Mike Pinder, the last surviving founding member of the Moody Blues, whose innovative use of the Mellotron — a predecessor of the sampler — helped make the band a pioneer of progressive rock, died on Wednesday at his home in the Sacramento area. His son Dan confirmed the death. He said that his father had breathing difficulties and had been in hospice care for a few days. The Moody Blues were formed in 1964, with a lineup of Mr. Pinder on keyboards, Denny Laine on guitar, Graeme Edge on drums, Ray Thomas on flute and Clint Warwick on bass. The group’s “Go Now!,” sung by Mr. Laine, rose to No.

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Persons: Mike Pinder, Dan, Mr, Pinder, Denny Laine, Graeme Edge, Ray Thomas, Clint Warwick, ”, Laine Organizations: Moody Blues, Moody Locations: Sacramento