Dee Murray (April 3, 1946 - January 15, 1992) was an English bassist, best known as a member of Elton John's original rock band. Murray was a talented musician whose gift for melody, placement, and an understated, yet profound technique -- plus his standout work as a backing vocalist -- puts him in an elite class among rock bassists.
Murray was born David Murray Oates in Southgate, London in 1946. Before joining Elton John, Murray (and drummer Nigel Olsson) were members of the Spencer Davis Group in 1969-1970. Murray and Olsson first appeared with Elton on the 1971 album Tumbleweed Connection and were key members of the band through its glory years, including the milestone album Goodbye Yellow Brick Road. In 1975, after recording Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy, Murray and Olsson were released from the band; however, both musicians returned in 1981 and toured with Elton for another four years. Together, Murray and Olsson were arguably one of the best (and most underrated) rhythm sections in rock music. It is no coincidence that many consider the end of Elton John's "classic" period to coincide with the departure of these two very gifted musicians.
In 1977 Murray briefly joined Procol Harum on a North American tour promoting their last 1970s album, Something Magic.
After battling skin cancer for a number of years, Murray died at Vanderbilt University Medical Center after suffering a stroke. He was 45.