Doug Engle, co-founder of the 1960s rock band Iron Butterfly and singer of their signature hit “In-a-Gadda Da Vida,” has died at the age of 78.
His death was announced by his son, Doug Engle Jr., in a heartfelt social media post on May 24, Rolling Stone reported. He did not disclose the cause of death.
“It is with great sadness that I announce the passing of my father, Doug Ingle. He passed away peacefully this evening with his family by his side,” wrote Ingle Jr. “Thank you for being a father, teacher and friend. I will carry these loving memories with me for the rest of my life. I love you, Dad.”
Ingle, who sang and played organ in Iron Butterfly, was the last surviving member of the band's original late 1960s line-up.
Formed in San Diego, Iron Butterfly rose to fame with the 17-minute epic “In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida,” which has sold an estimated 30 million copies worldwide.
The title famously came from a drunken misinterpretation of “In the Garden of Eden” by the late drummer Ron Busey.
The song has left such a profound cultural mark that it was featured prominently in the 1995 episode of The Simpsons, “Bart Sells His Soul.”
The song has been covered by numerous artists, including Slayer and The Residents, and has appeared in films such as Michael Mann's Manhunter.
Iron Butterfly disbanded in 1971 but reformed several times over the next few years, with Ingle taking part in a brief reunion in the late '70s and '80s and a long stint in the '90s before retiring in 1999.
