Doug Ingle, co-founder and lead singer of Iron Butterfly, passed away peacefully on May 24, 2024, at age 78, surrounded by family. His death was announced by his son, Doug Ingle Jr., on Facebook.

As a founding member of Iron Butterfly in San Diego (1966), Ingle was instrumental in shaping the band's sound and success. He co-wrote their most famous hit, "In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida," originally intended to be titled "In the Garden of Eden." The song's famous title resulted from Ingle being intoxicated while recording, leading drummer Ron Bushy to transcribe the slurred lyrics phonetically.

The band's most successful lineup included Ingle, Ron Bushy, Lee Dorman, and Erik Brann. During his tenure, Ingle co-wrote several other hits including "Soul Experience," "In the Time of Our Lives," and "Easy Rider."

After Iron Butterfly disbanded in 1971, Ingle briefly performed with Stark Naked and the Car Thieves in the early '70s. He later managed an RV Park in the Los Angeles National Forest from 1974 to 1978, stepping away from the music industry but occasionally reuniting with his former bandmates for tours.

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