pianists such as . As a solo artist in the , he produced early demos and singles, honing a style that blended heartfelt lyrics with accessible melodies; this transitioned into collaborative band work upon joining in 1969, where his originals incorporated group dynamics while retaining his personal melodic focus. Over time, his writing matured to include more mature themes, occasionally venturing into edgier content in later personal projects. In the , Provisor faced challenges balancing intensive band touring and recording duties with his individual songwriting pursuits, which contributed to personal strains and his departure from in 1974 amid an unfinished solo album for . Despite these hurdles, he persisted with keyboard-centric habits, occasionally experimenting with synthesizers in ensemble settings to add textural depth. In more recent years, following performances with The Hits band until around 2021, Provisor has adapted to modern production by incorporating digital recording tools for new compositions, reflecting an evolution toward accessible home-based creation post-2019.

Notable Compositions and Impact

Dennis Provisor's songwriting contributions to and his solo work produced several notable tracks that blended pop, soul, and rock elements, helping to define the band's sound during its commercial peak in the and early . Among his key compositions as are "Walking Through the Country" (1970), which peaked at number 44 on the and showcased his ability to craft introspective, country-tinged rock anthems, and "Glory Bound" (1972), a co-written uplifting track that reached number 34 on the same chart, emphasizing themes of perseverance and optimism. These songs exemplified Provisor's melodic style, often featuring harmonious vocals and keyboard-driven arrangements that appealed to the band's broad audience. Other significant works include "Come On and Say It" (1970), which charted at number 61 on the and served as a direct, emotionally charged plea in the pop-soul vein, enhancing ' reputation for accessible, radio-friendly hits. Provisor's solo composition "I Can Turn Off the Rain," released as the B-side to "Sooner or Later" in 1971 but highlighted in compilations like More Golden Grass, demonstrated his introspective lyricism and smooth vocal delivery, reflecting personal themes of emotional control amid turmoil. Across his career, Provisor penned approximately 20 compositions for , The Hook, and solo projects, with four serving as lead singles that achieved chart success, underscoring his role as a prolific yet understated creative force. Provisor's songs played a pivotal role in ' unprecedented chart longevity, contributing to their record of 307 consecutive weeks on the from 1967 to 1972, a milestone that solidified the band's status in history. By infusing pop-soul sensibilities into the group's repertoire—particularly during albums like Leaving It All Behind (1970) and (1972), where he wrote the majority of tracks—Provisor helped transition their sound toward the more sophisticated rock of the , influencing subsequent acts in the genre with its blend of emotional depth and commercial polish. Although he received no major industry awards, his contributions were later recognized in a 2023 with Psychedelic Baby Magazine, where he discussed the enduring appeal of his work and the loyal fan base that continues to celebrate ' catalog through reissues and live performances. This legacy highlights Provisor's impact as a songwriter whose accessible yet heartfelt compositions extended the band's relevance beyond their hit-making era.

Discography

Solo Singles

Dennis Provisor began his solo recording career in the mid-1960s, releasing a series of soul-influenced singles under the name Denny Provisor on labels such as 20th Century Fox and Valiant Records prior to joining . These early efforts showcased his vocal style and songwriting, though they achieved limited commercial success and did not chart on major U.S. lists. His first single, "Mickey Mouse" backed with "Walk On With Him," was issued in 1964 as a 7-inch vinyl 45 RPM on 20th Century Fox Records (506). The follow-up, "Dead Letter" backed with "Little Girl Lost," was issued in June 1965 as a 7-inch vinyl 45 RPM promo and standard release on Valiant Records (V-717). The A-side "Dead Letter" runs 2:20, while the B-side "Little Girl Lost" is 2:12; both tracks were written and arranged by Tommy Oliver. Later that year, Provisor released "It Really Tears Me Up" / "She's Not Mine Anymore" on Valiant Records (V-728), a 7-inch vinyl single in promo styrene format. The A-side, clocking in at 2:11 and written by Chandler and McKendry, highlighted his emotive delivery, with the B-side at 2:00 penned by Devorzon and Chandler. These Valiant singles represented his initial foray into professional recording, emphasizing pop and soul elements without significant radio airplay or sales metrics beyond niche collector interest. Following his time with in the late 1960s and 1970s, Provisor's solo output shifted to independent and digital formats in later decades, prioritizing artistic expression over commercial pursuits. In the and , he self-released several tracks via as digital singles, often home-recorded or produced simply, reflecting a return to personal songwriting. Notable examples include "Karate Woman" (2016), a 2:03 upbeat track written about a strong-willed partner; "Put Me On Hold" (2016), a 4:14 cassette-recorded piece capturing relational frustration; "Loving You" (2016), a 3:19 soulful number backed by the band Rockicks; and "End of Time" (2016), a 2:32 unreleased earlier composition presented in tribute to collaborator . Most recently, on January 22, 2025, Provisor released "Too Late" as a digital single on , featuring lyrics in the video and blending rock, pop, and with keyboard and horn elements over 4:15. This track, like his prior digital releases, was independently produced and focused on thematic depth rather than chart ambitions, continuing his pattern of minimal-label solo work. None of these later singles entered mainstream charts, underscoring Provisor's emphasis on creative outlet in his post-band .
TitleB-SideYearLabel/FormatDuration (A/B)
Walk On With Him1964 (506), Vinyl 7"2:00 / 2:10
Dead LetterLittle Girl Lost1965Valiant Records (V-717), Vinyl 7"2:20 / 2:12
It Really Tears Me UpShe's Not Mine Anymore1965Valiant Records (V-728), Vinyl 7"2:11 / 2:00
Woman-2016 Digital Single2:03
Put Me On Hold-2016 Digital Single4:14
Loving You-2016 Digital Single3:19
End of Time-2016 Digital Single2:32
Too Late-2025 Digital Single4:15

Grass Roots Singles

During Dennis Provisor's initial tenure with from 1969 to 1972, and his return from 1974 to 1976, the band released 13 singles primarily on the ABC/Dunhill label in 45 RPM vinyl format. Of these, all charted on the , contributing to the group's overall record of 21 Hot 100 entries between 1966 and 1975. Provisor provided keyboards and backing vocals across all releases during his periods of involvement, while also delivering lead vocals on select tracks and co-writing others, such as the A-side "Come On and Say It" (with and ) and B-sides including "Get It Together" (paired with "Walking Through the Country") and "I Can Turn Off the Rain" (paired with "Sooner or Later"). The singles emphasized the band's signature blend of pop-rock hooks and harmonies, often drawing from in-house songwriting. Representative examples include "Walking Through the Country" (1970, #44), which Provisor wrote and sang lead on, capturing a folk-inflected amid the band's evolving sound. "Temptation Eyes" (1970, #15) showcased driving rhythms and layered production, with Provisor's keyboard work enhancing its infectious energy. "Sooner or Later" (1971, #9) marked one of their strongest performances, featuring Provisor's contributions to the arrangement and the introspective B-side he co-wrote.
YearSinglePeak Billboard Hot 100 Position
1969Lovin' Things#49
1969The River Is Wide#31
1969I'd Wait a Million Years#15
1969Heaven Knows#24
1970Walking Through the Country#44
1970#35
1970Come On and Say It#61
1970#15
1971Sooner or Later#9
1971Two Divided by Love#16
1972Glory Bound#34
1972The Runaway#39
1975Mamacita#71
The 1975 single "Mamacita," released during Provisor's second stint, represented a later effort with Latin-tinged flair but modest chart success. These releases solidified ' commercial consistency, with Provisor's multifaceted role helping sustain their hit-making streak into the mid-1970s.

Albums and Compilations

Dennis Provisor joined in 1969 as and vocalist, contributing to seven albums with the band, four of which charted on the . His debut album with the group, Leaving It All Behind (Dunhill Records, 1970), marked a shift toward pop-soul arrangements, featuring his keyboard work, backing vocals, and co-writing credits on tracks like " Knows" and "I'd Wait a Million Years." The album peaked at No. 147 on the and No. 36 on the Cash Box chart. Subsequent releases included More Golden Grass (Dunhill Records, 1970), a compilation of singles and B-sides that reached No. 152 on the , showcasing Provisor's arrangements on soul-inflected tracks such as "Keepin' Me Down." He provided keyboards and vocals on the studio album (Dunhill/ABC Records, 1972), where he co-wrote much of the material, including the title track, and the album charted at No. 114. The self-titled (Haven/Capitol Records, 1975) further highlighted his keyboard contributions and harmonies, though it did not chart highly. Compilations featuring Provisor's work include (Dunhill Records, 1971), which peaked at No. 58 on the and included his performances on hits like "Temptation Eyes." In 1978, Provisor and released 14 Greatest Hits, a collection of re-recorded classics. Provisor has no traditional full-length solo albums, as an early recording contract with was abandoned following Davis's departure from . However, since 2020, he has shared digital compilations of solo material through playlists, including unreleased tracks like "Too Late" (uploaded 2025) and earlier demos such as "End of Time."

References

  1. https://www.discogs.com/artist/786921-Dennis-Provisor
  2. https://www.psychedelicbabymag.com/2023/07/the-grass-roots-dennis-provisor-interview.html
  3. https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/crashers-cops-producers-spoil-newport-69-120810/
  4. https://www.45cat.com/record/nc896337us
  5. https://www.45cat.com/record/nc981424us
  6. https://www.discogs.com/master/473044-The-Hook-Hooked
  7. https://www.musicvf.com/The+Grass+Roots.songs
  8. https://www.classicbands.com/grassroots.html
  9. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CseVZ8WNCRU
  10. https://archive.jsonline.com/sports/etc/wrestling-became-music-to-provisors-ears-4d64ila-162538866.html
  11. https://www.facebook.com/groups/2019684684944005/posts/4238089553103496/
  12. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DfqS6j4S06k
  13. https://www.facebook.com/theshuttleofmusic/posts/happy-birthday-dennis-provisor-82-dennis-provisor-born-november-9-1943-is-an-ame/122248580660164912/
  14. https://pophits.org/songs/the-grass-roots-glory-bound
  15. https://www.ultimate70s.com/song?id=4249
  16. https://www.lakesart.org/performing-arts/grass-roots
  17. https://www.discogs.com/release/3171281-Denny-Provisor-Mickey-Mouse
  18. https://www.discogs.com/release/13486244-Denny-Provisor-Dead-Letter-Little-Girl-Lost
  19. https://www.worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Cash-Box/60s/1965/CB-1965-06-12.pdf
  20. https://www.discogs.com/release/7548564-Denny-Provisor-It-Really-Tears-Me-Up-Shes-Not-Mine-Anymore
  21. https://www.discogs.com/master/1245241-Denny-Provisor-Dead-Letter-Little-Girl-Lost
  22. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dNvBSrAlqmU
  23. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1dMuD290jzE
  24. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XS4h_H-nOqY
  25. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oYvikdHftoA
  26. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OgL8cYQBv1o
  27. https://genius.com/The-grass-roots-come-on-and-say-it-lyrics/q/writer
  28. http://www.rebeatmag.com/deep-tracks-the-grass-roots/
  29. https://ramentertainment.com/the-grass-roots
  30. https://www.discogs.com/master/247507-The-Grass-Roots-Leaving-It-All-Behind
  31. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLwQiYoSJIeoAUZpkDOJ1DNCGZeafRwECn
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