Ace of Cups
The Ace of Cups was an American rock band formed in San Francisco in 1967. It has been described as one of the first all-female rock bands. The members of the Ace of Cups were Mary Gannon (bass), Marla Hunt (organ, piano), Denise Kaufman (guitar, harmonica), Mary Ellen Simpson (lead guitar), and Diane Vitalich (drums).
Marla, Hunt, Denise Kaufman, Mary Ellen Simpsons, Diane Vitalich, and Mary Gannon.
The Ace of Cups made their debut in the early spring of 1967. Making their mark in the burgeoning counterculture of the 1960's, they shared stages with Jimi Hendrix, Jefferson Airplane, and the Grateful Dead. Check back soon for an entire website devoted to the "herstory" of this amazing band!
"Stones" (1968): Extremely rare footage of the Ace of Cups performing the song "Stones," live. From the documentary film, Revolution.
"Music" (1968)
A psychedelic music video captures the girls performing, from the documentary 'West Pole.'
"Simplicity" (1968)
From the documentary 'West Pole', watch Denise and the Cups perform the tune 'Simplicity'.
Albums & Singles
Boy, What'll You Do Then - Denise Kaufman
Before the Ace of Cups, there was this! Read the story on how this rare single sold for $10,000 on eBay! Note: it's been reissued at a much more reasonable price!
Articles & Media
Waller Street Blues: An Interview With Denise Kaufman Of The Ace Of Cups
This Hoodline article first appeared in print in August Nation, a San Francisco magazine by August Bernadicou that features local artists. Denise recounts what life was like in the city in the 1960s.
Denise Kaufman and
the Ace of Cups
A crucial story remains to be told, and it's one of the most intriguing of all—that of the all-female rock band ACE OF CUPS, who were there from the beginning in 1966 and continued right on through to the end in the early 1970s.
End of the day, after recording outside Laughing Tiger Studio, San Rafael, CA.
Denise, Mary Ellen, Diane, and Mary.