25 – THE BRITISH INVASION

Four mop-topped musicians straining to be heard over the din created by a horde of screaming teenage girls continues to be the most vivid image of what has since been called the British Invasion. However, the remarkable success of The Beatles was the culmination of many years of attempts by the British to break into the all powerful American pop music market.

Although Britain had always fostered a healthy self contained music industry, few of its artists had enjoyed international success. During the first half of the century, the popularity of such entertainers as Harry Lauder, Gracie Fields and Vera Lynn had contributed to Britain's musical identity abroad. The country's global image depended mostly on its wealth of music hall artists.

Heavily influenced by the American hit parade, the trade paper The New Musical Express created Britain's first ever pop music chart on Nov. 14, 1952. It was a top 12 listing, expanding to top 20 on Oct. 1, 1954, top 25 on Dec. 30, 1955, top 30 on April 13, 1956, top 50 on March 10, 1960 and finally top 75 on May 6, 1978. Chart compilation was taken over by Gallup on Jan. 8, 1983, when they were established as The British Record Industry Charts. The very first chart was topped by American Al Martino's "Here In My Heart," and with the exception of Vera Lynn's "Auf Weidersehn Sweetheart" at #6, which had already topped the U.S. charts, and orchestra leader Ray Martin's recording of "Blue Tango" at #7, the other positions were all held by Americans.

As the 1950's progressed, several waves of home grown acts hit the charts, many covering hits of American origin. This was obviously detrimental to any international acclaim. For instance, little Ruby Murray from Ireland covered Joan Weber's "Let Me Go Lover" in 1955, beating out the original. Murray, an excellent vocalist was unable to grab the much sought after brass ring of American success because most of her work involved covering American hits. Britain was a limited market. Hitting the bigtime meant conquering America.

When the rock and roll revolution swept the United States, Britain immediately followed suit. American rockers were able to create an even more fanatical following in Europe than Stateside. Fans eagerly sought out the latest recordings, often importing hard to find items directly from the States. Americans working on the boats brought rock and roll records with them to British seaports such as Liverpool. Premier rockers like Little Richard and Chuck Berry found that they were more revered in England than in their own country. Race was not such an issue and many black performers were immediately hailed as heroes, whereas the very same artists were still victims of discrimination in America. The three major European areas where rock took root were Britain, Germany and France. Rock concerts became a cause for concern, often the scene of riots as frenzied fans were overcome with the hysteria.

During the mid to late 1950's, several British entertainers caught the fever, adopting a pop/rock format, often fusing the new music with a strong British sensibility. In the beginning, most of the acts were strictly softcore pop. On Sept. 6, 1956, the first British rock and roll club opened at Studio 51 in London's Great Newport Street.

At this time, a new form of acoustic folk rock emerged involving the cheapest of homemade instruments. It was called skiffle (see Rock And Roll). It was a street music based on a mixture of traditional folk and rockabilly, often spiced with British music hall elements. The prominent skiffle artist was Lonnie Donegan yet his international impact was short lived. Even the poorest of musicians could afford to join a skiffle band. One such group was called The Quarrymen who would later evolve into The Beatles.

Later, when the emphasis was placed on electric rock, several boom areas emerged as the meccas for the new burgeoning music industry - Liverpool, Manchester, Glasgow and of course London. Rock became a means of escape from poverty for many a struggling lad. Any performer with or without talent saw rock as the definite road to easy street. The majority of the new British rock bands became self-sufficient writing/performing units, posing an immediate threat to the previous writer dependent acts in both Britain and America.

By 1963, all of North America was hearing about the emotional effects caused by something called Beatlemania. Less than one year later, the west succumbed to the disease and a much bigger cause for alarm was called The British Invasion. The Beatles took America by storm, creating a mass hysteria that equalled the Presley phenomenon of the previous decade. Record sales soared as did other Beatles related products including magazines, books, dolls, trading cards and some absolutely ridiculous items such as Beatle wigs. Anything remotely British became a commodity. British clothing styles, magazines such as FABulous and Rave, dance trends and even current British slang became all the rage.

An influx of British recording artists descended on American soil. Most of these performers had been weaned on American R&B and because of their verbal endorsement of black artists, many forgotten or overlooked rock pioneers enjoyed revitalized careers. On the other hand, the overwhelming popularity of the Brits caused the industry to quake, fearing that American acts would suffer brutal consequences. Supposedly, there was at one time a ban of sorts meant to keep the glut of British product at a prescribed level. A new backlash of American recordings retaliated against the tidal wave of British rock.

The overall result of The British Invasion was the instigation of a healthier, more competitive international recording industry and the somewhat sluggish American music scene was given a much needed shot in the arm. Brits had taken American music, revitalized it, fused it with fresh uninhibited creativity and gave it back to its rightful owners. Rock and roll had been re-energized.

THE TEDDY BOYS

Circa 1959, a rock purist faction calling themselves Teddy Boys or Teds appeared throughout Britain. They favoured no nonsense rock and roll, rockabilly and skiffle, clinging to it stubbornly as styles changed. When American music stopped rocking during the 1959-1962 period, these lower class British kids turned defiantly to the roots of rock and roll. Noses were thumbed at pretty boy pop and watered down rock.

The Teds were followers of the Marlon Brando/James Dean school of style and attitude. Hairstyles were generally on the long side, greased up into elaborate pompadours with Elvis Presley style sideburns. The look included leather jackets, blue jeans and heavy duty boots. If they were well off, they drove Harleys. The term "teddy boy," an old English expression describing a lower class tough had taken on a more defined categorization.

THE MODS AND ROCKERS

By 1964, two rival British youth factions had developed. Several skirmishes occurred at various clubs, later spreading to pre-arranged battle sites on beaches. The Rockers were the oldest of the gangs, having their beginnings in the 1950's as the Teds. They were hard core rock enthusiasts who had much in common with America's Hells Angels. The Mods (short for moderns) were trendy fashion fanatics who changed styles on a weekly basis. The definitive look for the male was shirts with button-down collars, skimpy collarless suits with hipster flared trousers, plastic macs (raincoats), Cuban heeled boots, dark glasses and helmet style haircuts. The girls, called "dollies" or "birds" sported long straight hairdos, heavy dark eye makeup, patterned stockings and short skirts which later evolved into mini skirts. Mods were followers of pop art and their music preferences included Motown, Soul and the abstract rock music of a band called The Who. They were pill poppers rather than drinkers. The Mods cruised the streets in their heavily mirrored scooters while the Rockers rode large bikes. The confrontations between the two groups beginning in March, 1964 on the beaches at Claxton, Essex made headlines all over the world and the peak period of all this foolishness was accurately portrayed in the 1979 film, "Quadrophrenia," featuring the music of The Who.

EARLY BRITISH ARTISTS - PRE-1963

TOMMY STEELE

• Thomas Hicks (Dec. 17, 1936 – )
• Singer/songwriter/guitarist/actor born in Bermondsey, London, England.
• Britain's first rock and roll star, he was nicknamed "The British Elvis."
• One time merchant seaman with The Cunard Line.
• Blond and good looking with a heavy accent (his original image was the Teddy Boy look), he was thought to be much too British to be marketable in the States.
• Formed a skiffle trio with Lionel Bart and Mike Pratt in London.
• Discovered by John Kennedy at the "Two I's" in Old Compton St., Soho who renamed him and procured a Decca contract.
• 1956 - His "Rock With The Caveman" became a top 20 British hit.
• Nov. 5, 1956 - Made his stage debut at The Empire Theatre in Sunderland, N. E. England.
• Dec. 7, 1956 - British concert debut at London's Finsbury Park Astoria (later renamed The Rainbow Theatre).
• 1957 - His first film, "The Tommy Steele Story" was released.
• Nov. 15, 1958 - Split from his group, The Steelemen.
• 1958 - Kennedy released his biography, "Tommy Steele."
• Starred in several English musicals including "Half A Sixpence" (1960) (becoming a film in 1967) and "Finian's Rainbow"(1968).
• 1960 - Strayed from pop music by appearing in "She Stoops To Conquer" at The Old Vic.
• 1967 - Starred in the Disney film, "The Happiest Millionaire," introducing the hit song, "Fortuosity."
• 1974 - Released his musical autobiography, "My Life, My Song."
• British hits include "Singing The Blues"(Dec., 1956)#1, "Nairobi" (March, 1958)#3 and "Little White Bull"(Dec., 1959)#6.

SHIRLEY BASSEY

• Shirley Veronica Bassey (Jan. 8, 1937 – )
• Singer born in the Tiger Bay area of Cardiff, South Wales.
• The daughter of a West Indian seaman.
• 1953 - Age 16, she appeared at Luton, Bedfordshire in the touring revue, "Memories Of Al Jolson."
• 1955 - Impresario Jack Hylton heard her at London's Astor Club. Subsequently, she got a part in the West End review, "Such Is Life."
• 1957 - Signed to Philips Records.
• Feb., 1957 - Her debut disc, "Banana Boat Song" went to #8 UK.
• 1959 - British hits include "Kiss Me Honey, Honey Kiss Me" and "As I Love You."
• Oct., 1960 - Voted top British female vocalist in The New Musical Express Annual Readers Poll.
• She has since achieved international stardom, appearing in top cabarets in Las Vegas, London, Hollywood and Monte Carlo.
• Her powerful pipes and unique melodramatic interpretation of standards and showtunes have made her an influential and much imitated entertainer.
• 1980 - Went into semi-retirement in Switzerland.
• 2000 - Became Dame Shirley Bassey.
• Hits include "I Who Have Nothing"(Sept., 1963)#5 UK, "Goldfinger" (Oct., 1964)#21 UK, (Jan., 1965)#8 US, "Big Spender"(Oct., 1967) #21 UK, "For All We Know"(Aug., 1971)#6 UK and "Diamonds Are Forever"(1972).

CLIFF RICHARD

• Harry Roger Webb (Oct. 14, 1940 – )
• Singer/actor born in Lucknow, India.
• 1947 - Age 7, moved to England.
• 1954 - British teen idol Cliff Richard first appeared with his backup group The Drifters at a youth fellowship dance. The band evolved into The Shadows in 1957, backing Richard and enjoying a career of their own (see The Shadows for personnel).
• Richard originally based his image on Elvis Presley.
• Sept., 1958 - His debut hit, "Move It" went to #2 UK.
• 1959 - Began his film career in "Serious Charge" singing Lionel Bart's "Living Doll"(July, 1959)#1 UK, (Nov., 1959)#30 US.
• 1959-1966 - Voted Best British Male Vocalist.
• Film appearances include "Espresso Bongo"(1960), "The Young Ones" (1961), "Summer Holiday"(1963) and "Wonderful Life"(1964).
• Jan., 1980 - Recipient of the coveted O.B.E. (Order Of The British Empire).
• 1986 - Starred in the British musical, "Time," conceived by 1960's pop/rock star Dave Clark.
• June, 1995 - Became Sir Cliff Richard when he was knighted.
• Nov. 28, 1999 - His "Millennium Prayer" went to #1 UK despite lack of radio support.
• Hits include "Travellin' Light"(Oct., 1959)#1 UK, "Please Don't Tease"(June, 1960)#1 UK, "The Young Ones"(Jan., 1962)#1 UK, "Bachelor Boy"(Dec., 1962)#1 UK, (Aug., 1964)#99 US, "The Minute You're Gone"(March, 1965)#1 UK, "We Don't Talk Anymore"(July, 1979)#1 UK, (Nov., 1979)#7 US, "Dreaming"(Aug., 1980)#8 UK, (Sept., 1980)#10 US and "Daddy's Home"(Nov., 1981)#2 UK, (Feb., 1982)#23 US.

THE SHADOWS

• Britain's premier instrumental/vocal quartet.
• Hank B. Marvin (Brian Robson Rankin) (Oct. 28, 1941 – )
• Critically acclaimed lead guitarist born in Newcastle, Tyne And Wear, England.
• Bruce Welch (Bruce Cripps) (Nov. 2, 1941 – )
• Rhythm guitarist born in Bognor Regis, Sussex, England.
• Jet Harris (Terence Hawkins) (July 6, 1939 – )
• Bassist from Kingsbury, London, England.
• Tony Meehan (Daniel Meehan) (March 2, 1942 – )
• Drummer born in London, England.
• 1954 - Originally formed with different personnel as The Drifters.
• 1957 - Evolved into The Shadows, becoming the backup group for singer Cliff Richard. They also achieved acclaim as an independent recording unit, instrumentally and vocally.
• The group's sound was fuelled by the smooth, crystal clear Fender Stratocaster guitar style of the legendary Hank B. Marvin.
• Unfortunately, the group never charted in the US. Their massive British hit, "Apache"(July, 1960)#1 UK was covered by Jorgen Ingmann (Jan., 1961)#2 US.
• March, 1962 - Became the first British group to headline at The Olympia Theatre in Paris, France.
• 1963-1968 - John Rostill (June 16, 1942 – ) replaced Harris as bassist. He was electrocuted while playing guitar in his own home.
• 1969 - Disbanded, reforming in 1973.
• 1975 - Represented the U.K. in The Eurovision Song Contest with "Let Me Be The One."
• 1977 - Marvin released the acclaimed "Guitar Syndicate" LP.
• British hits include "Kon Tiki" (Sept., 1961)#1, "Dance On"(Dec., 1962)#1, "The Rise And Fall Of Flingel Bunt"(May, 1964)#5, "Mary Anne"(Feb., 1965)#17 and "Don't Make My Baby Blue"(Aug., 1965) #10.

MR. ACKER BILK

• Bernard Stanley Bilk (Jan. 28, 1929 – )
• Clarinettist/composer/bandleader/singer born in Pensford, Somerset, England.
• Acker is a rural British slang term for "mate" or "friend."
• 1947 - Took up the clarinet while in an army jail in Egypt.
• Worked as a blacksmith.
• 1954-1958 - Worked with jazz traditionalist Ken Colyer.
• 1958 - Formed his own group, The Paramount Jazz Band.
• Jan., 1960 - His debut release, "Summer Set" went to #5 UK.
• 1962 - Mr. Acker Bilk & His Paramount Jazz Band appeared in the film, "Bank Of Thieves."
• Famous for his bowler hat, goatee, multi-coloured waistcoats and occasional gruff vocals.
• Bilk achieved international success with his monster hit, "Stranger On The Shore"(Nov., 1961)#2 UK, (March, 1962)#1 US.
• 1967 - Released the "Sheer Magic" album.

HELEN SHAPIRO

• (Sept. 28, 1946 – )
• Singer/actress born in Bethel Green, London, England.
• Her low resonant voice made her a star in Britain.
• 1960 - While she was still attending Clapton's Girls School at the age of 14, her disc sales had topped the million mark.
• 1961-1962 - Voted #1 Female British Singer.
• 1962 - Her short lived career included an appearance in the film, "Play It Cool."
• March, 1962 - Became the first British artist to top the Japanese charts with "You Don't Know Me."
• During the late 1970's, she emerged as a successful stage actress and recording several jazz albums.
• British hits include "You Don't Know"(June, 1961)#1, "Little Miss Lonely"(July, 1962)#8 and the cult hit, "I Don't Care"(July, 1962).
• Her only charted US hit was "Walkin' Back To Happiness"(Dec., 1961)#100.

JOHNNY KIDD & THE PIRATES

• Johnny Kidd (Frederick Heath) (Dec. 23, 1939 - Oct. 7, 1966)
• Singer/songwriter/guitarist born in Willesden, N. London, England.
• His first group was Captain Kidd & The Nutters.
• April, 1959 - Formed Johnny Kidd & The Pirates consisting of Kidd, guitarist Alan Caddy (Feb. 2, 1940 – ), bassist Brian Gregg and drummer Clem Cattini (Aug. 28, 1939 – ).
• Kidd adopted swashbuckling gear wore a patch over one eye after a guitar string accident.
• 1960 - Caddy and Cattini left, later becoming members of The Tornadoes.
• The group is remembered for their classic recording of "Shakin' All Over"(June, 1960)#1 UK. The guitar lead was by Joe Moretti.
• 1962 - The group featured the legendary guitarist Peter Green, later of Fleetwood Mac.
• March, 1965 - "Shakin' All Over" became a #22 hit in the US for Canadian rock group The Guess Who.
• Oct. 7, 1966 - Kidd was killed in a car crash en route to a gig in Bury, Lancashire, England.
• British hits include "Please Don't Touch"(June, 1959)#25 UK, "Hungry For Love"(Dec., 1963)#20 UK and "Jealous Girl."

BILLY FURY

• Ronald Wycherly (April 17, 1941 - Jan. 28, 1983)
• Singer/songwriter born in Liverpool, England.
• A victim of rheumatic fever as a child, he was rarely in good health.
• 1958 - Signed a contract with impresario Larry Parnes who renamed him and signed him to Decca.
• 1959 - His debut hit was the self penned "Maybe Tomorrow."
• 1960 - His hit, "The Sound Of Fury" featured Joe Brown on guitar.
• 1962 - His backup band was The Tornadoes.
• 1962 - Appeared in the film, "Play It Cool."
• Fury covered American hits which hampered international success.
• 1965 - Retired due to ill health.
• 1973 - Played rock and roll singer Stormy Tempest in the film, "That'll Be The Day."
• Jan. 28, 1983 - On the verge of a comeback, died of a heart attack in London, England.
• British hits include "Colette"(March, 1960)#9, "Jealousy"(Sept., 1961)#2, "When Will You Say I Love You"(May, 1963)#3 and "I Will" (April, 1964)#14.

THE TORNADOES

• 1961 - Instrumental quintet formed in London, England by producer Joe Meek.
• Consisting of drummer Clem Cattini (Aug. 28, 1939 – ), guitarist Alan Caddy (Feb. 2, 1940 – ), guitarist George Bellamy (Oct. 8, 1941 – ), keyboardist Roger La Verne Jackson (Nov. 11, 1938 – ) and bassist Heinz Burt (July 24, 1942 – ).
• 1962 - Worked as backup group for Billy Fury.
• Their biggest hit, "Telstar"(Aug.,1962)#1 UK, (Nov., 1962)#1-3 wks. US was inspired by the Telstar Trans-Atlantic Transmition of July, 1962. It sold an estimated 5 million globally. They were the first British group to top the American charts.
• Heinz later left to become a pop star.
• 1967 - After Meek's suicide, the group disbanded, reforming briefly in 1975.

MARTY WILDE

• Reginald Leonard Smith (April 15, 1936 – )
• Singer/songwriter born in Blackheath, London, England.
• Father of 1980's pop singer Kim Wilde (Kim Smith) (Nov. 18, 1960 – ).
• Began in The Hound Dogs skiffle band.
• 1957 - Dicovered by Lionel Bart while singing at London's Condor Club under the name Reg Patterson.
• 1957 - Managed by impresario Larry Parnes.
• Wilde's management forced him to cover American hits.
• 1957 - His cover of Jimmy Rodger's "Honeycomb" flopped.
• 1957 - His cover of Joey Reynolds' "Endless Sleep" went into the British top five.
• Became a regular attraction on Jack Goode's British TV show, "Oh Boy."
• April, 1959 - Because of foot defects, he is termed medically unfit for National Service.
• Sept., 1959 - Begins hosting the British TV show, "Boy Meets Girls."
• Dec. 2, 1959 - Married Joyce Baker of The Vernon Girls dance troupe.
• Nov., 1960 - His recording of "Bad Boy" became his only American success, hitting #45.
• 1965 - Recorded unsuccessfully with his wife and Justin Hayward (later of The Moody Blues) as The Marty Wilde Three.
• 1969 - Status Quo had a hit with Wilde's "Ice In The Sun."
• In the 1970's, managed his son Ricky's career.

MATT MONROE

• Terrence Parsons (Dec. 1, 1932 - Feb. 7, 1985)
• Singer born in London, England.
• Took his stage name from pianist Winifred Atwell's father.
• Also known as Fred Flange.
• Sang with Cyril Stapleton's orchestra.
• 1983 - Headlined at The Sands in Las Vegas, Nevada.
• Feb. 7, 1985 - On the verge of a comeback, died in Cambridge, England of liver cancer.
• Hits include "Portrait Of My Love"(1960), "My Kind Of Girl"(May, 1961)#18 US, "Softly As I Leave You"(1962), "From Russia With Love"(1963) and "Walk Away"(Nov., 1964)#23 US.

LIVERPOOL & THE MERSEY BEAT

"The Mersey Sound is the voice of 80,000 crumbling houses and 30,000 people on the dole"

The Daily Worker, 1963

The gritty little seaport of Liverpool, two hundred miles northwest of London is a dismal, colourless area of Britain. It is difficult to imagine that this tough working class city could ever have been brought to world attention as a major music centre. However, The Beatles put Liverpool on the lips of every pop music fan from New York to Katmandu.

Being a port city, Liverpool played host to a great variety of visitors from all over the world. And when rock and roll took the world by storm, Liverpudlians embraced the music wholeheartedly. At a time when the American rock scene had cooled down between 1959 and 1962, Liverpool went rock and roll crazy. While the rest of the English speaking world had succumbed to the antiseptic pop recorded by clean cut teen idols, Liverpool defiantly continued her love affair with hard core rock and roll and rhythm and blues. Many Liverpudlians who worked on the Cunard ships, often called "Cunard Yanks," brought back hard-to-find discs by their favourites, especially Eddie Cochran and Gene Vincent. These imported records formed a basis for the distinctive Liverpool sound. The rough and tumble lower middle class lifestyle of the locals merged exceedingly well with rock and roll. Groups literally sprung up everywhere. Many local clubs originally catering to a jazz clientele quickly converted to rock venues and young Liverpudlians (or "scousers" as they preferred to be called) lined up for hours just to support the new bands. Major rock venues included The Iron Door, Litherland Town Hall, The Casbah, The Jacaranda and of course, The Cavern.

In July of 1961, Bill Harry became the editor of the city's first music periodical, "The Mersey Beat," named after the Mersey River. Everyone was getting into the beat scene in one way or another. However, the Liverpool beat boom was tidily dismissed by London critics as something rather quaint and terribly provincial. One haughty critic gave it six months. Liverpudlians knew better.

THE CAVERN

On Jan. 16, 1957, Allan Styner opened The Cavern Jazz Club in the basement of an old warehouse situated at #10 Mathew Street in Liverpool. Ray McFall took over in 1959, eventually changing its musical format to a combination of jazz and rock. It immediately became the "in" spot for Liverpool music fanatics. The first beat group to play there, Rory Storm & The Hurricanes debuted on May 25, 1960. As the reputation of the club spread, it became painfully obvious that its success was based on the drawing power of rock acts. From then on, jazz was quickly abandoned. The venue showcased local artists plus offered concerts featuring name acts such as The Shadows, Wilson Pickett, The Who, Ben E. King and The Rolling Stones. It stayed open seven days a week and featured two shows daily. Aside from regular nightime performances, special shows were scheduled at noon for the kids on their work or school breaks. Disc jockey/mc Bob Wooler (1925 - Feb. 8, 2002) who also wrote a column for The Mersey Beat welcomed both daily and evening audiences with his trademark opening line - "Welcome to all you cave dwellers. This is Bob Wooler giving you the venue with the menue that's the mostest."

It was a dark, dank, smelly place but the atmosphere was absolutely electric. Beatles manager Brian Epstein wrote glowingly of its charm in his book, "Cellar Full Of Noise," and pop singer Petula Clark glamourized it in her hit recording, "I Know A Place." As news of Liverpool's exciting beat scene spread, the fame of The Cavern became legendary.

The coffee bar attendant at the club, Priscilla White started singing with several groups including The Beatles, gaining local notoriety as "Swingin' Cilla." Later, she rose to national stardom as Cilla Black.

Between March 21, 1961 and Aug. 3, 1963, The Beatles occupied The Cavern's tiny stage a total of 292 times. On Nov. 9, 1961, Brian Epstein first witnessed the hypnotic effect they created, immediately offering his services as their manager.

After most of the local artists had been lured away from Liverpool by major record companies, The Cavern was unable to afford their fees on a regular basis. By Feb. 28, 1966, in debt for $15,000, its doors were closed. Restauranteur Joseph Davey reopened it on July 23, 1966, but it became painfully obvious that the glory days were over. On May 27, 1973, it was moved across the street. In 1973, the original club was demolished by British Rail, its stage broken into thousands of pieces to be sold to Beatles fans. Number 10 Mathew Street became a parking lot. Later, Cavern Walks Shopping Centre was built and the complex contains the New Cavern Club.

HAMBURG, GERMANY

Liverpool's sister city in Germany had been experiencing its own considerable beat boom. The basic difference was that Hamburg imported most of its live attractions from Britain, particularly from Liverpool. Many Merseyside acts got experience and exposure playing at Hamburg clubs like The Kaiser-keller, The Top Ten and the famous Star Club managed by Horst Fascher. Hamburg was the Las Vegas of Europe with its gambling, drugs, prostitution and strip and sex clubs. Of course, the addition of rock and roll contributed to its overall excitement and rather heady atmosphere. Liverpool's Beatles with their cheeky, irreverent humour and hard edge rock and roll achieved their first taste of stardom in Hamburg.

BRIAN EPSTEIN

• (Sept. 19, 1934 - Aug. 27, 1967)
• Rock manager born on Rodney Street in Liverpool, England.
• Son of well to do Jewish parents Queenie and Harvey Epstein, he received a first class education.
• After school, he became a salesman in his family's furniture store.
• 1957 - His father opened NEMS (North End Music Store) and Brian was put in charge of its record department.
• 1959 - More stores were opened and by 1961, it was considered to be the finest record store chain in Northern England.
• Oct. 28, 1961 - Liverpool teenager Raymond Jones asked Epstein about a single titled "My Bonnie" by Tony Sheridan & The Beatles. It was a West German pressing and had to be imported. Epstein was amazed to find that The Beatles were a local band. Twelve dozen copies sold immediately.
• Nov. 9, 1961 - Epstein saw The Beatles at the lunchtime show at The Cavern. He found them outrageous and was impressed by the excitement they created.
• Dec. 3, 1961 - He officially signed on as their manager. From the very beginning, it was a strange combination. Epstein was of a different class, more refined and educated than the four scousers he had signed. They were also four straight musicians and he was homosexual.
• He groomed them for stardom, changing their scruffy leather jacket and pants look to tailored mod suits.
• Signed several other Merseyside acts including Gerry & The Pacemakers, Cilla Black, The Fourmost, Billy J. Kramer & The Dakotas, Sounds Incorporated, Tommy Quickly and New York group The Cyrkle. Most of his clients rose to international stardom.
• Author of the book, "Cellar Full Of Noise."
• Bought The Saville Theatre in London to promote rock concerts.
• Aug. 27, 1967 - While The Beatles were in Bangor, Wales with Maharishi, died of an accidental overdose of drugs and alcohol.

THE EPSTEIN ROSTER OF STARS

THE BEATLES

• Paul McCartney (James Paul McCartney) (June 18, 1942 – )
• Singer/songwriter/bassist/pianist born in Liverpool, England.
• John Lennon (John Winston Lennon) (Oct. 9, 1940 - Dec. 8, 1980)
• Singer/songwriter/rhythm guitarist/pianist/artist born in Liverpool, England.
• George Harrison (Feb. 25, 1943 - Nov. 29, 2001)
• Lead guitarist/singer/songwriter born in Liverpool, England.
• Ringo Starr (Richard Starkey) (July 7, 1940 – )
• Drummer/vocalist/actor born in the Dingle area of Liverpool, England.
• Early, 1956 - Lennon formed a skiffle group called The Quarrymen.
• May 24, 1956 - The Quarrymen's first ever gig took place at an open-air party in Roseberry Street in Liverpool.
• June 15, 1956 - Lennon and McCartney met at a party in Woolton where The Quarrymen performed. McCartney later joined the group.
• Aug. 29 ,1958 - Lennon, McCartney and Harrison played together with Ken Brown on drums at The Casbah Coffee Club (owned by Pete Best's mother) in Liverpool.
• June, 1959 - The group played under the name of Johnny & The Moondogs.
• May 5, 1960 - They renamed themselves The Silver Beatles.
• Aug. 16 ,1960 - Pete Best (Randolph Peter Best) (Nov. 24, 1941 – ) joined as drummer and they left for Hamburg, Germany. They shortened their name to The Beatles.
• Also on hand was their friend Stu Sutcliffe (June 23, 1940 - April 10, 1962) whose German girlfriend Astrid Kirchherr allegedly created the definitive Beatle hairstyle and snapped some of the finest early photos of the band.
• Dec., 1960 - After a second trip to Hamburg, they returned to Liverpool for a successful concert at Litherland Town Hall.
• March 21, 1961 - Made the first of 292 appearances at The Cavern Club. Their final gig was on Aug. 3, 1963.
• April, 1961 - Made their final trip to Hamburg, making their first professional recording as the backup group for English singer Tony Sheridan. The session was produced by Bert Kaempfert.
• Nov. 9, 1961 - Brian Epstein saw them at a lunchtime performance at The Cavern.
• Dec. 3, 1961 - Epstein officially became their manager.
• Dec. 31, 1961 - Auditioned for Decca Records in London. The sessions were recorded, later released as The Deccagone sessions. The group was rejected because Decca felt that guitar bands had become passé.
• April 10, 1962 - Stu Sutcliffe died of a brain tumour in Hamburg, Germany.
• May 9, 1962 - Signed to EMI/Parlophone.
• Aug. 16, 1962 - Ringo Starr replaced Best as drummer. Although Best was at that time the most popular Beatle, it was decided that his drumming was not up to par.
• Sept. 4, 1962 - First E.M.I. recording session with producer/ arranger George Martin (Jan. 3, 1926 – ).
• Oct. 11, 1962 - Their recording of "Love Me Do" entered the British charts.
• Dec. 18, 1962 - Final trip (6 in all) to Hamburg, Germany.
• 1963 - Beatlemania took Britain by storm. Record sales exceeded 6 million within 6 months.
• 1963 - Their 2nd album, "With The Beatles" became the first million selling album in Britain.
• Feb. 7, 1964 - Began their first concert tour of The United States, making their initial impact on TV's The Ed Sullivan Show for the first time on Feb. 9th. They appeared on 3 shows for $2,400 a performance.
• Beatlemania swept America, opening the door for other British acts. New York's WABC disc jockey Bruce Morrow (aka: "Cousin Brucie") and WINS disc jockey Murray "The K" Kaufman (often calling himself the fifth Beatle) spearheaded the push for British artists.
• July 6, 1964 - Their first film, "A Hard Day's Night" premiered at Picadilly Circus in London. Critics overwhelmingly gave the movie the thumbs up, comparing them to The Marx Brothers.
• July 29, 1965 - Their second film, "Help" (originally titled "Eight Arms To Hold You") premiered at The Pavillion Theatre in London.
• By 1965, 1920 cover versions of Lennon/McCartney songs were on the market. Eventually, they would become the most recorded composers of the century.
• Autumn, 1965 - The group went into Abbey Road Studios to record their 6th album, Rubber Soul" featuring "Drive My Car," "Norwegian Wood" and "If I Needed Someone." It is considered by many to be their finest album.
• Oct. 26, 1965 - Queen Elizabeth II presented the group with the distinguished M.B.E.
• July 4, 1966 - They played their largest concert ever to 100,000 people at Arnetta Coliseum in Manila.
• July 29, 1966 - They refused to play in South Africa because of apartheid.
• July 31, 1966 - In a Datebook Magazine interview, John Lennon made a statement taken out of context that The Beatles were more popular than Jesus Christ. Several American radio stations thereafter refused to program Beatles records and many religious groups burned their records in protest.
• Aug. 12, 1966 - Lennon apologised for his comment.
• Aug. 29, 1966 - The Beatles final live American performance took place at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, California.
• June 1, 1967 - Their landmark album, "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" was released. It required 700 studio hours over a 9 month period to record. It spent over 88 weeks on the Billboard Top 100 Chart. The album was one of the greatest achievements in modern music history and is considered by many to be a masterpiece and the finest rock recording ever made (see The Summers Of Love).
• Aug. 27, 1967 - Brian Epstein died of an accidental overdose of drugs and alcohol while the group was in Bangor, Wales with Maharishi.
• Dec. 5, 1967-July 30, 1968 - Their Apple Boutique in London was short lived.
• Dec. 26, 1967 - Debuted their "Magical Mystery Tour" TV special.
• March 9, 1968 - Received 4 Grammys for the "Sgt. Pepper" album.
• 1968 - Formed their own record company, calling it Apple.
• July 16, 1968 - The animated film, "Yellow Submarine," featuring a soundtrack by The Beatles premiered at The London Pavillion in Piccadilly Circus.
• By Jan., 1970, the group had sold over 300 million singles.
• Nov. 15, 1970 - The Beatles disbanded, not legally defunct until Jan. 9, 1975.
• All four members enjoyed successful solo careers (see Rock And Pop Of The Seventies - The Beatles Solo).
• Dec. 8, 1980 - John Lennon was shot to death at 10:50 p.m. by disturbed fan Mark Chapman outside his residence at the Dakota apartment building in New York City.
• Jan. 18, 1988 - The group was inducted into The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame.
• They received The Lifetime Achievement Grammy Award.
• Nov. 20, 1995 - "The Beatles Anthology" TV special and CD featuring unreleased material was released. A new single, "Free As A Bird" featuring pre-recorded vocals by John Lennon and new vocals by the other three Beatles was the lead-off track. Volumes II and III of the anthology were released in 1996.
• 1997 - McCartney became Sir Paul McCartney when he was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II.
• 2001 - Their "Beatles 1" CD topped the charts worldwide.
• Nov. 29, 2001 - George Harrison died of cancer in Los Angeles, California.
• Hits include "From Me To You"(April, 1963)#1 UK, (March, 1964) #41 US, "She Loves You"(Aug., 1963)#1 UK, (Feb., 1964)#1-2 wks. US, "I Want To Hold Your Hand"(Dec., 1963)#1 UK, (Jan., 1964)#1-7 wks. US, "Can't Buy Me Love"(March, 1964)#1 UK, #1-5 wks. US, "A Hard Day's Night"(July, 1964)#1 UK, #1-2 wks. US, "Ticket To Ride"(April, 1965)#1 UK, (May, 1965)#1 US, "Help"(July, 1965)#1 UK, (Aug., 1965)#1-3 wks. US, "Yesterday"(Oct., 1965)#1-4 wks. US, "Day Tripper"(Dec., 1965)#1 UK, #5 US, "We Can Work It Out" (Dec., 1965) #1 UK, #1-3 wks. US, "Paperback Writer"(June, 1966) #1 UK, #1-2 wks. US, "Yellow Submarine"(Aug., 1966)#1 UK, #2 US, "Eleanor Rigby"(Aug., 1966)#1 UK, (Sept., 1966)#11 US, "Penny Lane"(Feb., 1967)#2 UK, (March, 1967)#1 US, "All You Need Is Love"(July, 1967)#1 UK, #1 US, "Hello Goodbye"(Nov., 1967)#1 UK, (Dec., 1967)#1-3 wks. US, "Lady Madonna"(March, 1968)#1 UK, #4 US, "Hey Jude"(Sept., 1968)#1 UK, #1-9 wks. US, "Get Back"(April, 1969)#4 UK, (Oct., 1969)#1 US, "The Ballad Of John And Yoko" (June, 1969)#1 UK, #8 US, "Something"(Oct., 1969)#1 US, (Nov., 1969)#4 UK, "Come Together"(Oct., 1969)#1 US, (Nov., 1969)#4 UK, "Let It Be"(March, 1970)#2 UK, #1-2 wks. US and "The Long And Winding Road"(May, 1970)#1-2 wks. US.
• Recommended 1994 CD release - "The Beatles - Live At The BBC."

GERRY & THE PACEMAKERS

• Gerry Marsden (Gerrard Marsden) (Sept. 24, 1942 – )
• Singer/songwriter/guitarist born in Liverpool, England.
• Freddy Marsden (Oct. 23, 1940 – )
• Drummer born in Liverpool, England.
• Les Chadwick (Leslie Chadwick) (May 11, 1943 – )
• Bassist born in Liverpool, England.
• The Marsden brothers also had a sister, Berryl Marsden who enjoyed considerable success as a vocalist.
• 1959 - Trio formed in Liverpool.
• 1961 - Played in Hamburg, Germany, later becoming regulars at The Iron Door and The Cavern in Liverpool.
• May, 1961 - Pianist Les Maguire (Dec. 27, 1941 – ) joined, giving the group its unique piano flavoured sound.
• June, 1962 - Signed a management contract with Brian Epstein.
• Dec., 1962 - Producer George Martin saw them at Birkenhead Ballroom in Liverpool and signed them to E.M.I.
• 1963 - They had become a major attraction in Britain and by mid 1964, they had made it big in the U.S.
• Their first big hit, "How Do You Do It"(March, 1963)#1 UK, (Aug., 1964)#9 US, written by Mitch Murray had originally been planned as The Beatles' first release. However, they rejected it in favour of the Lennon/McCartney song, "Love Me Do."
• Sept., 1964 - Starred in the film, "Ferry Cross The Mersey" with Julie Samuels, The Fourmost and Cilla Black.
• After the group's demise in the late 1960's, Marsden attempted a solo career unsuccessfully.
• 1985 - Because of its popularity at British soccer games, Marsden re-recorded "You'll Never Walk Alone" with an all-star backup group known as The Crowd. It went to #1 UK, making him the first British artist to top their charts twice with different versions of the same song.
• Hits include "I Like It"(May, 1963)#1 UK, (Oct., 1964)#17 US, "You'll Never Walk Alone"(Oct., 1963)#1 UK, (Dec., 1964)#48 US, "I'm The One"(Jan., 1964)#2 UK, #82 US, "Don't Let The Sun Catch You Crying"(April, 1964)#6 UK, (June, 1964)#4 US and "Ferry Cross The Mersey"(Dec., 1964)#8 UK, (Feb., 1965)#6 US.

BILLY J. KRAMER & THE DAKOTAS

• Billy J. Kramer (William Howard Ashton) (Aug. 19, 1943 – )
• Singer/guitarist born in Bootle, Liverpool, England.
• Began as a rhythm guitarist in a local group called The Coasters.
• 1962 - Began fronting the band as vocalist.
• 1963 - Kramer was signed by Brian Epstein.
• Feb., 1963 - Epstein teamed him with a Manchester group called The Dakotas consisting of drummer Tony Mansfield (Anthony Bookbinder) (May 28, 1943 – ), lead guitarist Mike Maxfield (Feb. 23, 1944 – ), rhythm guitarist Robin Macdonald (July 18, 1943 – ) and bassist Raymond Jones (Oct. 22, 1939 – ). The group was strictly pop.
• Sept., 1963 - Kramer was hailed as England's hottest new singing star by Melody Maker Magazine.
• They recorded several Lennon/McCartney songs including "I Call Your Name."
• Hits include "Do You Want To Know A Secret"(May, 1963)#2 UK, "Bad To Me"(Aug., 1963)#1 UK, (May, 1964)#9 US, "I'll Keep You Satisfied"(Nov., 1963)#4 UK, (July, 1964)#30 US, "Little Children"(Feb., 1964)#1 UK, (April, 1964)#1 US, "From A Window" (July, 1964)#10 UK, (Aug., 1964)#23 US and "Trains And Boats And Planes"(May, 1965)#12 UK, (June, 1965)#47 US.

CILLA BLACK

• Priscilla Maria Veronica White (May 27, 1943 – )
• Singer/actress/TV host born in Scotland Road, Liverpool, England.
• 1961 - Began singing regularly with local groups including The Beatles. Also worked as the coffee bar attendant at The Cavern Club.
• Sept. 6, 1963 - Known around Liverpool as "Swingin' Cilla," she signed on with Brian Epstein.
• Oct., 1963 - Her recording of Lennon/McCartney's "Love Of The Loved" went to #35 UK.
• Feb., 1964 - Her recording of "Anyone Who Had A Heart" went to #1 UK, beating out the original version by Dionne Warwick.
• March, 1965 - Released her debut album, "Cilla."
• July 26, 1965 - Live U.S. debut took place at The Persian Room of New York's Plaza Hotel.
• Film appearances include, "Ferry Cross The Mersey"(1964) and "Work Is A Four Letter Word"(1967).
• Cilla Black possessed one of the grittiest, most powerful voices in British pop.
• Often called "The Queen Of The Mods" because of her popularity as a trendsetter, she later earned the title of "Britain's First Lady Of Television."
• 1997 - Awarded the O.B.E.
• 1997 - Released the "Abbey Road Decade" CD boxed set in the U.K.
• Hits include "You're My World"(May, 1964)#1 UK, (July, 1964)#26 US, "It's For You"(Aug., 1964)#7 UK, (Sept., 1964)#79 US, "Love's Just A Broken Heart"(Jan., 1966)#5 UK, "Alfie"(March, 1966)#9 UK, "Don't Answer Me"(June, 1966)#6 UK, "Step Inside Love"(March, 1968)#8 UK, "Surround Yourself With Sorrow"(Feb., 1969)#3 UK and "Something Tells Me"(Nov., 1971)#3 UK.

OTHER LIVERPOOL ARTISTS

THE SEARCHERS

• 1961 - Vocal/instrumental quartet formed in Liverpool, England.
• Began as the backup group for Johnny Sandon (later of The San Remo Four).
• Managed by Tony Hatch and led by singer/bassist Tony Jackson (July 16, 1940 – ).
• Consisting of Jackson, drummer Chris Curtis (Christopher Crummey) (Aug. 16, 1941 – ), lead guitarist Mike Pender (Michael Pendergast) (March 3, 1942 – ) and rhythm guitarist John McNally (Aug. 30, 1941 – ).
• Took their name from the 1956 John Ford film, "The Searchers."
• Became the resident band at The Iron Door.
• 1962 - Recorded live tracks while touring in Hamburg, Germany. They are available on the rare album, "The Searchers Meet The Rattles."
• Famous for their close high harmonies and jangly guitar style, they were pioneer exponents of folk rock. The group never composed any of its material.
• Aug., 1964 - Jackson went solo, replaced by Frank Allen (Francis McNeice) (Dec. 14, 1943 – ) of Cliff Bennett & The Rebel Rousers.
• April, 1966 - Curtis exited to form Roundabout, replaced by John Blunt then Billy Adamson in 1969.
• The group continued well into the 1980's with various personnel.
• Hits include "Sweets For My Sweet"(June, 1963)#1 UK, "Sugar And Spice"(Oct., 1963)#2 UK, (May, 1964)#44 US, "Needles And Pins" (Jan., 1964)#1 UK, (March, 1964)#13 US, "Love Potion Number Nine" (Dec., 1964)#3 US and "Goodbye My Love"(March, 1965)#4 UK, (April, 1965)#52 US.

THE SWINGING BLUE JEANS

• 1958 - Liverpool rock quartet originally formed as the skiffle group The Bluegenes.
• Consisting of guitarist Ralph Ellis (March 8, 1942 – ), drummer Norman Kuhlke (June 12, 1942 –), bassist Les Braid (William Leslie Braid) (Sept. 15, 1941 – ) and singer/songwriter/guitarist Ray Ennis (May 26, 1942 – ).
• March, 1961 - They held the Tuesday night residency at The Cavern Club in Liverpool.
• 1963 - Became The Swinging Blue Jeans after being sponsored by a jeans manufacturer.
• Dec., 1963 - Their breakthrough came when their cover of Chan Romero's "Hippy Hippy Shake" went to #2 UK, (March, 1964)#24 US.
• Feb., 1966 - Terry Sylvester (Jan. 8, 1945 – ) of The Escorts replaced Ellis.
• June, 1968 - Sylvester joined The Hollies and the group hit the cabaret circuit.
• Hits include "It's Too Late Now"(June, 1963)#30 UK, "Good Golly Miss Molly"(March, 1964)#11 UK, (May, 1964)#43 US and "You're No Good"(June, 1964)#3 UK, (Aug., 1964)#97 US.

THE MERSEYBEATS

• Soft rock quartet formed in Liverpool, England originally as a duo called The Mavericks (Billy Kinsley and Tony Crane).
• Consisting of singer/guitarist Tony Crane, bassist/singer Billy Kinsley, drummer John Banks and guitarist Aaron Williams.
• Became regulars at The Cavern Club.
• Feb., 1964 - Kinsley quit briefly when he married, replaced by Johnny Gustavson (ex-The Big Three).
• Jan., 1966 - Disbanded, with the two vocalists Crane and Kinsley forming a duo called The Merseys.
• 1988 - Banks died in Liverpool.
• British hits include "It's Love That Really Counts"(Sept., 1963) #24, "Don't Turn Around"(April, 1964)#13, "Wishin' And Hopin'" (July, 1964)#13 and "I Love You Yes I Do"(Oct., 1965)#22.
• The Merseys only charted British hit was "Sorrow"(April, 1966)#4.

SWINGING LONDON

As Liverpool's initial notoriety as the new mecca for British rock grew, several new London bands like The Dave Clark Five jumped on the highly marketable pop/rock bandwagon. However, the great majority of London groups featured strong R&B and blues influences. Competition with Liverpool was definitely out of the question. London's white blues bands considered themselves much more sophisticated and legitimate. After all, London was the centre of everything British.

The club scene was at its peak and now with all eyes focussed on British music thanks to The Beatles, London's rock community braced itself for world attention. New hard-core rock venues such as The Marquee (Waldour Street) and The Crawdaddy served up tasty music menus featuring far out groups like The Who, The Pretty Things and Manfred Mann.

As America became enamoured of British pop culture, it became obvious that almost anything remotely British could be packaged and marketed successfully. British fads, fashions, hairstyles, art and especially beat music dominated the international market. The fashion industry in particular enjoyed considerable attention and almost overnight a previously obscure row of tiny boutiques situated on London's Carnaby Street became the epitome of everything mod. Designer Mary Quant created the mini skirt and a pencil thin model nicknamed Twiggy, attired in a mini dress emblazoned with a Union Jack motif skyrocketed to fame as one of the world's most sought after models. Pop art and geometric art came into vogue. Edwardian styled clothes for the male was a hot new idea. Almost everything complimented and promoted the British music industry.

The Liverpool sound was easily identifiable with its strong vocal harmonies and pop/rock platform, but the eclectic London beat scene presented a much wider variety of styles and sounds. Each band or artist projected a distinct image and attitude attributed to their specific music style. Although the majority of the London groups displayed R&B roots, it would be quite difficult to pinpoint any other factors leading to a truly distinct London sound.

MAJOR LONDON GROUPS

ADAM FAITH & THE ROULETTES

• Adam Faith (Terence Nelhams) (June 23, 1940 - March 8, 2003)
• Singer/actor/producer/manager born in Acton, London, England.
• 1956 - Formed The Worried Men skiffle group.
• 1958 - Went solo, signed by Jack Good, recording 2 unsuccessful singles.
• 1959 - Joined the cast of the British pop TV show, "Drumbeat."
• Nov., 1959 - Faith became an integral part of the British music scene when his recording of "What Do You Want" went to #1 UK. It was covered in the U.S. by Bobby Vee.
• Many of his songs were written by singer/songwriter/manager Chris Andrews.
• 1962-Oct., 1965 - His backup group The Roulettes featured future rock singer/songwriter Russ Ballard (later co-founder of Argent).
• Jan., 1965 - Faith's recording of "It's Alright" went to #31 US.
• Film appearances include "Never Let Go"(1960), "Mix Me A Person" (1962), "What A Wopper" and "Beat Girl"(1962).
• Faith discovered songstress Sandie Shaw, produced Roger Daltry's first solo album and managed Leo Sayer.
• 1971 - Starred as the perpetual loser in the British TV series, "Budgie."
• 1974 - Co-starred with David Essex in the film, "Stardust."
• 1986 - Underwent open-heart surgery.
• 1991 - Starred with Zoe Wannamaker in the British TV hit, "Love Hurts."
• Hits include "Poor Me"(Jan., 1960)#1 UK, "The First Time"(Sept., 1963)#5 UK, "Message To Martha"(Nov., 1964)#12 UK and "Talk About Love"(April, 1965)#97 US.

THE ROLLING STONES

• Mick Jagger (Michael Philip Jagger) (July 26, 1943 – )
• Singer/songwriter/harmonica player/actor born in Dartford, Kent, England.
• Keith Richards (Dec. 18, 1943 – )
• Guitarist/singer/songwriter born in Dartford, Kent, England.
• Brian Jones (Lewis Brian Hopkins-Jones) (Feb. 28, 1944 - July 2, 1969)
• Guitarist/harmonica player born in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, England.
• Bill Wyman (William Perks) (Oct. 24, 1941 – )
• Bassist born in Lewisham, London, England.
• Charlie Watts (Charles Robert Watts) (June 2, 1941 – )
• Drummer born in London, England.
• Another early member was pianist Ian Stewart (1938 - Dec. 12, 1985) who later became their road manager.
• July 12, 1962 - Jammed together at The Marquee Club.
• Late 1962 - Built their reputation at The Station Hotel in Richmond, Surrey.
• Early 1963 - Spent an 8 month residency at the Crawdaddy Club in Richmond, Surrey, where they were seen by Andrew Loog Oldham on April 21, 1963.
• April 29, 1963 - Signed a management contract with Andrew Loog Oldham (1944 – ) and got picked up by Decca Records.
• Their early material consisted mostly of covers of American R&B recordings.
• The two main songwriters, Jagger & Richards also wrote under the pseudonym Nanker Phelge.
• July, 1963 - Their recording of Chuck Berry's "Come On" went to #21 UK.
• 1963 - Recorded their version of Lennon/McCartney's "I Wanna Be Your Man."
• They became the biggest commercial rivals of The Beatles. Their rebellious "bad boys" image was in complete contrast to the Beatles clean-cut persona.
• June 3, 1964-June 20, 1964 - First American tour.
• During the late 1960's, the group experimented with psychedelia and sitar music, later returning to their hard edge rock and roll roots.
• July 2, 1969 - Brian Jones was found dead in his swimming pool. He was replaced by guitarist Mick Taylor (Jan. 17, 1948 – ).
• Dec. 6, 1969 - 300,000 people attended a Stones concert with Jefferson Airplane and Ike & Tina Turner at Altamont Speedway in Santa Clara, California. One spectator, 18 year old Meredith Hunter was stabbed to death by a member of The Hell's Angels and the event turned into a fiasco. It was released as a film, "Gimme Shelter"(1970).
• July, 1970 - Their unreleasable "Cocksucker Blues" was delivered to Decca as the final fulfilment of their contractual obligations. The storyline involved a London schoolboy's sexual encounters with a policeman. It appeared as a bootleg 45 in the late 1960's.
• 1971 - Formed their own label, Sticky Fingers. John Pasche designed the now famous red lapping tongue logo first used on the "Sticky Fingers" album package which was used on all subsequent Stones merchandising. The album featured the classic song, "Sister Morphine" and the revolutionary cover sported a blue jean crotch and a real zipper.
• 1974 - Taylor resigned and was replaced by ex-Faces guitarist Ron Wood (June 1, 1947 – ).
• Feb., 1986 - Awarded The Lifetime Achievement Grammy Award.
• Dubbed "The World's Greatest Rock And Roll Band."
• 1989 - Inducted into The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame.
• 1989 - Their Steel Wheels Tour grossed over $100 million, a world record for any tour, anywhere to date.
• Oct. 15, 1996 - "The Rolling Stones Rock And Roll Circus" video and CD (recorded in 1968) were released.
• 1996 - To date, the group racked up 33 gold and 15 platinum albums.
• 2002 - The double album compilation, "40 Licks" was released.
• Hits include "Not Fade Away"(Feb., 1964)#3 UK, (May, 1964)#48 US, "It's All Over Now"(July, 1964)#1 UK, (Aug., 1964)#26 US, "Little Red Rooster"(Nov., 1964)#1 UK, "The Last Time"(March, 1965)#1 UK, (April, 1965)#9 US, "Satisfaction"(Aug., 1965)#1 UK, (June, 1965) #1-4 wks. US, "Get Off My Cloud"(Oct., 1965)#1 UK, #1-2 wks. US, "Paint It Black"(May, 1966)#1 UK, #1-2 wks. US, "Ruby Tuesday" (Jan., 1967)#3 UK, (Feb., 1967)#1 US, "Jumpin' Jack Flash"(May, 1968)#1 UK, (June, 1968)#3 US, "Honky Tonk Women"(July, 1969)#1 UK, #1-4 wks. US, "Brown Sugar"(April, 1971)#2 UK, (May, 1971)#1- 2 wks. US, "Tumblin' Dice"(April, 1972)#5 UK, (May, 1972)#7 US, "Angie"(Sept., 1973)#5 UK, #1 US, "Miss You"(June, 1978)#3 UK, #1 US, "Beast Of Burden"(Sept., 1978)#8 US, "Emotional Rescue"(July, 1980)#9 UK, #3 US, "Start Me Up"(Aug., 1981)#7 UK, #2 US, "Hang Fire"(April, 1982)#2 US, "Undercover Of The Night"(Nov., 1983)#9 US, "Harlem Shuffle"(March, 1986)#5 US and "One Hit To The Body" (June, 1986)#28 US.

THE DAVE CLARK FIVE

• Dave Clark (Dec. 15, 1942 – )
• Drummer/songwriter/producer born in Tottenham, London, England.
• Mike Smith (Dec. 12, 1943 – )
• Singer/keyboardist/songwriter born in Edmonton, London, England.
• Denis West Payton (Aug. 8, 1943 – )
• Saxophonist/guitarist born in Walthamstow, London, England.
• Lenny Davidson (Leonard Davidson) (May 30, 1944 – )
• Guitarist born in Enfield, London, England.
• Richard Huxley (Aug. 5, 1942 – )
• Bassist born in Dartford, Kent, England.
• 1958 - Formed by Clark originally as backup band for singer Stan Saxon.
• June, 1962 - Their debut release was "That's What I Said."
• 1963 - They won the Mecca Gold Cup Award as the best band in Tottenham.
• Nov., 1963 - Their recording of "Glad All Over" went to #1 UK, (March, 1964)#6 US. It sold two and a half million globally.
• Smith and Clark wrote much of their material.
• The group popularized a shirt style featuring a dentist's collar.
• Their music, often dubbed The Tottenham Sound featured a droning sax and a pounding drum sound heightened by the band stomping on wooden platforms in the studio.
• July, 1965 - Starred in the film, "Having A Wild Weekend" (also titled "Catch Us If You Can").
• 1971 - Disbanded.
• Hits include "Bits And Pieces"(Feb., 1964)#2 UK, (April, 1964)#4 US, "Can't You See That She's Mine"(May, 1964)#10 UK, (June, 1964)#4 US, "Because"(Aug., 1964)#3 US, "Catch Us If You Can" (July, 1965)#5 UK, (Sept., 1965)#4 US, "Over And Over"(Nov., 1965)#45 UK, #1 US and "Try Too Hard"(April, 1966)#12 US.

PETER & GORDON

• Peter Asher (June 22, 1944 – )
• Singer/guitarist/producer from London, England.
• Gordon Waller (June 4, 1945 – )
• Singer born in Braemaer, Scotland.
• Vocal duo with a folk base.
• Debuted at The Pickwick Club in London.
• Signed by EMI recording manager Norman Newell.
• Asher's sister Jane Asher was dating Paul McCartney and the duo was offered several Lennon/McCartney songs including "A World Without Love" which had been rejected by Billy J. Kramer.
• March, 1964 - Their recording of "A World Without Love" went to #1 UK, (May, 1964)#1 US.
• Many of their hits including "Nobody I Know"(June, 1964)#10 UK, (July, 1964)#12 US and "I Don't Want To See You Again"(Oct., 1964)#16 US were Lennon/McCartney songs.
• Feb. 8, 1967 - Dissolved their singing partnership.
• 1968 - Asher became the head of A&R for The Beatles' new Apple label.
• By the 1970's, Asher was a respected record producer, his major clients being Linda Ronstadt and James Taylor.
• Hits include "I Go To Pieces"(Jan., 1965)#9 US, "True Love Ways" (April, 1965)#2 UK, (May, 1965)#14 US and "Woman"(Feb., 1966)#28 UK, (March, 1966)#14 US.
• Recommended track - "Five Hundred Miles"(1964).

THE KINKS

• 1961 - Rock quartet formed by 4 art students in Muswell Hill, London, England.
• Ray Davies (Raymond Douglas Davies) (June 21, 1944 – )
• Singer/songwriter/guitarist/leader born in Muswell Hill, London, England. His nickname was "Dippity Doo."
• Dave Davies (David Russell Gordon Davies) (Feb. 3, 1947 – )
• Lead guitarist/vocalist brother of Ray Davies born in Muswell Hill, London, England.
• Mick Avory (Michael Charles Avory) (Feb. 15, 1944 – )
• Drummer born in Hampton Court, Surrey, England.
• Peter Quaife (Dec. 31, 1944 – )
• Bassist born in Tavistock, Devonshire, England.
• Originally called The Ray Davies Quartet, The Ravens, The Bo-Weevils and finally The Kinks in 1963.
• The group's early sound was garage style rock, but later as Davies' composing talents blossomed, they developed a unique hybrid of rock featuring British Music Hall overtones.
• Jan., 1964 - Signed to Pye Records.
• Feb., 1964 - Recorded Little Richard's "Long Tall Sally."
• They became famous for their Edwardian look complete with hunting pink jackets, white ruffled shirts and shoulder length hair.
• Early recordings were produced by American, Shel Talmy.
• Their third single, "You Really Got Me"(Aug., 1964)#1 UK, (Oct., 1964)#7 US, featuring Dave Davies' fuzztone guitar influenced the sound of every hard rock guitarist and became a mainstay of rock in general.
• Blacklisted by the US music industry for 4 years after a fight between Ray Davies and a TV union representative for The Dick Cavett Show.
• 1966 - Ray Davies suffered a nervous breakdown.
• 1967 - Ray Davies had a solo British hit with "Death Of A Clown."
• 1968 - Quaife was replaced by John Dalton (May 21, 1943 – ).
• 1973 - Formed the Konk label.
• One of the most influential rock groups of the 1960's.
• Jan. 22, 1983 - Chrissie Hynde of The Pretenders gave birth to Ray Davies' daughter Natalie.
• Jan. 17, 1990 - The Kinks are inducted into The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame.
• In the 1990's, Ray Davies toured as a solo artist.
• Hits include "All Day And All Of The Night"(Oct., 1964)#2 UK, (Jan., 1965)#7 US, "Tired Of Waiting"(Jan., 1965)#1 UK, (March, 1965)#6 US, "A Well Respected Man"(Jan., 1966)#13 US, "Dedicated Follower Of Fashion"(March, 1966)#4 UK, (June, 1966)#36 US, "Sunny Afternoon"(June, 1966)#1 UK, (Aug., 1966)#14 US, "Waterloo Sunset"(May, 1967)#2 UK, "Lola"(July, 1970)#2 UK, (Sept., 1970)#9 US, "Superman"(April, 1979)#41 US and "Come Dancing"(Aug., 1983) #12 UK, (May, 1983)#6 US.

THE YARDBIRDS

• Keith Relf (March 22, 1943 - May 14, 1976)
• Singer/harmonica player born in Richmond, Surrey, England.
• Chris Dreja (Nov. 11, 1945 – )
• Rhythm guitarist born in Surbiton, Surrey, England.
• Paul "Sam" Samwell-Smith (May 8, 1943 – )
• Bassist/keyboardist/producer born in Twickenham, London, England.
• Anthony "Top" Topham (1947 – )
• Lead guitarist born in England.
• Jim McCarty (July 25, 1943 – )
• Drummer born in Liverpool, England.
• 1963 - Formed as The Metropolitan Blues Quartet at Kingston Art School.
• Oct., 1963 - Topham was replaced by guitarist Eric Clapton (March 30, 1945 – ) from Ripley, Surrey, England.
• Originally their repertoire relied heavily on the Chess, Checker and VeeJay R&B catalogues. Later, they began writing their own material.
• 1963 - Took over The Rolling Stones residency as the house band at the legendary Crawdaddy Club in Richmond, Surrey.
• Nov., 1964 - Their recording of "Good Morning Little School Girl" went to #44 UK.
• March, 1965 - Clapton quit, stating that the group was moving away from its blues base and becoming too commercial.
• March 27, 1965 - Another phenomenal guitarist, Jeff Beck (June 24, 1944 – ) from Surrey, England joined.
• June, 1966 - Samwell-Smith quit to concentrate on producing. Dreja switched to bass and the incomparable Jimmy Page (Jan. 9, 1944 – ) from Heston, Middlesex was added as second guitarist.
• Dec., 1966 - Beck quit, leaving Page as lead guitarist.
• May, 1967 - Appeared in the film, "Blow Up."
• July, 1968 - Disbanded with Page forming The New Yardbirds (Led Zeppelin).
• May 14, 1976 - Relf died of electric shock at his home.
• Jan. 15, 1992 - Inducted into The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame.
• In retrospect, The Yardbirds gave rock three of its finest guitarists and served as the prototype guitar dominated band.
• Hits include "For Your Love"(March, 1965)#3 UK, (June, 1965)#6 US, "Heart Full Of Soul"(June, 1965)#2 UK, (Aug., 1965)#9 US, "Shapes Of Things"(March, 1966)#3 UK, (April, 1966)#11 US, "Over Under Sideways Down"(June, 1966)#10 UK, (July, 1966)#13 US and "Happenings Ten Years Time Ago"(Oct., 1966)#43 UK, (Dec., 1966) #30 US.

THE WHO

• Pete Townshend (Peter Dennis Blandford Townshend) (May 19, 1945 – )
• Lead guitarist/singer/songwriter born in Chiswick, London, England.
• Roger Daltrey (Roger Harry Daltrey) (March 1, 1945 – )
• Singer/songwriter born in Hammersmith, London, England.
• John Entwistle (John Alec Entwistle) (Oct. 9, 1945 - June 27, 2002)
• Bassist/songwriter born in Chiswick, London, England.
• Keith Moon (Aug. 23, 1947 - Sept. 7, 1978)
• Drummer/songwriter from Wembley, London, England.
• Originally known as The Detours, later publicist/songwriter Peter Meaden (1942 - Aug. 7, 1978) put them in mod clothes and renamed them The High Numbers (a mod term for style). Their first release, "I'm The Face," (written by Meaden) flopped. It resurfaced in April, 1980, hitting #49 UK.
• Nov., 1964 - Became The Who when Kit Lambert (1936-1981) and Chris Stamp took over management.
• They began incorporating experimental feedback and avant-garde sound effects into their style. Their violent stage shows often featured the complete demolition of their equipment. Each member was a study in theatrics from Daltry's mic swinging machismo and Townshend's windmill arm swings to Moon's comical antics.
• Jan., 1965 - "I Can't Explain" was released, not gaining momentum until the band's ballistic performance on the TV show, "Ready Steady Go." The disc immediately shot to #8 UK, yet reaching only #93 US.
• Success in America eluded the group until their devastating performance at The Monterey Pop Festival in June, 1967.
• May, 1969 - They released their rock opera, "Tommy." It was performed in its entirety on Dec. 9, 1972 at London's Rainbow Theatre and once in New York City.
• Aug. 16, 1969 - Appeared at The Woodstock Pop Festival.
• Jan. 1970 - Moon, a non driver, accidentally ran over and killed his chauffeur while trying to escape skinheads outside a bar.
• During the 1970's, each member released solo projects to varying degrees of success.
• 1975 - The film version of "Tommy" was released.
• Sept. 7, 1978 - Moon died of a drug overdose. He was replaced by Kenny Jones (Sept. 16, 1948 – ) of The Small Faces.
• 1979 - "Quadrophenia," their 1973 rock opera about mods and rockers became a movie.
• 1979 - The Who rocumentary, "The Kids Are Alright" was released.
• 1982 - Disbanded, reforming in 1985 for "Live Aid."
• 1990 - Inducted into The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame.
• 1993 - The stage version of "Tommy" opened at The St. James Theater on Broadway.
• Hits include "Anyway Anyhow Anywhere"(May, 1965)#10 UK, "My Generation"(Nov., 1965)#2 UK, (Jan., 1966)#74 US, "Substitute" (March, 1966)#5 UK, "Happy Jack"(Dec., 1966)#3 UK, (May, 1967)#24 US, "Pictures Of Lily"(April, 1967)#4 UK, (July, 1967)#51 US, "I Can See For Miles"(Oct., 1967)#10 UK, #9 US, "Pinball Wizard" (March, 1969)#4 UK, (May, 1969)#19 US, "The Seeker"(April, 1970) #19 UK, #44 US, "Won't Get Fooled Again"(July, 1971)#9 UK, (Aug., 1971)#15 US, "Squeeze Box"(Jan., 1976)#10 UK, #16 US and "You Better You Bet"(March, 1981)#9 UK, (April, 1981)#18 US.

MANCHESTER

Just thirty five miles north of Liverpool, the industrial city of Manchester was the base for an incredible number of beat groups. Like Liverpool, the Manchester sound consisted of strong pop vocal harmonies served over gritty guitar. Many of the local artists became world class entertainers.

THE HOLLIES

• Graham Nash (Feb. 2, 1942 – )
• Singer/songwriter/guitarist born in Blackpool, England.
• Allan Clarke (April 5, 1942 – )
• Singer/guitarist/songwriter born in Salford, England.
• Tony Hicks (Dec. 16, 1943 – )
• Singer/songwriter/guitarist born in Nelson, England.
• Bobby Elliott (Dec. 8, 1943 – )
• Drummer born in Burnley, England.
• Eric Haydock (Sept. 16, 1944 – )
• Bassist born in Burnley, England.
• 1959 - Clarke and Nash sang together as The Two Teens.
• 1962 - Rock quintet formed in Manchester as The Deltas, later becoming The Hollies (named after Buddy Holly).
• Feb., 1963 - Manager Tommy Sanderson brought the group to London for an audition resulting in a record contract with Parlophone.
• They became famous for their high pitched precision harmonies.
• By 1967, they had produced numerous hits including 4 million selling US singles.
• Dec., 1968 - Nash quit to form Crosby, Stills & Nash. He was replaced with Terry Sylvester (Jan. 8, 1945 – ).
• The Hollies continued well into the 1970's and enjoyed a brief comeback with Nash in the 1980's.
• Hits include "Searchin'"(Aug., 1963)#12 UK, "Stay"(Nov., 1963)#8 UK, "Just One Look"(Feb., 1964)#2 UK, (May, 1964)#98 US, "I'm Alive"(May, 1965)#1 UK, "Look Through Any Window"(Sept., 1965)#4 UK, (Jan., 1966)#32 US, "Bus Stop"(June, 1966)#5 UK, (Aug., 1966) #5 US, "Stop Stop Stop"(Oct., 1966)#2 UK, (Nov., 1966)#7 US, "On A Carousel"(Feb., 1967)#4 UK, (April, 1967)#11 US, "Carrie-Anne" (June, 1967)#5 UK, (July, 1967)#9 US, "He Ain't Heavy He's My Brother"(Oct., 1969)#3 UK, (Feb., 1970)#7 US and "Long Cool Woman In A Black Dress"(Sept., 1972)#2 UK, (July, 1972)#2 US.

FREDDIE & THE DREAMERS

• 1961 - Pop/rock quintet formed in Manchester, England featuring comic singer Freddie Garrity (Nov. 14, 1940 – ).
• Consisting of Garrity, bassist Pete Birrell (May 9, 1941 – ), multi-instrumentalist Roy Crewsdon (May 29, 1941 – ), drummer Bernard Dwyer (Sept. 11, 1940 – ) and guitarist Derek Quinn (May 24, 1942 – ).
• Novelty act brought to the forefront due to Garrity's zany antics and the promotion of a rather silly dance fad called The Freddie.
• June, 1963 - Released their debut single, reviving James Ray's "If You Gotta Make A Fool Of Somebody." It hit #3 UK.
• Dec., 1964 - Appeared in the film, "Every Day's A Holiday," retitled "Seaside Swingers" in the U.S.
• 1968 - After the group broke up, Garrity appeared in cabaret and starred in the British TV show, "Little Big Time."
• Hits include "I'm Telling You Now"(Aug., 1963)#2 UK, (March, 1965)#1-2 wks. US, "You Were Made For Me"(Nov., 1963)#3 UK, (May, 1965)#21 US and "Do The Freddie"(April, 1965)#18 US.

HERMAN'S HERMITS

• 1963 - Manchester pop/rock quintet formed featuring pop vocalist/ actor Peter Noone (Nov. 5, 1947 – ).
• Consisting of (Herman) Noone, bassist Karl Green (July 31, 1946 – ), rhythm guitarist Keith Hopwood (Oct. 26, 1946 – ), lead guitarist Derek "Lek" Leckenby (May 14, 1945 - June 5, 1994) and drummer Barry "Bean" Whitwam (July 21, 1946 – ).
• Originally called The Cyclones, later The Heartbeats with Noone using the name Peter Novak, finally settling on Herman's Hermits.
• Many of their recordings featured studio musicians Jimmy Page and John Paul Jones.
• More successful in the US than Britain, during 1965 alone they had 7 entries on the Billboard Hot 100.
• Their style was pure pop with the odd British Music Hall song thrown in for good measure. Many of their recordings were re-recorded versions of Harry Champion and George Formby hits.
• The key to the band's success was the popularity of teen heartthrob Noone.
• Film appearances include "When The Boys Meet The Girls"(1965) and "Hold On"(1966).
• 1970 - Noone went solo and the group disbanded, later briefly reforming in 1973.
• 1971 - Noone cut David Bowie's "Oh You Pretty Thing," which became a British hit.
• 1978 - Noone had a comeback of sorts with his new band, The Tremblers.
• Hits include "I'm Into Something Good"(Aug., 1964)#1 UK, (Nov., 1964)#13 US, "Mrs. Brown You've Got A Lovely Daughter"(April, 1965)#1-3 wks. US, "I'm Henry The Eighth I Am"(July, 1965)#1 US, "A Must To Avoid"(Dec., 1965)#6 UK, (Jan., 1966)#12 US, "Leaning On The Lamp Post"(April, 1966)#9 US and "There's A Kind Of Hush" (Feb., 1967)#7 UK, (March, 1967)#4 US.

WAYNE FONTANA & THE MINDBENDERS

• 1963 - Rock quartet formed in Manchester, England featuring singer/songwriter Wayne Fontana (Glyn Geoffrey Ellis) (Oct. 28, 1945 – ).
• Consisting of Fontana, Michael Eric Stewart Jr. (Jan. 20, 1945 – ) (lead guitar), Robert F. Lang (Jan. 10, 1946 – ) (bass) and Ric Rothwell (March 1, 1944 – ) (drums).
• Feb., 1965 - Their recording of "The Game Of Love" went to #2 UK, (March, 1965)#1 US.
• Oct. 31, 1965 - Fontana went solo and The Mindbenders continued as a trio, later appearing in the 1967 film, "To Sir With Love."
• Lang later became a member of Racing Cars 1976.
• Fontana's biggest solo hit was "Pamela Pamela"(Dec., 1966)#11 UK.
• The Mindbenders' hits included the classic "A Groovy Kind Of Love"(Jan., 1966)#2 UK, (April, 1966)#2 US.

OTHER MAJOR BRITISH GROUPS

THE ANIMALS/ERIC BURDON

• Eric Burdon (Eric Victor Burdon) (May 11, 1941 – )
• Singer born in Newcastle-On-Tyne, England.
• Alan Price (April 19, 1942 – )
• Keyboardist born in Fatfield County, Durham, England.
• Hilton Valentine (May 22, 1943 – )
• Guitarist born in North Shields, Northumberland, England.
• John Steel (Feb. 4, 1941 – )
• Drummer born in Gateshead County, Durham, England.
• Chas Chandler (Bryan James Chandler) (Dec. 18, 1938 - July 17, 1996)
• Bassist born in Heatton, Newcastle-On-Tyne, England.
• 1958 - R&B quintet formed in Newcastle-On-Tyne, England.
• Originally called The Alan Price Combo.
• 1962 - Became The Animals with the addition of Burdon.
• Began as the resident group at Club A Go-Go.
• Jan., 1964 - Moved to London where they played to packed houses.
• May, 1964 - Their debut single, "Baby Let Me Take You Home" went to #21 UK.
• June, 1964 - Their classic rendition of "The House Of The Rising Sun" went to #1 UK, (Aug., 1964)#1-3 wks. US. It was argued that a 4 1/2 minute recording would prevent air play.
• April, 1965 - Appeared in the film, "Pop Gear."
• May, 1965 - Price left to form The Alan Price Set, replaced by Dave Rowberry (Dec. 27, 1943 - June 7, 2003) of The Mike Cotton Sound.
• Feb., 1966 - Steel left, replaced by Barry Jenkins (Dec. 22, 1944 – ) of The Nashville Teens.
• Jan., 1967 - Burdon built a new lineup called Eric Burdon & The Animals retaining only Jenkins. They moved to California and began featuring music with psychedelic elements.
• June 16, 1967 - Appeared at The Monterey PopFestival.
• Chandler continued his career in management with clients like Jimi Hendrix and Slade.
• 1969 - Disbanded.
• March, 1970 - Burdon began recording with a 7 piece R&B unit called War. Later, War dissolved its partnership with Burdon and enjoyed a successful recording career (see Funk And The New R&B).
• 1974-1975 - Burdon formed the unsuccessful Eric Burdon Band.
• The original Animals reformed briefly in 1977 and 1983.
• 1986 - Burdon released his autobiography, "I Used To Be An Animal But I'm Alright Now."
• Jan., 1994 - The Animals are inducted into The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame.
• Animals hits include "I'm Crying"(Sept., 1964)#8 UK, (Oct., 1964) #19 US, "Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood"(Feb., 1965)#3 UK, (March, 1965)#15 US, "We've Gotta Get Out Of This Place"(July, 1965)#2 UK, (Sept., 1965)#13 US and "Don't Bring Me Down"(June, 1966)#6 UK, #12 US.
• Eric Burdon & The Animals hits include "When I Was Young"(June, 1967)#45 UK, (April, 1967)#15 US and "San Franciscan Nights" (Oct., 1967)#7 UK, (Aug., 1967)#9 US.

MANFRED MANN

• 1961 - Originally called The Mann-Hugg Blues Brothers featuring P. P. Jones.
• March 11, 1963 - Became the jazz/R&B quintet Manfred Mann named after keyboardist Manfred Mann (Michael Lubowitz) (Oct. 21, 1940 – ) and featuring singer/harmonica player Paul Jones (Paul Pond) (Feb. 24, 1942 – ). Other members included drummer Mike Hugg (Aug. 11, 1942 – ), bassist Tom McGuinness (Dec. 2, 1941 – ) and guitarist/alto saxophonist/flautist Mike Vickers (April 18, 1941 – ).
• They are said to have banded together in musical protest against "the prevailing pop music" dominating the charts.
• Their jazzy sound featured a unique vibes and sax combination, dominated by the rich throaty vocals of Paul Jones.
• March, 1963 - Debuted at London's Marquee Club.
• July, 1963 - Released their debut single, "Why Should We Not?"
• Jan., 1964 - They debuted their theme for British TV's pop show, "Ready Steady Go." It was the rhythmic "5-4-3-2-1."
• July, 1964 - Their uncharacteristic pop recording, "Do Wah Diddy Diddy," a cover of The Exciters' hit went to #1 UK, (Sept., 1964) #1-2 wks. US.
• Oct., 1964 - Released their debut album, "The Five Faces Of Manfred Mann."
• 1965 - Vickers left, replaced with horn players Lyn Dobson and Henry Lowther.
• April, 1966 - Jones went solo, replaced by Mike D'Abo (March 1, 1944 – ) of A Band Of Angels.
• Jones starred in the cult film, "Privilege"(1967). Solo British hits include "I've Been A Bad Bad Boy"(1967). In the 1980's, he formed The Blues Band with McGuinness.
• June, 1969 - Disbanded. A new configuration called Manfred Mann Chapter Three was formed featuring a brass section.
• Oct., 1969 - McGuiness formed McGuiness Flint.
• June, 1971 - Manfred Mann's Earth Band was formed.
• Feb., 1979 - Jones and McGuiness form The Blues Band. Recommended track from their debut album is "Green Stuff."
• Dec., 1982 - The Blues Band is defunct.
• Aug., 1986 - Manfred Mann's Earth band is defunct.
• Manfred Mann hits include "5-4-3-2-1"(Jan., 1964)#5 UK, "Hubble Bubble Toil And Trouble"(May, 1964)#11 UK, "Sha La La"(Oct., 1964)#3 UK, (Nov., 1964)#12 US, "Pretty Flamingo"(April, 1966)#1 UK, (July, 1966)#29 US and "The Mighty Quinn"(Jan., 1968)#1 UK, (March, 1968)#10 US.
• Manfred Mann's Earth Band hits include "Blinded By The Light" (Aug., 1976)#6 UK, (Dec., 1976)#1 US and "Spirit In The Night" (June, 1977)#40.

THE ZOMBIES

• 1962 - Rock quintet formed in St. Albans, Hertfordshire, England.
• Consisting of keyboardist/songwriter/harmonica player Rod Argent (June 14, 1945 – ), singer/guitarist Colin Blunstone (June 24, 1945 – ), drummer Hugh Grundy (March 6, 1945 – ), bassist Chris White (March 7, 1943 – ) and lead guitarist Paul Atkinson (March 19, 1946 – ) rounded out the group.
• Originally called The Sundowners, later The Mustangs.
• The group was noted for their material written in minor keys and the haunting breathy, jazzy vocals of Blunstone.
• Feb., 1966 - Appeared in the film, "Bunny Lake Is Missing."
• 1967 - Disbanded (note: several impostor groups later toured the revival circuit).
• June, 1968 - People's recording of "I Love You," written by White reaches #14.
• 1969 - Argent formed Argent with White as producer.
• The Zombies reformed in the late 1980's and released the "New World" album in 1991.
• Hits include "She's Not There"(Aug., 1964)#12 UK, (Oct., 1964)#2 US, "Tell Her No"(Feb., 1965)#42 UK, (Jan., 1965)#6 US and "Time Of The Season"(Feb., 1969)#3 US.

THE MOODY BLUES

• Denny Laine (Brian Arthur Hines) (Oct. 29, 1944 – )
• Guitarist/vocalist born in Jersey, England.
• Ray Thomas (Dec. 29, 1942 – )
• Flautist/vocalist born in Stourport-On-Severn, England.
• Mike Pinder (Dec. 27, 1942 – )
• Keyboardist/vocalist born in Birmingham, England.
• Clint Warwick (Clinton Eccles) (June 25, 1949 – )
• Bassist born in Birmingham, England.
• Graeme Edge (March 30, 1942 – )
• Drummer born in Rochester, Staffordshire, England.
• May, 1964 - Formed in Birmingham as an R&B outfit featuring a piano base and wailing harmony vocals.
• Aug., 1964 - Their first disc, "Lose Your Money" was unsuccessful.
• Dec., 1964 - Their recording of "Go Now" (originally recorded by Bessie Banks) went to #1 UK, (Feb., 1965)#10 US.
• Summer, 1966 - Laine and Warwick were replaced by vocalist/ guitarist Justin Hayward (David Justin Hayward) (Oct. 14, 1946 – ) born in Swindon, Wiltshire, England and bassist John Lodge (July 20, 1945 – ) born in Birmingham, England.
• Signed to the new British Decca subsidiary Deram.
• Dec., 1967 - Their first endeavour was the concept album, "Days Of Future Passed." It gave the group its first gold disc.
• The group's style had evolved into a unique form of orchestrated rock with psychedelic overtones. This basic formula ensured their popularity for the next three decades.
• 1968 - Released the classic psychedelic album, "In Search Of The Lost Chord," earning a second gold disc. They embarked on their first U.S. tour.
• Aug. 30, 1969 - Played at The Isle Of Wight Festival.
• 1969 - Arranged with Decca to form their own label, Threshold Records.
• 1971 - Laine left to join Paul McCartney & Wings.
• July, 1974 - They open their own studio in London, the first quadraphonic facility in the world.
• 1974 - Took time off to pursue individual projects, reuniting in 1978 for the "Octave" album.
• 1978 - Pinder was replaced by Patrick Moraz (June 24, 1948 – ) (former keyboardist with Yes), originally from Morges, Switzerland.
• March, 1985 - The group is presented with The Ivor Novello Award for Outstanding Contribution To British Music.
• The Moody Blues became an institution and exerted great influence on other groups such as Genesis and Yes.
• Hits include "Nights In White Satin"(Dec., 1967)#19 UK, (Aug., 1972)#2 US, "Tuesday Afternoon"(July, 1968)#24 US, "Ride My See- Saw"(Oct., 1968)#61 US, "Question"(May, 1970)#2 UK, #21 US, "The Story In Your Eyes"(Aug., 1971)#23 US, "Isn't Life Strange" (April, 1972)#29 US, "I'm Just A Singer (In A Rock And Roll Band)"(Feb., 1973)#36 UK, #12 US, "Gemini Dream"(June, 1981)#12 US, "The Voice"(Aug., 1981)#15 US and "Your Wildest Dreams" (April, 1986)#9 US.

THEM

• Van Morrison (George Ivan Morrison) (Aug. 31, 1945 – )
• Singer/songwriter/tenor saxophonist born in Belfast, Northern Ireland.
• 1963 - Archetypal garage band formed in Belfast, Northern Ireland.
• Consisting of singer Morrison, lead guitarist Billy Harrison (Oct. 14, 1942 – ), bassist Alan Henderson (Nov. 26, 1944 – ), pianist Jackie McAuley (Dec. 14, 1946 – ) and drummer Pat McAuley (March 17, 1944 – ).
• The McAuleys were brothers.
• 1964 - Moved to London, England.
• Their classic recording of "Gloria" became a garage band classic, re-recorded by many artists including The Shadows Of Knight and the Doors.
• 1965 - The McAuleys quit and the band eventually becomes a series of musicians backing Morrison as Them.
• June, 1966 - Morrison went solo, signing with Bert Berns' Bang label, later creating a unique position for himself in the upper echelons of rock and garnering a huge cult following (see The Singer Songwriter).
• 1967 - Them reformed briefly with Belfast singer Ken McDowell.
• Hits include "Baby Please Don't Go"(Jan., 1965)#10 UK, "Here Comes The Night"(March, 1965)#2 UK, (May, 1965)#24 US, "Gloria" (May, 1965)#71 US and "Mystic Eyes"(Oct., 1965)#33 US.

THE SPENCER DAVIS GROUP

• 1963 - Rock/R&B quartet formed in Birmingham, England as The Rhythm And Blues Quartet.
• Consisting of rhythm guitarist/vocalist Spencer Davis (July 14, 1941 – ), keyboardist/vocalist/guitarist Steve Winwood (Stephen Philip Winwood) (May 12, 1948 – ), drummer Muff Winwood (Mervyn Winwood) (June 14, 1943 – ) and bassist Peter York (Aug. 15, 1942 – ).
• Steve and Muff Winwood are brothers. In 1962, both had been members of The Muff Woody Jazz Band.
• June, 1964 - Became The Spencer Davis Group.
• April, 1965 - The Spencer Davis Group made its film debut in "Pop Gear."
• Their first two hits, "Keep On Running" and "Somebody Help Me" were written by Anglo-Jamaican Jackie Edwards.
• The band was fueled by Winwood's incredibly high pitched soulful vocals.
• July, 1966 - Appeared in the film, "The Ghost Goes Gear."
• Nov., 1966 - NOTE: There are two versions of their classic "Gimme Some Lovin." The American version features female backup vocals. The British version does not.
• April, 1967 - Winwood left to form Traffic, later Blind Faith, then going solo (see Eighties Revue).
• The group continued recording with organist Eddie Hardin and guitarist Phil Sawyer, disbanding in 1969. They had one miner hit with the psychedelic "Time Seller"(Aug., 1967)#30 UK, (Sept., 1967)#100 US.
• Davis later became an A&R man with Island Records in New York City.
• Hits include "Keep On Running"(Dec., 1965)#1 UK, (March, 1966)#76 US, "Gimme Some Lovin'"(Nov., 1966)#2 UK, (Dec., 1966)#7 US, "Somebody Help Me"(March, 1966)#1 UK, (June, 1967)#47 US and "I'm A Man"(Jan., 1967)#9 UK, (March, 1967)#10 US.

THE SEEKERS

• See Folk Music

THE TROGGS

• 1964 - The ultimate garage band was formed in Andover, Hampshire, England as The Troglodydes.
• Consisting of Reg Ball (June 12, 1943 – ) (bass), Ronnie Bond (Ronald Bullis) (May 4, 1943 - Nov. 13, 1992) (drums), Tony Mansfield (guitar/vocals) and Dave Wright (guitar).
• Mansfield and Wright left, replaced by Pete Staples (May 3, 1944 – ) and Chris Britton (Jan. 21, 1945 – ).
• 1966 - Ball changed his name to Reg Presley, became lead singer and the group became The Troggs.
• Feb., 1966 - Their first single, "Lost Girl" flopped.
• May, 1966 - Their classic recording of "Wild Thing" (originally recorded in the U.S. by Jordan Christopher & The Wild Ones), written by Chip Taylor went to #2 UK, (June, 1966)#1-2 wks. US.
• The group assaulted the ear with raw, hard driving, hook-laden rock dominated by the searing vocals of the charismatic Presley who also played ocarina and wrote songs.
• 1969 - Bassist Tony Murray replaced Staples.
• The group continued well into the 1990's, sounding fresher than ever.
• June, 1994 - Wet Wet Wet had a hit with The Troggs' "Love Is All Around."
• Hits include "With A Girl Like You"(July, 1966)#1 UK, (Aug., 1966)#29 US, "I Can't Control Myself"(Sept., 1966)#2 UK, (Oct., 1966)#43 US and "Love Is All Around"(Oct., 1967)#5 UK, (Feb., 1968)#7 US.
• Other notable recordings of "Wild Thing" include Jimi Hendrix's live version, a hard rock version by Fancy (June, 1974)#14 and an interesting re-recording by Reg Presley and Suzi Quatro (1986).

THE SMALL FACES

• 1965 - Rock quartet formed in London, England..
• Consisting of Steve Marriott (Jan. 30, 1947 - April 20, 1991) (guitar), Ian McLagen (May 12, 1945 – ) (organ), Ronnie "Plonk" Lane (Ronald Frederick Lane) (April 1, 1946 - June 4, 1997) (bass) and Kenny Jones (Sept. 16, 1948 – ) (drums).
• Marriott and Lane wrote most of their material.
• One of the premier mod bands, famous for their helmet haircuts.
• They later incorporated psychedelia into their sound.
• Oct., 1968 - Released their third and final album, the impressive "Ogden's Nut Gone Flake," a sort of cockney "Sgt. Pepper." The original pressing was in round packaging shaped like a tobacco tin.
• Jan., 1969 - Made their American debut at The Fillmore in New York.
• Feb., 1969 - Marriott formed Humble Pie and the remaining members eventually evolved into Faces, backing Rod Stewart.
• March, 1969 - Disbanded.
• 1977-1978 - Reunited.
• Sept. 7, 1978 - Jones joined The Who after the death of Keith Moon.
• April 20, 1991 - Marriott died in a fire in Arkeston, England.
• June 4, 1997 - Lane died after a long battle with multiple sclerosis.
• Hits include "Whatcha Gonna Do About It"(Sept., 1965)#14 UK, "Sha La La La Lee"(Feb., 1966)#3 UK, "All Or Nothing"(Aug., 1966)#1 UK, "Itchycoo Park"(Aug., 1967)#3 UK, (Nov., 1967)#16, "Tin Soldier"(Dec., 1967)#9 UK, (March, 1968)#73 and "Lazy Sunday" (April, 1968)#2 UK.

CREAM

• See The Summers Of Love

THE BEE GEES

• Barry Gibb (Sept. 1, 1946 – )
• Singer/songwriter/guitarist born in Douglas, Isle Of Man.
• Robin Gibb (Dec. 22, 1949 – )
• Singer/songwriter born in Douglas, Isle Of Man.
• Maurice Gibb (Dec. 22, 1949 - Jan. 12, 2003)
• Singer/songwriter/bassist/keyboardist born in Douglas, Isle Of Man.
• 1956 - The 3 brothers began performing in Manchester, England.
• 1958 - The family moved to Australia.
• 1960 - They starred in their own half hour TV show broadcast from Brisbane, Australia.
• 1962 - Their first composition was "Let Me Love You."
• Jan., 1963 - Their recording of "Wine And Women" went to #10 in Australia.
• Jan., 1967 - Their breakthrough recording, "Spicks And Specks" went to #1 in Australia.
• Feb. 24, 1967 - Signed a 5 year contract with Robert Stigwood and in March, added drummer Colin Petersen (March 24, 1946 – ). Also recruited guitarist Vince Melouney (Aug. 18, 1945 - ).
• April, 1967 - Their recording of "New York Mining Disaster" went to #12 UK, (June, 1967)#14 US.
• Early Bee Gees recordings were mostly ballads featuring close harmony vocals. Some of their material caused them to be mistaken for The Beatles. Their whispery vibrato vocal style was much imitated.
• All their material was self penned.
• Dec. 1, 1968 - Melouney quit and Petersen was fired in Sept., 1969.
• March, 1969 - Robin went solo.
• April 18, 1969 - Maurice married singer Lulu with Robin as best man. They separated in 1973.
• Jan., 1971 - Reunited.
• Dec., 1977 - They rode the disco craze back to success when their songs were featured in the hit movie, "Saturday Night Fever." The soundtrack album sold over 30 million copies worldwide.
• Oct., 1980 - Barbra Streisand's album, "Guilty," a collaboration with Barry Gibb featured the top hits "Woman In Love," "Guilty" and "What Kind Of Fool," the latter two being spectacular Streisand/Gibb duets.
• Oct., 1982 - Dionne Warwick's glorious hit recording, "Heartbreaker" is a Bee Gees collaboration.
• Aug., 1983 - Wrote Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton's #1 hit, "Islands In The Stream."
• March 10, 1988 - Younger brother Andy Gibb, who had enjoyed a very successful solo career between 1977 and 1981 died of an inflammatory heart virus in Oxford, England at age 30.
• June 1, 1994 - Inducted into The Songwriters Hall Of Fame.
• 1997 - Inducted into The Brit Awards Hall Of Fame.
• May 6, 1997 - Inducted into The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame.
• Jan. 12, 2003 - Maurice died of a heart attack following surgery for an intestinal condition.
• Hits include "To Love Somebody"(July, 1967)#41 UK, #17 US, "Massachusetts"(Sept., 1967)#1 UK, (Nov., 1967)#11 US, "Words" (Jan., 1968)#8 UK, (Feb., 1968)#15 US, "I've Gotta Get A Message To You"(Aug., 1968)#1 UK, (Sept., 1968)#8 US, "I Started A Joke" (Jan., 1969)#6 US, "Lonely Days"(Dec., 1970)#33 UK, #3 US, "How Can You Mend A Broken Heart"(July, 1974)#1-4 wks. US, "Jive Talkin'"(June, 1975)#5 UK, #1-2 wks. US, "You Should Be Dancing" (July, 1976)#5 UK, #1 US, "How Deep Is Your Love"(Oct., 1977)#3 UK, #1-3 wks. US, "Stayin' Alive"(Dec., 1977)#1-4 wks. US, (Feb., 1978)#4 UK, "Night Fever"(Feb., 1978)#1-8 wks. US, (April, 1978) #1 UK, "Too Much Heaven"(Nov., 1978)#3 UK, #1-2 wks. US, "Tragedy"(Feb., 1979)#1 UK, #1-2 wks. US and "One"(July, 1989)#7 US.

BRITISH MALE VOCALISTS

TOM JONES

• Thomas Jones Woodward (June 7, 1940 – )
• Singer born in Pontypridd, Mid Glamorgan, Wales.
• 1951-1953 - Stricken with tuberculosis.
• 1957 - Began performing professionally as Tom Woodward.
• 1963 - Formed a band, Tommy Scott & The Senators.
• Later, the groups were named The Playboys, renamed The Squires.
• 1964 - Began his solo career in London, signing with Decca Records. Took the name Tom Jones and began performing dressed as the 18th century character Tom Jones complete with ponytail.
• His manager Gordon Mills who later handled Engelbert Humperdinck wrote his first major hit, "It's Not Unusual"(Feb., 1965)#1 UK, (April, 1965)#10 US with composer Les Reed. It would become his trademark song.
• May 2, 1965 - Made his American TV debut on CBS's "The Ed Sullivan Show."
• 1966 - Reinvented himself as the tuxedo clad icon, appealing to more mature, mostly female audience.
• His powerful voice and sexually aggressive stage persona made him a superstar in the U.S.
• 1968 - During his appearances at The Copacabana, women began the trend of throwing their keys and underwear onto the stage.
• 1969-1971 - Hosted his own U.S. TV variety series, taking up residency in California.
• Dec., 1988 - His recording of the Prince song, "Kiss" with Art Of Noise went to #31 US.
• 1996 - Appeared in the film, "Mars Attacks."
• Oct., 1997 - Business Age Magazine reported that Jones was the UK's third wealthiest rock star at $460 million.
• Jan. 1, 1999 - Awarded the O.B.E.
• 1999 - Released the "Reload" album featuring duets with contemporary artists.
• Hits include "What's New Pussycat"(Aug., 1965)#11 UK, (June, 1965)#3 US, "Green Green Grass Of Home"(Nov., 1966)#1 UK, (Dec., 1966)#11 US, "Delilah"(Feb., 1968)#2 UK, (March, 1968)#15 US, "Help Yourself"(July, 1968)#5 UK, (Aug., 1968)#35 US, "Love Me Tonight"(May, 1969)#9 UK, #13 US, "I'll Never Fall In Love Again" (July, 1969)#6 US, "Daughter Of Darkness"(April, 1970)#5 UK, (May, 1970)#13 US, "She's A Lady"(Jan., 1971)#13 UK, (Feb., 1971) #2 US "Say You'll Stay Until Tomorrow"(April, 1977)#40 UK, (Jan., 1977)#15 US and "Burning Down The House"(2000).

DONOVAN

• Donovan Phillips Leitch (May 10, 1946 – )
• Singer/songwriter/guitarist/harmonica player born in Maryhill, Glasgow, Scotland.
• 1956 - Age 10, his family moved to Hatfield near London, England.
• 1962 - Age 16, dropped out of college and roamed Britain as a folkie, playing small venues.
• Feb. 12, 1965 - Signed with Pye Records.
• March, 1965 - His folkie self-penned "Catch The Wind" went to #4 UK, (May, 1965)#23 US.
• Early in his career, he was accused of being a Bob Dylan clone.
• In the late 1960's, he developed a mystical Celtic flower power style which appealed to the hippie culture.
• Aug. 30, 1970 - Played at The Isle Of White Festival.
• 1970 - Returned to his acoustic format for "Open Road."
• Oct., 1970 - Married Brian Jones' former girlfriend Linda Lawrence.
• 1971 - Starred in the David Putnam film, "The Pied Piper."
• Feb., 1974 - Moved to California.
• 1977 - Retired, later attempting several comebacks.
• 1981 - Appeared at The Cambridge Folk Festival.
• His children, Donovan Leitch and Ione Skye became actors.
• Hits include "Sunshine Superman"(July, 1966)#1 US, (Dec., 1966)#3 UK, "Mellow Yellow"(Feb., 1967)#8 UK, (Nov., 1967)#2 US, "There Is A Mountain"(Oct., 1967)#8 UK, (Aug., 1967)#11 US, "Wear Your Love Like Heaven"(Nov., 1967)#23 US, "Jennifer Juniper"(Feb., 1968)#5 UK, (March, 1968)#26 US, "Hurdy Gurdy Man"(May, 1968)#4 UK, (June, 1968)#5 US, "Lalena"(Oct., 1968)#33 US and "Atlantis" (April, 1969)#7 US.
• Other self-penned songs include "Colours"(Aug., 1965)#61 US, "To Susan On The West Coast Waiting"(Feb., 1969)#35 US and "Season Of The Witch."

LONG JOHN BALDRY

• See Rock And Pop Of The Seventies - White Blues

ENGELBERT HUMPERDINCK

• Arnold George Dorsey (May 2, 1936 – )
• Singer born in Madras, India.
• 1947 - Moved to Leicester, England.
• 1958 - Began his professional singing career as Gerry Dorsey.
• 1965 - Tom Jones' manager Gordon Mills changed his name to Engelbert Humperdinck (after the composer of German operas) and signed him to his roster of stars.
• Jan., 1967 - His recording of "Release Me" went to #1 UK, (April, 1967)#4 US.
• His romantic ballads became the passion of middle aged women all over the world.
• Known affectionately by his fans as "The Hump."
• Hits include "There Goes My Everything"(May, 1967)#2 UK, (June, 1967)#20 US, "The Last Waltz"(Aug., 1967)#1 UK, (Sept., 1967)#25 US, "A Man Without Love"(April, 1968)#2 UK, (May, 1968)#19 US and "After The Lovin'"(Oct., 1976)#8 US.

BRITISH FEMALE VOCALISTS

PETULA CLARK

• Petula Sally Olwen Clark (Nov. 15, 1932 – )
• Singer/actress born in West Ewell, Surrey, England.
• 1941 - Began signing on radio.
• 1944 - Made her film debut in "A Medal For The General."
• Between the ages of 11 and 18, she appeared in more than 20 films.
• 1949 - Her debut single, "Put Your Shoes On Lucy" was released.
• 1950 - She won British TV's Most Outstanding Artist Award.
• 1954 - Signed with Polygon Records, later with Pye.
• 1954 - Her first British hit was "The Little Shoemaker."
• 1957 - Split from her long-time manager, her father Leslie Clark.
• Jan., 1961 - Her recording of "Sailor" went to #1 UK.
• After several hits in France (recording in French), she was awarded The Grand Prix Du Disque by the French Disc Academy.
• June 8, 1961 - Married Vogue Records executive Claude Wolff.
• 1962 - Her recording of "Ya Ya Twist" went to #1 in France.
• Most of her material was written by Tony Hatch (music director of Pye).
• Nov., 1964 - Her recording of "Downtown" went to #2 UK, (Dec., 1964)#1-2 wks. US. She became the first British female vocalist since Vera Lynn to top the American charts.
• April 8, 1968 - The NBC TV special, "Petula" premiered.
• Clark recorded in French, German, Italian and English.
• Starred in the films, "Finian's Rainbow"(1968) and "Goodbye Mr. Chips"(1969).
• Sold well over 30 million records during her career.
• 1993 - Appeared in the Broadway production of "Blood Brothers."
• Jan., 1996 - Starred as Norma Desmond in the stage musical, "Sunset Boulevard."
• Hits include "I Know A Place"(March, 1965)#17 UK, #3 US, "My Love"(Dec., 1965)#1-2 wks. US, (Feb., 1966)#4 UK, "I Couldn't Live Without Your Love"(June, 1966)#6 UK, (July, 1966)#9 US, "Colour My World"(Dec., 1966)#16 US, "This Is My Song"(Feb., 1967)#1 UK, (March, 1967)#3 US and "Don't Sleep In The Subway" (May, 1967)#12 UK, (June, 1967)#5 US.

DUSTY SPRINGFIELD

• Mary Catherine Isabel Bernadette O'Brien (April 16, 1939 - March 2, 1999)
• Singer born in Hampstead, London, England.
• Began as a member of The Lana Sisters vocal trio.
• 1960 - With her brother Tom Springfield (Dion O'Brien) (July 2, 1934 – ) and his partner Tim Field, formed the folk trio The Springfields.
• 1961 - The Springfields became Britain's top vocal group with hits like "Island Of Dreams" and "Say I Won't Be There."
• Sept., 1962 - Their recording of "Silver Threads And Golden Needles" went to #20 US.
• Sept. 24, 1963 - All three members went solo.
• May, 1964 - Released her debut album, "A Girl Called Dusty."
• Dec., 1964 - Deported from South Africa after refusing to play before segregated audiences.
• 1965-1967 - Voted Britain's Top Female Vocalist for 3 consecutive years.
• April, 1969 - Recorded her tour-de-force "Dusty In Memphis" album.
• Famous for her blonde beehive hairdos, heavy black eye makeup and incredibly soulful, reedy, breathy vocals.
• Nicknamed "The White Goddess Of Soul."
• 1972-1978 - Retired, later making several successful comebacks.
• 1980 - Retired briefly to Holland.
• 1983 - Released the rare "White Heat" album featuring the Carole Pope song, "Soft Core."
• Dec., 1987 - Her recording of "What Have I Done To Deserve This" with The Pet Shop Boys went to #2.
• 1987 - Recorded "Something In Your Eyes" with Richard Carpenter.
• 1994 - Diagnosed with breast cancer.
• June, 1995 - Released the satisfying "A Very Fine Love" album featuring strong country elements and accompanying vocals by Mary-Chapin Carpenter and Daryl Hall.
• Jan. 1, 1999 - Received an O.B.E.
• March 2, 1999 - Died after a long-time fight with breast cancer.
• March 15, 1999 - Inducted into The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame.
• 2001 - The definitive Springfield biography, "Dancing With Demons" by Vicki Wickham (her manager) and Penny Valentine was released.
• Burt Bacharach once stated that Springfield possessed a voice that "made the forearms tingle" and Jerry Wexler called her "The Ice Queen."
• Hits include "I Only Want To Be With You"(Nov., 1963)#4 UK, (Jan., 1964)#12 US, "Stay Awhile"(Feb., 1964)#13 UK, (March, 1964)#38 US, "Wishin' And Hopin'"(June, 1964)#6 US, "You Don't Have To Say You Love Me"(March, 1966)#1 UK, (May, 1966)#4 US, "All I See Is You"(Sept., 1966)#9 UK, #20 US, "Son Of A Preacher Man"(Nov., 1968)#10 US, (Dec., 1968)#9 UK, "The Windmills Of Your Mind"(May, 1969)#31 US and "A Brand New Me"(Nov., 1969)#24 US.

CILLA BLACK

• See The Epstein Roster Of Stars

LULU

• Marie McDonald McLaughlin Lawrie (Nov. 3, 1948 – )
• Singer/actress/songwriter born in Lennoxtown, North of Glasgow, Scotland.
• Her brother is songwriter Billy Lawrie.
• 1963 - Began singing with The Gleneagles, later changing their name to Lulu & The Luvers.
• 1963 - Marion Massey from London became her manager.
• May, 1964 - Her recording of "Shout" went to #7 UK, (Aug., 1964) #94 US.
• Because of her powerful, husky pipes, she was nicknamed "The Lassie With The Leather Lungs."
• March, 1966 - Split with The Luvers.
• March, 1966 - Became the first British girl singer to perform behind the Iron Curtain in Poland.
• 1967 - Starred with Sidney Poitier in the film, "To Sir With Love."
• Sept., 1967 - Her recording of "To Sir With Love" went to #1-5 wks. US, selling over 2 million and winning the R.I.A.A. Gold Disc Award.
• 1968 - Hosted her own British TV show.
• April 18, 1969-1973 - Married to Maurice Gibb of The Bee Gees.
• During the early 1970's, recorded on David Bowie's Chelsea label, releasing a satisfying version of Bowie's "The Man Who Sold The World"(Feb., 1974)#3 UK.
• 1976 - Married hairdresser John Frieda.
• Later, appeared in several London stage shows.
• June., 1993 - Appeared with Soul Asylum performing "To Sir With Love" in an unplugged TV special.
• 2002 - Released the duets album, "Together."
• Hits include "Leave A Little Love"(June, 1965)#8 UK, "The Boat That I Row"(April, 1967)#6 UK, "Me The Peaceful Heart" (Feb., 1968)#9 UK, (March, 1968)#53 US, "Oh Me Oh My"(Nov., 1969)#47 UK, (Dec., 1969)#22 US and "I Could Never Miss You (More Than I Do)" (Aug., 1981)#18 US.

MARIANNE FAITHFULL

• (Dec. 29, 1946 – )
• Singer/actress/songwriter born in Hampstead, London, England.
• The daughter of Ava Sacher-Masoch, Baroness Erisso and Dr. Robert Glynn Faithfull, a professor at The University Of London.
• Discovered by Rolling Stones manager Andrew Loog Oldham.
• Aug., 1964 - Her recording of Jagger & Richards' "As Tears Go By" went to #9 UK, (Nov., 1964)#22 US.
• Toured with The Rolling Stones and had a scandalous affair with Mick Jagger.
• 1965-1970 - Married to artist John Dunbar.
• By 1966, her pop career was in limbo, her life in jeopardy several times due to her addiction to drugs. Jagger wrote "Wild Horses" for her.
• May, 1968 - Starred with Alain Delon in the film, "Girl On A Motor Cycle."
• 1968 - Appeared in "The Rolling Stones Rock And Roll Circus" film, released commercially in 1996 on video and CD.
• July, 1969 - Treatment for heroin addiction.
• 1970 - Starred with Mick Jagger in the film, "Ned Kelly."
• Faithfull made several X-rated films and became a major topic in British tabloids.
• 1972-1976 - Drug recovery program.
• During the 1980's, her music career was revitalized. The shy, whispery Marianne Faithfull had been replaced by an earthy, avant-garde new wave poetess/chanteuse, famous for her recordings of "Working Class Hero" and the controversial "Why'd Ya Do It."
• 1987 - Her satisfying "Strange Weather" album featured remakes of the classic "Boulevard Of Broken Dreams" and her own hit, "As Tears Go By."
• Aug., 1994 - Released her autobiography, "Faithfull."
• Oct. 15, 1996 - "The Rolling Stones Rock And Roll Circus" video and album (recorded in 1968) were released featuring Faithfull.
• Other albums include "20th Century Blues"(1997), "Vagabond Ways" (2000) and "Kissin' Time"(2002).
• Hits include "Come And Stay With Me"(Feb., 1965)#4 UK, (March, 1965)#26 US, "Summer Nights"(July, 1965)#10 UK, (Sept., 1965)#24 US, "Broken English"(1979) and "The Ballad Of Lucy Jordan"(Nov., 1979)#48 UK.

SANDIE SHAW

• Sandra Goodrich (Feb. 26, 1947 – )
• Singer born in Dagenham, Essex, England.
• April, 1964 - Discovered by Adam Faith and signed by his manager Eve Taylor to Pye Records.
• Oct., 1964 - Her recording of "(There's) Always Something There To Remind Me" went to #1 UK, (Nov., 1964)#52 US.
• Nicknamed "The Barefoot Princess Of Pop" since she often performed without shoes.
• Many of her early hits were written by Chris Andrews.
• April 8, 1967 - Represented Britain at the Eurovision Song Contest in Vienna where she debuted and won with "Puppet On A String"(March, 1967)#1 UK.
• Her one time backup band The Paramounts later evolved into Procol Harum.
• March 6, 1968 - Married fashion designer/boutique owner Jeff Banks in London.
• After several retirements, returned to recording in the 1980's on the Rough Trade label including an adventurous recording of The Smiths' "Hand In Glove"(1984).
• Hits include "Girl Don't Come"(Dec., 1964)#3 UK, (March, 1965)#42 US, "Long Live Love"(May, 1965)#1 UK, (June, 1965)#97 US and "I'll Stop At Nothing"(Aug., 1965)#123 US

YANKS IN ENGLAND

When The British Invasion began, figuring turn about was fair play, several American acts took advantage of the situation and headed for England. There, they achieved success and eventually broke into the American market.

P. J. PROBY

• James Marcus Smith (Nov. 6, 1938 – )
• Singer/songwriter/actor born in Houston, Texas.
• 1952 - His sister dated Elvis Presley.
• 1955 - Moved to Hollywood, California.
• 1958 - As Jet Powers, worked as a demo artist for Elvis Presley.
• 1961 - Recorded on Liberty as Jet Powers and Orville Wood.
• 1964 - As P. J. Proby, brought to England by Jack Good where he caused a sensation when he appeared on a Beatles TV special.
• His outrageous vocal range and dramatic style combined with his sexy stage performances made him an overnight star. He was famous for his Edwardian clothes and ponytail tied in a bow.
• Nicknamed "The Thames-Side Texan."
• Feb. 1, 1965 - Banned from appearing at venues controlled by the ABC Theatre chain in Britain after splitting his skin-tight pants onstage several times during a package tour headlined by Cilla Black.
• Feb., 1967 - Declared bankruptcy in Los Angeles, California.
• 1970 - Appeared as Cassio in the London production of "Catch My Soul" (a rock opera based on "Othello").
• 1978 - Appeared in Jack Good's show, "Elvis."
• Attempted several unsuccessful comebacks in Britain.
• April, 1991 - Suffered a heart attack.
• Hits include "Hold Me"(May, 1964)#3 UK, (Sept., 1964)#70 US, "Together"(Sept., 1964)#8 UK, "Somewhere"(Dec., 1964)#6 UK, (Feb., 1965)#91 US and "Niki Hoeky"(Jan., 1967)#23 US.

THE WALKER BROTHERS

• Scott Walker (Noel Scott Engel) (Jan. 9, 1944 – )
• Singer/songwriter/bassist born in Hamilton, Ohio.
• John Walker (John Maus) (Nov. 12, 1943 – )
• Singer/guitarist born in New York City.
• Gary Walker (Gary Lane) (aka. Gary Leeds) (Sept. 3, 1944 – )
• Singer/drummer born in Glendale, California.
• They are not related.
• Engel was a protégé of Eddie Fisher and a session bassist in Hollywood, California working with Jack Nitzsche.
• As Gary Lane, Leeds had been bassist with The Standells.
• 1964 - Engel and Maus recorded as The Dalton Brothers.
• 1965 - The Walker Brothers were formed in Los Angeles, California, moving to England that same year where they became teen idols.
• Famous for their good looks and romantic ballads, they remained more successful in Britain than the U.S.
• May 3, 1967 - Disbanded amicably with each member going solo.
• 1976 - The group reformed, recording the album, "Lines" featuring the hit, "No Regrets."
• Hits include "Make It Easy On Yourself"(Aug., 1965)#1 UK, (Oct., 1965)#16 US, "My Ship Is Coming In"(Dec., 1965)#3 UK, (Jan., 1966)#63 US and "The Sun Ain't Gonna Shine Anymore"(March, 1966) #1 UK, (April, 1966)#13 US.

A SELECTED LISTING OF OTHER BRITISH INVASION HITS

• The Applejacks - "Tell Me When"(March, 1964)#7 UK.
• The Bachelors - "Diane"(Jan., 1964)#1 UK (April, 1964)#10 US.
• Chad & Jeremy - "A Summer Song"(Aug., 1964)#7 US.
• Georgie Fame & The Blue Flames - "Yeh Yeh"(Dec., 1964)#1 UK, (Feb., 1965)#2 US.
• The Fortunes - "You've Got Your Troubles"(July, 1965)#2 UK, (Aug., 1965)#7 US.
• The Honeycombs - "Have I The Right"(July, 1964)#1 UK, (Sept., 1964) #15 US.
• Jonathan King - "Everyone's Gone To The Moon"(July, 1965)#4 UK, (Sept., 1965)#17 US.
• The Nashville Teens - "Tobacco Road"(July, 1964)#6 UK, (Sept., 1964)#14 US.
• The New Vaudeville Band - "Winchester Cathedral"(Sept., 1966)#4 UK, (Oct., 1966)#1-3 wks. US.
• Brian Poole & The Tremeloes - "Someone Someone"(May, 1964)#2 UK, (Sept., 1964)#97 US.
• The Pretty Things - "Don't Bring Me Down"(Oct., 1964)#10 UK.
• Julie Rogers - "The Wedding"(Aug., 1964)#3 UK, (Nov., 1964)#10 US.
• Crispian St. Peters - "Pied Piper"(March, 1966)#5 UK, (June, 1966) #4 US.
• The Tremeloes - "Silence Is Golden"(April, 1967)#1 UK, (June, 1967) #11 US.
• The Unit Four Plus Two - "Concrete And Clay"(Feb., 1965)#1 UK, (May, 1965)#28 US.

ALSO SEE

• Chapter 15: Folk Music
• Chapter 24: American Rock And Pop Of The Sixties - American Artists With A British Sound
• Chapter 26: The Summers Of Love
• Chapter 31: Rock And Pop Of The Seventies - The Beatles Solo

BIBLIOGRAPHY