Creed Bratton began playing guitar professionally as a teenager, making pocket change performing while attending Sacramento State College and College of the Sequoias where he studied theater. He went on to become a member of the legendary American rock group The Grass Roots, playing lead guitar with the group on their first four albums.

Creed parted ways with the band in 1970, but continued his passion for music and acting, playing music all over Los Angeles. Creed has released a handful of solo albums over the years. Creed may be best known for starring as a fictional version of himself on nine seasons of the award-winning, critically acclaimed NBC series The Office.

“I’ve always been writing and recording”

It’s wonderful to have you. Would you mind sharing some words about your upbringing. What was growing up in Coarsegold, California like?

Creed Bratton: I had a horse, a fishing pole and a Silvertone guitar. I lived in a small town of 300 people in the mountains below Yosemite.

I was raised by my mom in Coarsegold, California, a town near Yosemite National Park. My father had died in World War Two so there was lots of extended family in Coarsegold to help my mom raise me. Music was in the family and I have vivid early memories listening to my Grandparents’ band, “The Happy Timers”. They played all the old Western Music popular in the 40’s.

Was there a certain moment, event or thought that sparked the decision to become a musician?

Yes, playing a trumpet solo in a high school event and the audience really responded well, so that was the moment. I started out playing trumpet in grammar school and was 1st chair by my freshman year in high school. My grandfather showed me some chords on his old archtop guitar. I started listening to an old crystal radio set with one earplug. I kept it under my pillow and could get the Los Angeles radio stations at night. Once I heard Chuck Berry, Fats Domino, Ray Charles, Elvis, Duane Eddy and The Everly Brothers I was hooked on rock and roll.

Around that time I got a Silvertone Guitar from the Sears catalog. It arrived at the ranch and I was in love. It was made by Danelectro and had the old lipstick pickups on it, with a silver metal flake top. It sounded dirty and was too cool. The amp was built into the case and I was good to go. Every day after school I went out to the barn and played until after dark. I learned by copying what I heard on the radio. Later when I was working in Lake Tahoe, I’d go to the weekly dances and stand right in front of the bandstand and memorize what the pro guitar players were doing.

Tell us about your first trip through Europe, Africa and the Middle East. Did you do a lot of busking?

Yes, we did a lot of busking and also played some clubs and military bases.

It must have been really inspiring to get to know new cultures and people. Tell us when you arrived in Israel and how the group The Young Californians came about?

The Young Californians started in Munich and we were performing well by the time we arrived in Israel.

After college I toured Europe/The Middle East/North Africa/Red Curtain countries with a folk group called “The Young Californians.” Oddly enough I met a fellow American traveler on that trip named Warren Entner and we exchanged numbers.

Upon returning to Los Angeles I was cleaning out my duffel bag and a piece of paper with Warren’s phone number fell out. Had that small piece of paper not survived the transatlantic journey you most likely wouldn’t be reading this now. That’s how life is, call it luck, call it fate or call it destiny: or call it a mixture of all three. I was literally playing for my supper on the streets of Europe, stealing yogurt off of doorsteps and weighing in at an emaciated 145 pounds, and that’s way before the gaunt look was fashionable here in LA. Warren and I met up and formed The Grass Roots and were lucky enough to have hits like ‘Live For Today’ & ‘Midnight Confessions’ that are still played every day on the radio around the world.

After achieving this level of success I left the group and decided to try the one profession that has a casualty rate even higher than the music business: acting. Seemed like a logical move to me. It was either that or becoming a catcher for a knife thrower. Always up for a challenge I choose the tougher of the two.

Over the next few decades I honed my acting craft in regional theatre and landed bit parts in numerous films but hadn’t broken through. I kept at it though and although these were tough times I always kept a positive attitude and never stopped writing songs.

How did you first meet Warren Entner?

It was after a folk festival in Israel that I met him.

What were the circumstances surrounding The 13th Floor that eventually morphed into The Grass Roots?

We were playing at the London Fog next to the Whisky a Go Go. Our manager sent our demo to Dunhill Records…

If I understand correctly, The Grass Roots formed when the original trio of Steve Barri, P. F. Sloan, Joel Larson joined with members of The Bedouins and 13th Floor?

No, Joel Larson was not in the original trio. Steve Barri and P. F. Sloan were The Grass Roots. We took over the name.

You played with the group on albums like ‘Let’s Live for Today,’ ‘Feelings,’ ‘Golden Grass’ and ‘Lovin’ Things’. What would be some of the strongest memories from recording those albums?

I remember feeling pretty good after my solo on ‘Hot Bright Lights’.

What makes a good song in your opinion? How do you usually approach songwriting?

They arrive through the ethers and are delivered just for you.

What led to your departure from the band in 1969?

Tracks started to be completely done by studio cats on ‘Lovin’ Things’ while we were on the road… I objected.

You have been involved in several other musical endeavors later on as in the mid 70s you began your acting career. How did that come about?

I’ve always been writing and recording since The Grass Roots. I’m currently recording my 10th solo album.

I would love it if you could discuss your latest album, ‘Slightly Altered’.

It’s a very good album, but the one I’m working on now ‘Tao Pop’ will be my best.

What else currently occupies your life?

Besides recording a new album, I’m also touring with my live show, shooting independent films, yoga, meditation and fishing. Enjoying my spare time with my children and granddaughters.

Klemen Breznikar

Headline photo: The Grass Roots promotional photo

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