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| c. 1966 |
Born Roger Marsh, 1944
Bands:
The Bad Boys (1962 - Oct/Nov 1965)
The Quiet Five (late Dec 1965 - mid/late 1967)
[Band Name Unknown] (Winter 1968)
J.J. Jackson's Backing Band (c. early Spring 1968)
James And Bobby Purify (Spring 1968)
James And Bobby Purify (Spring 1968)
Melody Fair (c. late Spring 1968)
Simon K & The Meantimers (Summer 1968 - Spring 1970)
Gulf Stream (Session) (Autumn 1969)
Bagge (Spring 1970 - Autumn 1970)
Bagge (Spring 1970 - Autumn 1970)
Tommy Hunt Band (Autumn 1970 - early 1971, mid 1972 - mid 1973, c. late 1974 - 1976)
Tony Hazzard (Solo) (early Spring 1972 & August 1972)
White Plains (mid 1973 - late 1974)
Joe Brown And The Bruvvers (1978 - early 1980s)
Joe Brown And The Bruvvers (1978 - early 1980s)
Robin Box (Solo) (1982)
Pete Sayers And The Dixie Bluebirds (c. mid-1980s)
No Spring Chicken (c. 1988)
The Bad Boys (1962 to Oct/Nov 1965)
The Bad Boys were a beat group formed in Northolt, NW London in 1962. The group started out playing local youth clubs and village halls, eventually recording a single under the Piccadilly label called "The Owl And The Pussy Cat", released November of 1964. In 1965, the group emigrated to Italy, playing a residency gig at the Piper Club in Rome (a spot which had been previously occupied by another UK band, The Eccentrics, whose lineup included vocalist Mick Liddell and drummer John Kerrison). The Bad Boys then released a second single, a cover of the Bob Dylan classic "Mr. Tambourine Man", on the Pye Italy label. Roger Marsh exited the band and headed back to the UK around October/November of that year and was replaced by Bernie Martin. The band went on to record six more singles for Style Records. Guitarist Roger Dean joined the group in 1967, but by year's end the band would call it quits. Vocalist/guitarist Wally Scott went on to join future White Plains bassist Dave Kerr-Clemenson in the bands Merlin Q and Edison Lighthouse.
Members (1962 - Oct/Nov 1965):
Wally Scott - vocals, guitar
Ron Hanson - guitar
Tom Jordan - bass
Roger Marsh - drums (up to late 1965)
Bernie Martin - drums (from late 1965)
Alan Moorhouse - piano (studio only, 1964)
Roy Marsh - percussion (studio only, 1964)
Singles (UK):
"The Owl And The Pussy Cat" (Moorhouse, Lear) b/w "That's What I'll Do" (Seett), Piccadilly, 6 Nov 1964
Singles (Italy):
"Mr. Tambourine Man" (Dylan) b/w "Satisfaction" (Jagger, Richards), Pye Italy, 1965 [Double A-side]
Singles (UK):
"The Owl And The Pussy Cat" (Moorhouse, Lear) b/w "That's What I'll Do" (Seett), Piccadilly, 6 Nov 1964
Singles (Italy):
"Mr. Tambourine Man" (Dylan) b/w "Satisfaction" (Jagger, Richards), Pye Italy, 1965 [Double A-side]
Thanks to Tex Marsh for providing info.
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| 45 picture sleeve, 1965 L to R: Ron Hanson, Roger Marsh, Wally Scott, and Tom Jordan Pic from 45cat.com |
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| L to R: Ron Hanson, Tom Jordan, Roger Marsh, and Wally Scott Photo courtesy of Tex Marsh |
The Quiet Five (late Dec 1965 to mid/late 1967)
The Quiet Five were a British beat group formed in 1964 out of Paddington band The Vikings (formerly known as The Trebletones). The Vikings (formed in 1961) had worked as a backing band for various artists and served as support act for The Beatles when they played the Romford Odeon in 1963. The group recorded two tracks for Producer Curly Clayton, "Sleepwalk" and "Valhalla". The track "Sleepwalk" was eventually released over a year later under the group name The Gemini and backed with the Curly Clayton track "Goodbye Joe". The original band lineup consisted of lead guitarist Roger McKew, rhythm guitarist Kris Ife, guitarist John Howell, bassist Len Hooker, and drummer Ray Hailey. Kris Ife was temporarily replaced by singer Dean Jarrett (aka Alan Smith). Soon after Kris's return, Len Hooker left the group and was replaced by bassist Phil Leavesley. Soon Dean Jarrett decided to leave the music world behind, leaving the vocal duties once again to Kris and John.
In late 1963, The Vikings joined singer Patrick Dane, replacing his former backing band who were called The Quiet 5. John Howell then switched to piano/organ, Richard Barnes then replaced Phil Leavesley on bass, and Satch Goswell was added on saxophone. After leaving Dane in 1964, the group retained the name (despite there actually being six members, not five as the name suggests) and were signed to Parlophone Records. The group (now spelled Quiet Five) released a handful of singles between early 1965 and mid-1966. Their first single "When The Morning Sun Dries The Dew", which was written by Kris Ife and originally meant to be recorded by Marianne Faithful, made it into the UK Top 50 in early 1965. Their second single "Honeysuckle Rose" was released in July of that year, but did not achieve the same chart success. Not long before their third single was recorded, drummer Ray Hailey left the group and was replaced by Roger Marsh. Roger (who then became known as "Tex") joined the group in Germany on New Year's Eve 1965. During these active years, The Quiet Five served as support for a few big name groups of the 1960s, including The Rolling Stones and The Byrds, and also served as P.J. Proby's backing band. The group left Parlophone for CBS by early 1967 and recorded one more single. "Goodnight Sleep Tight", penned by Kris Ife and Producer Alan Moorhouse, was released in February of 1967. Not long after, singer Kris Ife left the band to pursue a solo career. The remaining band members continued to tour and soon joined Whistling Jack Smith as his backing band for some live UK dates (their cabaret debut was on 9th April at Sunderland Porama). By the end of 1967, the band had dissolved.
Members (Dec 1965 - mid/late 1967):
Kris Ife - guitar, vocals (up to early 1967)
John Howell - piano, organ, vocals
Roger McKew - lead guitar
Richard Barnes - bass, vocals
John "Satch" Goswell - sax
Ray Hailey - drums (up to Dec 1965)
Roger "Tex" Marsh - drums (from Dec 1965)
Singles (UK):
"Homeward Bound" (Simon) b/w "Ain't It Funny What Some Lovin' Can Do" (Powers, Keller), Parlophone, 4 March 1966
"I Am Waiting" (Jagger, Richards) b/w "Without You" (Crispian St. Peters), Parlophone, 17 June 1966
"Goodnight Sleep Tight" (Ife, Moorhouse) b/w "Just For Tonight" (Kris Ife), Parlophone, Feb 1967
Singles (UK):
"Homeward Bound" (Simon) b/w "Ain't It Funny What Some Lovin' Can Do" (Powers, Keller), Parlophone, 4 March 1966
"I Am Waiting" (Jagger, Richards) b/w "Without You" (Crispian St. Peters), Parlophone, 17 June 1966
"Goodnight Sleep Tight" (Ife, Moorhouse) b/w "Just For Tonight" (Kris Ife), Parlophone, Feb 1967
Thanks to Tex Marsh for providing info.
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| c. 1966 Back L to R: Satch Goswell, Tex Marsh, John Howell, and Roger McKew Front: Richard Barnes and Kris Ife Pic from When The Morning Sun Dries The Dew CD |
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| c. 1966 Top L to R: Richard Barnes, Kris Ife, and Tex Marsh Bottom L to R: Satch Goswell, Roger McKew, and John Howell Pic from When The Morning Sun Dries The Dew CD Booklet |
[Band Name Unknown] (Winter 1968)
In the early Winter of 1968, bandmates Ricky Wolff, Martin Sack, Tex Marsh, and Colin Wood toured Germany for several weeks. They played a residency gig at a Tanz bar in Giessen, entertaining the American GIs who were stationed nearby. They then moved on to gigs in Marburg and Kiel. Colin soon left the band and went back to the UK. He then played with Monty Sunshine and later did session work with David Bowie and Uriah Heep, among others. Ricky, Tex, and Martin soon joined J.J. Jackson's backing band for a short tour and afterward recorded a single under the name Melody Fair.
Members:
Ricky Wolff - vocals, bass
Martin Sack - guitar
Colin Wood - piano
Tex Marsh - drums
Ricky Wolff - vocals, bass
Martin Sack - guitar
Colin Wood - piano
Tex Marsh - drums
Thanks to Martin Sack for providing info.
J.J. Jackson's Backing Band (c. early Spring 1968)
In the early Spring of 1968, Tex Marsh toured the UK as part of American Soul Singer J.J. Jackson's backing band, along with two of his former bandmates: Martin Sack and Ricky Wolff. Also in the group was organist Roy Sharland, who would later join Arthur Brown's Crazy World in January of 1970. J.J. Jackson is best known for his hit "But It's Alright", which was released on Calla Records in 1966.
Members:
J.J. Jackson - vocals
Martin Sack - guitar
Ricky Wolff - bass
Roy Sharland - organ
Tex Marsh - drums
J.J. Jackson - vocals
Martin Sack - guitar
Ricky Wolff - bass
Roy Sharland - organ
Tex Marsh - drums
Thanks to Martin Sack for providing info.
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| J.J. Jackson, c. 1967 Pic from discogs.com |
James And Bobby Purify were a Floridian R&B vocal duo formed in 1965. The duo quickly made headway in the music scene and were signed to Bell Records the following year. Their first and best known track "I'm Your Puppet" was an instant success, spending fourteen weeks at the top of the US charts, peaking at #6. They hit again with their 1967 single "Let Love Come Between Us", which reached #23. In the Spring 1968, Tex Marsh joined James and Bobby on a short UK tour as part of their backing band.
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| 45 picture sleeve, 1968 re-release, USA |
Melody Fair (c. late Spring 1968)
In the Spring of 1968, Producer Alan Moorhouse put together a band to record a single written by himself, composer Gordon Rees, and former Syn vocalist, Steve Nardelli. This was the band's only single. Another former member of The Syn, keyboardist Andrew Jackman, co-wrote the B-side.
Members:
Rick Wolff - lead vocals, bass
Martin Sack - guitar, vocals
Roy Sharland - keyboards
Tex Marsh - drums
Singles (UK):
"Something Happened To Me" (Moorhouse, Rees, Nardelli) b/w "Sittin', Watchin', Waitin'" (Moorhouse, Nardelli, Jackman), Decca, 21 June 1968
Thanks to Martin Sack for providing info.
Simon K & The Meantimers (Summer 1968 to Spring 1970)
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| Belgian 45 picture sleeve L to R: Ricky Wolff, Roy Sharland, Tex Marsh, and Martin Sack |
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| Photo from Decca Promo Sheet Courtesy of Tex Marsh |
Below: The four members, along with singer Frank Sheen (ex-Frank Sheen Sound), in Luxembourg for a one-off gig put together by Producer Alan Moorhouse, c. Spring 1968. (Gig unrelated to Melody Fair)
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| © Tex Marsh L to R: Roy Sharland, Ricky Wolff, Frank Sheen, Martin Sack, unknown, and Tex Marsh |
The Meantimers (as they were originally known) were a Mod R&B/Soul band formed in London in late 1964. The original lineup consisted of lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist, Tony (surname unknown), Rick Thomas on lead guitar, bassist Warwick Rose (future Tangerine Peel), organist Bill Pitt, and drummer Michael Armes. Not much is known about the early history of the band. In early 1967, Tony was replaced on lead vocals by Simon K (aka Kennie Simon). The band was then renamed Simon K & The Meantimers and by the summer a full lineup change had taken place. Brent Scott Carter, along with fellow sax players, Alan Wherry and Ken Hendy were part of this new lineup. A few more changes happened over the next few years, with Sid Phillips replacing Ken Hendy on baritone, ex-Quiet Five member Roger McKew taking over lead guitar from George Teo, and the addition of future White Plains members Tex Marsh, Tony Hall, and Brian Johnston. The band released their only UK single in November of 1969: "Bring Back Your Love (To Me)". The band continued to tour the UK into the new year. In the Spring of 1970, both Tony Hall and Brent Scott Carter left the group to join Geno Washington & The Ram Jam Band. By mid-1970, The Meantimers had disbanded. Simon K went on to join The Majors in 1976 and Hot Chocolate in 2010.
Members (Summer 1968 - Spring 1970):
Simon K (Kennie Simon) - lead vocals (early 1967-1970)
George Teo - lead guitar (mid 1967 - late 1968)
Roger McKew - lead guitar (late 1968 - Spring 1970)
Terry (Surname Unknown) - bass (up to June 1967)
Mick Glyde - bass (June 1967 - May 1969)
Brent Scott Carter - tenor sax (mid 1967 - Spring 1970)
Sid Phillips - sax (late 1967 - early Oct 1968)
Tony Hall - sax (early Oct 1968 - Spring 1970)
Ron Carthy - trumpet (Autumn 1969 - Spring 1970)
Bill Pitt - organ (1964-1967, Autumn 1969 - Spring 1970)
Terry Vandenburgh - organ (1967-1968)
[Russian organist, name unknown] (c. 1968-1969)
Brian Johnston - organ (Spring 1969 to Autumn 1969)
Tex Marsh - drums (Summer 1968 - Spring 1970)
Singles (UK):
"Bring Back Your Love (To Me)" (B. Bell) b/w "You Know I Do" (Colin Giffin), B&C Records, Nov 1969
For a more detailed history of The Meantimers, see garagehangover.com
Thanks to Alan Wherry, Tex Marsh, and Nick Warburton for providing info.
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| Simon K & The Meantimers, c. late 1967 L to R: George Teo, Brent Scott Carter, Mick Glyde, Simon K, Alan Wherry, Tony Glyde, and Terry Vandenburgh Photo courtesy of Alan Wherry |
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| Show Flyer, 1969 L to R: Brian Johnston, Tex Marsh, Brent Scott Carter, Roger McKew, and unknown bassist Front: Simon K Photo courtesy of Tex Marsh |
Gulf Stream (Session) (Autumn 1969)
In 1969, Tex Marsh joined his fellow session musicians at London's Morgan Studios to record a couple tracks under the Production of Alan Moorhouse. The single "Love Theme From Romeo And Juliet" was released on Paramount Records in the US in October of 1969. Tex would once again team up with fellow Gulf Stream members Brian Johnston and Martin Sack as part of Tommy Hunt's backing band in the Autumn of 1970.
Members (A-side):
Martin Sack - guitar
Tex Marsh - drums
Members (B-side):
Martin Sack - guitar
Roger McKew - guitar
Alan Jones - bass
Brian Johnston - organ
Tex Marsh - drums
Singles (US):
"Love Theme From Romeo And Juliet" (Nino Rota) b/w "Sophisticated Soul" (Moorhouse, Sack), Paramount, US, Oct 1969
Thanks to Martin Sack for providing info.
Members (A-side):
Martin Sack - guitar
Tex Marsh - drums
Members (B-side):
Martin Sack - guitar
Roger McKew - guitar
Alan Jones - bass
Brian Johnston - organ
Tex Marsh - drums
Singles (US):
"Love Theme From Romeo And Juliet" (Nino Rota) b/w "Sophisticated Soul" (Moorhouse, Sack), Paramount, US, Oct 1969
Thanks to Martin Sack for providing info.
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| 45 label, USA Pic from 45cat.com |
Bagge (Spring 1970 to Autumn 1970)
After leaving Simon K & The Meantimers in Spring of 1970, Tex Marsh joined local group Bagge. The band gigged locally and played a Summer season in Jersey, UK that year. Not long after, American Soul singer Tommy Hunt (who had recently relocated to England) came to see the band perform and invited them to join him on a European tour. Guitarist George Williams left the group before the start of the tour. Mick Baker, Steve Reading, and George Williams had all previously been members of the band Champagne.
Members:
Mick Baker - vocals
Steve Reading - guitar
George Williams - guitar
Ronnie Thomas - bass
Tex Marsh - drums
Thanks to Tex Marsh and Nick Warburton for providing info.Members:
Mick Baker - vocals
Steve Reading - guitar
George Williams - guitar
Ronnie Thomas - bass
Tex Marsh - drums
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| Bagge c. 1970 L to R: George Williams, Steve Reading, Mick Baker, Tex Marsh, and Ronnie Thomas Photo courtesy of Tex Marsh |
Tommy Hunt Band (Autumn 1970 - early 1971, mid-1972 to mid-1973, 1974 to 1976)
Tommy Hunt is an American soul singer who had his start in the '50s Chicagoan R&B group, The Flamingos. In 1960, Tommy started his solo career and was a regular player at New York's Apollo Theater. In the mid '60s, Tommy traveled to Germany, playing US Army bases. Due to the changing musical preferences of post-Beatlemania US, Tommy returned to Germany in 1969 in order to seek out an agent he had previously met there. After getting word that the agent (Australian-born Geoff Patterson) had relocated to England, Tommy moved on to London and soon set up residence there. In 1975, Tommy performed at the Wigan Casino for their 2nd anniversary. He would soon find himself in a successful position within the UK's Northern Soul scene. Throughout the 1970s, various backing band lineups came and went.
Around Autumn of 1970, local UK band Bagge was asked to join Tommy for a European tour with the addition of former White Plains keyboardist Brian Johnston, sax player Norman Leppard (ex-One), and a trumpeter named George. After playing a short residency gig at the Zin Zin Club in Salon-de-Provence, the group returned to the UK. Guitarist Steve Reading then left the group and was replaced by Tex's former Melody Fair bandmate Martin Sack. By early 1972, a new lineup had been assembled with the group now consisting of bassist Roger Flavell (who joined in 1971 after leaving Geno Washington & The Ram Jam Band), guitarist Kevan Fogerty, an unknown drummer, and organist Martin Woodward. Martin had been asked to join by fellow ex-Ram Jam Band member Roger Flavell. Around mid-1972, the drummer was given the boot and Tex Marsh was brought on once again to take his place. In August of 1972, Tommy Hunt left for a one month tour of Australia, leaving behind his UK backing band (save for Kevan Fogerty). After Tommy's return in September, the band resumed. Roger Flavell, however, would not return to the band until 1975. Various bass players came and went during this time. Around October of 1972, singer Emile Ford came to see the group perform and asked them to become his TV backing band. The group did a few TV shows with Emile during this time. In early 1973, Martin Woodward left the group to return to his home in Sheffield and was replaced by ex-Timebox keyboardist Chris Holmes. Tex Marsh left the band to join White Plains in mid-1973. He would return again around late 1974 and stay through the summer of 1976. His former White Plains bandmate, bassist Robin Shaw, would join Tex in 1976, replacing bassist Roger Flavell
Members (Autumn 1970 - early 1971):
Tommy Hunt - vocals
Steve Reading - guitar
Martin Sack - guitar (replaced Steve)
Ronnie Thomas - bass
Brian Johnston - keyboards
Norman Leppard - sax
George (surname unknown) - trumpet
Tex Marsh - drums
Members (mid-1972):
Tommy Hunt - vocals
Kevan Fogerty - guitar
Roger Flavell - bass
Martin Woodward - organ
Tex Marsh - drums
Around Autumn of 1970, local UK band Bagge was asked to join Tommy for a European tour with the addition of former White Plains keyboardist Brian Johnston, sax player Norman Leppard (ex-One), and a trumpeter named George. After playing a short residency gig at the Zin Zin Club in Salon-de-Provence, the group returned to the UK. Guitarist Steve Reading then left the group and was replaced by Tex's former Melody Fair bandmate Martin Sack. By early 1972, a new lineup had been assembled with the group now consisting of bassist Roger Flavell (who joined in 1971 after leaving Geno Washington & The Ram Jam Band), guitarist Kevan Fogerty, an unknown drummer, and organist Martin Woodward. Martin had been asked to join by fellow ex-Ram Jam Band member Roger Flavell. Around mid-1972, the drummer was given the boot and Tex Marsh was brought on once again to take his place. In August of 1972, Tommy Hunt left for a one month tour of Australia, leaving behind his UK backing band (save for Kevan Fogerty). After Tommy's return in September, the band resumed. Roger Flavell, however, would not return to the band until 1975. Various bass players came and went during this time. Around October of 1972, singer Emile Ford came to see the group perform and asked them to become his TV backing band. The group did a few TV shows with Emile during this time. In early 1973, Martin Woodward left the group to return to his home in Sheffield and was replaced by ex-Timebox keyboardist Chris Holmes. Tex Marsh left the band to join White Plains in mid-1973. He would return again around late 1974 and stay through the summer of 1976. His former White Plains bandmate, bassist Robin Shaw, would join Tex in 1976, replacing bassist Roger Flavell
Members (Autumn 1970 - early 1971):
Tommy Hunt - vocals
Steve Reading - guitar
Martin Sack - guitar (replaced Steve)
Ronnie Thomas - bass
Brian Johnston - keyboards
Norman Leppard - sax
George (surname unknown) - trumpet
Tex Marsh - drums
Members (mid-1972):
Tommy Hunt - vocals
Kevan Fogerty - guitar
Roger Flavell - bass
Martin Woodward - organ
Tex Marsh - drums
Members (Sept/Oct 1972 - mid-1973):
Tommy Hunt - vocals
Kevan Fogerty - guitar
Bernie (surname unknown) - bass
Martin Woodward - organ (up to early 1973)
Chris Holmes - organ (from early 1973)
Tex Marsh - drums
Members (c. late 1974 - 1976):
Tommy Hunt - vocals
Kevan Fogerty - guitar
Roger Flavell - bass (1975-1976)
Robin Shaw - bass (from 1976)
Chris Holmes - keyboards
Tex Marsh - drums
Thanks to Martin Woodward, Martin Sack, and Tex Marsh for providing info.
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| Tommy Hunt, TOTP 1976 |
Tony Hazzard (Solo) (early Spring 1972 & August 1972)
Tony Hazzard is an English singer/songwriter who began his career in the mid-1960s as a solo artist. His first self-penned single, "You'll Never Put Shackles On Me", was released in May of 1966, but failed to crack the charts. Tony soon found his niche in songwriting and penned six Top Twenty UK hits between 1966 and 1969, including Manfred Mann's "Fox On The Run", The Hollies "Listen To Me", and The Tremeloes' "Hello World". In 1969, Tony released his first album Tony Hazzard Sings Tony Hazzard, a collection of demos, on CBS Records. A second album, the Country-influenced Loudwater House, soon followed in 1971 on the newly formed Bronze label. Drummer Tex Marsh joined Tony for the recording of his third LP Was That Alright Then?, along with his former Quiet Five bandmate Roger McKew. The album was recorded in May and August of 1972 at both Apple Studios and Lansdowne Studios in London. During this time, Tex was also involved with the Tommy Hunt Band, possibly joining after the May recording sessions for Hazzard. During the August recording sessions, the Tommy Hunt had left for a tour of Australia without his UK backing band (save for guitarist Kevan Fogerty). In 1976, Tony joined up with his friend, former Quiet Five bassist Richard Barnes (who had provided backing vocals on Tony's Loudwater House LP), and recorded the album Hazzard & Barnes. The LP, which featured Roger McKew on lead guitar, was released on the Warner Brothers label. Hazzard continued writing songs into the late 1970s, but many of them went unpublished. After a 30+ year absence from the music industry, Tony resurfaced in 2011 with a fifth album: Songs From The Lynher (a self-released CD). The album's tracks had been recorded over a five-year span, between November 2006 and June 2011. In late 2016, Tony released a six-track EP entitled Old Wave - The Lost Round House Tapes, a digital-only release.
Members (Spring 1972/August 1972):
Tony Hazzard - vocals, acoustic guitar
Roger McKew - lead guitar
B.J. Cole - pedal steel guitar
Toni Campo - bass
Mike Batt - piano, arranger
Tex Marsh - drums
Other session members (1972):
Wynder K. Frog - piano
Dave Greenslade - piano, vibraphone
Glen LeFleur - drums
Ray Cooper - percussion
Albums (UK):
Was That Alright Then?, Bronze, 1973
Albums (UK):
Was That Alright Then?, Bronze, 1973
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| Pic from Record World, 22 April 1972 |
White Plains (mid-1973 to late 1974)
See full biography HERE
In early 1969, Roger Greenaway and Roger Cook took over as Producers of the Flower Pot Men from John Carter and Ken Lewis. On 28 March 1969, one last single "In A Moment Of Madness" was released, but the track failed to chart. Early that Summer, after what he describes as a "particularly harrowing" tour of Israel and Hungary, Tony Burrows made the decision to leave the group. It's not known exactly when Tony stopped gigging with the group, but they continued to play live shows throughout the rest of the year. The Producers sought to give a hit single one last shot and White Plains were regrouped that October to record four new tracks with Ricky Wolff on lead vocals: "Today I Killed A Man I Didn't Know", "You've Got Your Troubles", "Show Me Your Hand", and "My Baby Loves Lovin'". The group played at least one gig after these recordings that November (Middlesbrough Showboat on 21st November 1969). By the end of the year, the band had dissolved and the recordings were shelved. Not long after, Decca A&R man, Dick Rowe, decided he wanted to release these recordings under a new name and chose White Plains after the town in New York. Their first single was "My Baby Loves Lovin'", purposely released after the holidays on 2 January 1970. Due to Ricky Wolff being unavailable during the early promo period, Roger Greenaway took over on lead vocals for all promotional appearances. Upon Ricky's return in early Spring, Roger resumed his main position as co-producer. Over the next four years, two albums and thirteen singles were released. Tex Marsh took over on drums from Roger Hills in mid-1973, after leaving the Tommy Hunt Band. After several lineup changes and dwindling chart success, the band called it quits in late 1974. In 1975, the remaining members of the band released two singles under the name Zenith. Then in 1976, the name was loaned out to a new lineup and the single "Summer Nights" was released. White Plains was revived once again in 1978 by original members Pete Nelson and Robin Box and two last singles were released on PVK Records.
Members (mid 1973 - late 1974):
Pete Nelson - vocals, rhythm guitar, piano (1969-1974, 1978)
Robin Box - lead guitar, vocals (1969-1974, 1978)
Robin Shaw - bass, vocals (1969 - late 1973)
David Kerr-Clemenson - bass, vocals (late 1973 - 1974)
Ron Reynolds - keyboards, vocals (mid 1972 - 1974)
Roger Hills - drums (1969, mid 1970 - mid 1973)
Tex Marsh - drums (mid 1973 - 1974)
Singles (UK):
"Ecstasy" (Roger Cook) b/w "A Simple Man" (Pete Nelson), Deram, 31 May 1974
Thanks to Tex Marsh for providing info.
Singles (UK):
"Ecstasy" (Roger Cook) b/w "A Simple Man" (Pete Nelson), Deram, 31 May 1974
Thanks to Tex Marsh for providing info.
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| Pic from the NME, 5th Dec 1970 L to R: Pete Nelson, Roger Hills, Robin Box, Robin Shaw, and Ricky Wolff |
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| White Plains c. 1974 L to R: Dave Kerr-Clemenson, Robin Box, Ron Reynolds, Pete Nelson, and Tex Marsh Photo courtesy of Tex Marsh |
Joe Brown And The Bruvvers (1978 to early 1980s)
Joe Brown is an English musician and entertainer who got his start in a 1950s skiffle group called The Spacemen. Joe evetually found himself as a backing musician for the likes of Gene Vincent and Eddie Cochran. In the 1960s, Brown was signed to Decca and racked up a few Top Ten UK hits, namely "A Picture of You" (1962), "It Only Took A Minute" (1962), and "That's What Love Will Do" (1963). Early on, Joe's session band became known as The Bruvvers and the name was retained after a group of touring musicians were assembled in 1962. During the 1960s, Joe also worked as an actor in various stage musicals, films, and TV series. In the 1970s, Joe formed Brown's Home Brew, a country/rock band. Then in the 1980s, Joe served as host of a quiz show called Square One on Granada TV, along with ITV's Show Me. During this time, Joe continued to tour with his band The Bruvvers. After playing with a few different local groups, Tex Marsh joined Joe in 1978 and toured as his drummer for a few years. Joe wouldn't release another album until 1993's Come On Joe. Into the 2000s, Joe continued to perform and made various television appearances. In late 2010, he toured as the support act for Status Quo.
Members (1978 - early 1980s)
Joe Brown - vocals
Roger McKew - guitar
Rick Wills - bass
Dick Bland - bass
Tony Williams - piano
Tex Marsh - drums
Members (1978 - early 1980s)
Joe Brown - vocals
Roger McKew - guitar
Rick Wills - bass
Dick Bland - bass
Tony Williams - piano
Tex Marsh - drums
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| German 45 picture sleeve, 1966 Pic from 45cat.com |
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| Newspaper cutting from October 1978 L to R: Tex Marsh, Rick Wills, and Roger McKew Bottom: Joe Brown Photo courtesy of Tex Marsh |
Robin Box (Solo) (1982)
In 1982, Robin Box recorded and released his only single "I Ain't Got You" on the Punchline label. This song would soon be reworked and included in a production of Leonardo: The Musical with the song titled "Leonardo's Interview".
Members:
Robin Box - vocals, guitar, other instruments
Tex Marsh - drums
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| 45 picture sleeve, UK, 1982 Pic from 45cat.com |
That same year, Tex and Robin Box worked together once more as session players on the Bari Watts song "Boys Cry", recorded at Studio Republic. The song is featured on Bari's Lost And Found Volume Two album, released on CD in the early 2000s.
Born in Bath, England, Country singer/songwriter Pete Sayers made a name for himself performing regularly at Nashville's Grand Ole Opry in the late 1960s. After returning to England in the early 1970s, Sayers released his debut solo LP, Bye Bye Tennessee, on the Pye label. Sayers released two more albums and continued to tour throughout the mid-1970s and even hosted three BBC TV series: Pete Sayers Entertains, Electric Music Show, and Pete Sayers Sings Country. In 1979, Pete released Bogalusa Gumbo, which was recorded in Louisiana and produced by Nashville songwriter John D. Loudermilk. In 1986, Pete was featured on Monty Sunshine's Jazz Band album, Midnight Special. It's not known when the Pete Sayers Band became the Dixie Bluebirds. Longtime members of both included musicians Steve Somers and Patty Vetta. Tex Marsh joined the group sometime around the mid-1980s. Along with his solo ventures, Pete Sayers was also a long-time member of the bluegrass group The Radio Cowboys. He sadly lost his five-year battle with cancer at the age of 62 on 11 February 2005.
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| LP cover, 1976 Pic from discogs.com |
No Spring Chicken (c. 1988)
No Spring Chicken was a pickup group formed in the late 1980s, made up of various musician friends. The group gigged locally, playing cover songs, which included "Happy Birthday Blues" and Larry Carlton's "Don't Give It Up".
Members:
Gary Aflalo - vocals, harp
Glen Turner - guitar
Dave King - guitar
Mike Parris - bass
Chris Holmes - keyboards
Tex Marsh - drums
Thanks to Tex Marsh for providing info.
If you have any corrections, comments, or photos that can be added, please contact me (Kelly).