5 Things to Know About Pearl Jam’s Original Name
- The band was originally called Mookie Blaylock, named after the NBA player who wore number 10.
- They recorded early demos under that name at London Bridge Studios in Seattle in January 1991.
- The name changed to Pearl Jam before the release of their debut album, Ten.
- Eddie Vedder’s story about the new name combines his great-grandmother Pearl and a Native American word for jam.
- The Mookie Blaylock name is a direct reference to the basketball player, not a random choice.