Glenn Douglas Cornick (April 23, 1947 – August 28, 2014) was an English musician, best known as the original bassist for the progressive rock band Jethro Tull from 1967 to 1970. His distinctive, melodic bass playing was a key component of the band's early sound on their first three studio albums.
Early Life and Career
Born in Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, England, Cornick moved to Blackpool with his family before settling in the Luton area. He began playing bass in local bands during the mid-1960s, gaining experience in various blues and rock groups. Before joining Jethro Tull, he played in bands such as The Jaymen, The Shades, and The John Evan Band (which later evolved into the core of Jethro Tull).
Jethro Tull (1967-1970)
Cornick was a founding member of Jethro Tull in late 1967, alongside Ian Anderson (vocals, flute), Mick Abrahams (guitar), and Clive Bunker (drums). He quickly established himself with his prominent and often improvisational basslines, which added a strong jazz and blues influence to the band's progressive rock sound.
He contributed to the band's first three seminal albums:
- This Was (1968) – A blues-rock oriented debut.
- Stand Up (1969) – Marked a shift towards more progressive and folk-influenced rock, featuring Cornick's intricate bass work on tracks like "Bourée."
- Benefit (1970) – Continued the band's progressive evolution.
Cornick's tenure with Jethro Tull was marked by extensive touring and growing success. However, differences in lifestyle and musical direction, particularly regarding Cornick's more rock-and-roll approach to touring versus Ian Anderson's increasing discipline, led to his departure in late 1970. He was replaced by Jeffrey Hammond.
Wild Turkey (1970-1974, 1978, 1996-2006)
Following his exit from Jethro Tull, Cornick formed his own progressive rock band, Wild Turkey, in 1970. The band initially featured himself, Graham Hedley Williams (vocals), Gary Pickford-Hopkins (vocals), Alan 'Tweke' Lewis (guitar), and Jon Blackmore (guitar), with various drummers. Wild Turkey released two albums with Chrysalis Records:
- Battle Hymn (1971)
- Turkey (1972) Despite critical acclaim for their musicianship, Wild Turkey struggled to achieve commercial success comparable to Jethro Tull. Cornick briefly reformed Wild Turkey in 1978 and again in the late 1990s, releasing new material and performing live until the mid-2000s.
Paris (1975-1976)
In 1975, Cornick co-founded the supergroup Paris with former Fleetwood Mac guitarist Bob Welch and drummer Thom Mooney (formerly of Nazz). The band adopted a hard rock sound and released two albums:
- Paris (1976)
- Big Towne, 2061 (1976) Despite high expectations due to the members' pedigrees, Paris disbanded after a short period.
Later Career and Life
Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Cornick also worked as a session musician and played with various other bands, including Karthago and a touring version of Bob Welch's band. He eventually relocated to the United States, settling in Hilo, Hawaii, in the late 1980s. In Hawaii, he played with local musicians and occasionally performed Jethro Tull material.
Glenn Cornick passed away on August 28, 2014, in Hilo, Hawaii, at the age of 67, due to congestive heart failure.
Musical Style and Legacy
Glenn Cornick is remembered for his innovative and melodic bass playing. Unlike many rock bassists of his era who focused on rhythm and root notes, Cornick's style was highly active, often improvisational, and integral to the harmonic and melodic fabric of Jethro Tull's early music. His contributions helped define the sound of one of progressive rock's most influential bands. His work on Stand Up particularly showcases his ability to blend blues, jazz, and rock sensibilities into a cohesive and distinctive bass voice.
Selected Discography
With Jethro Tull:
- This Was (1968)
- Stand Up (1969)
- Benefit (1970)
With Wild Turkey:
- Battle Hymn (1971)
- Turkey (1972)
- Stealer of Years (2002)
With Paris:
- Paris (1976)
- Big Towne, 2061 (1976)