Spencer Davis Group
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Spencer Davis Group, in concert in Neckarsulm, Germany in 2006. From left to right: Eddie Hardin, Spencer Davis, Steff Porzel, Colin Hodgkinson, Miller Anderson |
The Spencer Davis Group was a mid
1960s British rock band, founded by
Spencer Davis (born
17 July,
1939 in
Swansea, Wales).
The
group's first professional recording was a
cover version of "Dimples", but they came to success at the end of
1965 with "
Somebody Help Me", the group's first
number one single. In 1966 they followed this with "When I Come Home" and "
Keep On Running". For the
German market the group released "Det war in Schöneberg,im Monat Mai"/"Mädel ruck ruck ruck an meiner grünen Seite" (traditional songs from early Berlin) as a
tribute single for that audience, because Spencer Davis had studied in
West Berlin in the early 1960s. By the end of
1966 and beginning of
1967 the group released two more massive
hits: "
Gimme Some Lovin'" (which was re-released in a live, nine minute long version by
Traffic in
1971); and "
I'm A Man" (January 1967). These tracks proved to be their two most well-known successes, especially in their biggest market, the
U.S.Behind the scenes, their
record company tried to put together a
supergroup around the talents of the very young
Steve Winwood. Steve (
vocals), and his brother Muff Winwood (
bass guitar) both left, with Steve forming
Traffic. In a so-called joint venture, the
movie soundtrack "Here We Go Round the Mulberry Bush" featured both bands.
Traffic took off in May 1967 with "
Paper Sun". Despite the Winwoods' departure, Spencer Davis continued on and released more singles, but they were only minor hits, such as "Time Seller" in July 1967, although the
B-side, called "Don't Want You No More" was given some
airplay.
This was followed by "Mr. Second Class" in late 1967 which was heavily played on
Radio Caroline (at that time one of the two remaining radio ships off the British coast) and—as their last minor hit—"After Tea" in
1968. The song was released at the same time by the German band
The Rattles, and provided competition which led finally to a temporary stop of all activities of the band. However, Spencer Davis never gave up. He produced during the late
1970s and early
1980s some commercially unsuccessful
jazz-oriented
albums.
In their heyday, the group consisted of Steve Winwood on vocals; Steve's brother
Muff Winwood played
bass;
Pete York handled the
drums; plus founder, lead guitarist and co-singer, Spencer Davis. Their main producer was the late
Jimmy Miller.
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The Spencer Davis Group
