EXHIBIT 99.B

(MASSMUTUAL LETTERHEAD)

May 22, 1998 

Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company
1295 State Street
Springfield, MA 01111-0001

RE:  Re: Pre-Effective Amendment No. 2 to Registration Statement 333-41657
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     filed on Form S-6

Ladies and Gentlemen:

This opinion is furnished in connection with the filing of Pre-Effective
Amendment No. 2 to Registration Statement 333-41657 under the Securities Act of
1933 for Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company's ("MassMutual")
Survivorship Flexible Premium Adjustable Variable Life Insurance Policies (the
"Policies"). Massachusetts Mutual Variable Life Separate Account I issues the
Policies.

As 2nd Vice President & Associate General Counsel for MassMutual, I provide
legal advice to MassMutual in connection with the operation of its variable
products. In such role I am familiar with the filing for the Policies. In so
acting, I have made such examination of the law and examined such records and
documents as in my judgment are necessary or appropriate to enable me to render
the opinion expressed below. I am of the following opinion:

1. MassMutual is a valid and subsisting corporation, organized and operated
   under the laws of the state of Massachusetts and is subject to regulation by
   the Massachusetts Commissioner of Insurance.

2. Massachusetts Mutual Variable Life Separate Account I is a separate account
   validly established and maintained by MassMutual in accordance with
   Massachusetts law.

3. All of the prescribed corporate procedures for the issuance of the Policies
   have been followed, and all applicable state laws have been complied with.

I hereby consent to the use of this opinion as an exhibit to this filing.

Very truly yours,


/s/ Richard M. Howe
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Richard M. Howe
2nd Vice President & Associate General Counsel