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The Rockin' Berries

The Rockin' Berries are a beat group from Birmingham, England, who had several hit records in the UK in the 1960s. A version of the group, emphasising comedy routines as well as music, continues to perform to the present day.

The Rockin' Berries
GenresBeat, pop, rock, comedy, novelty
Years active1961–present
LabelsPiccadilly, Pye
MembersGeoff Turton
Simon Ryland
Jay McGee
Past membersRick Price
Chuck Botfield
Terry Bond
Doug Thompson
Paul Hewitt
Tim Munns
Dennis Ryland
Jimmy Powell
Clive Lea
Roy Austin
Bobby Thomson
Ken Rodway
Pete Spooner
Steven Lawrence
Rod Clarke
Terry Webster
Stevie Riks
Keith Smart
John Dawson
Derek Jason
Noel Hazell

History

The Rockin' Berries were originally formed as a beat group at Turves Green School in Birmingham in the late 1950s by guitarist Brian "Chuck" Botfield, and were so named because they played several Chuck Berry songs in their set. An early keyboard player with the group was Christine Perfect, later Christine McVie of Fleetwood Mac. When another band was formed locally, by singer Paul Hewitt, guitarist Doug Thompson and drummer Terry Bond, Botfield agreed to join on condition that it used the "Rockin' Berries" name. By mid 1961, the group comprised Botfield (lead guitar), Doug Thompson (rhythm guitar), Tim Munns (bass), Dennis Ryland (saxophone), Terry Bond (drums), and singers Paul Hewitt and Jimmy Powell. Later that year, the group went to Germany to play a series of club engagements, with Hewitt being replaced by singer and Elvis Presley impressionist Clive Lea. On their return, the group auditioned for promoter Jack Good, who wanted to sign Powell but not the rest of the group. After a few months, Powell left for a solo career, later leading the Five Dimensions who for a while included Rod Stewart. Thompson, Ryland and shortly afterwards Munns also left, and were replaced by singer and guitarist Geoff Turton — an old friend of Botfield's — and bassist Roy Austin.[1]

When the group returned to England, they won a contract with Decca Records, who released their first two singles, "Wah Wah Woo" and "Itty Bitty Pieces" in 1963. Although the group appeared on TV show Ready Steady Go!, the records were not hits, and the group, now managed by John Schroeder, signed a deal with Pye Records subsidiary Piccadilly. Their first record for the new label, "I Didn't Mean To Hurt You", reached No. 43 on the UK singles chart,[2] and the band appeared at the Marquee Club in London where they were seen by American record producer Kim Fowley. He suggested they record a version of "He's in Town", a Goffin and King song that had been a US hit for The Tokens. The Rockin' Berries' version reached No. 3 in the UK in late 1964, and the follow-up records, "What In The World’s Come Over You" (No. 23) and "Poor Man’s Son" (No. 5) were also hits. They also released a successful album, In Town. At this point, Roy Austin left the group and was replaced by Bobby Thomson, previously of Rory Storm & The Hurricanes.[1]

According to Richie Unterberger at AllMusic:[3]

"Much of the Berries' output reflected the lighter pop/rock face of the British beat boom, emphasizing catchy, carefully constructed tunes supplied by British and American songwriters, with high harmonies indebted to the Four Seasons and the Beach Boys.... A career strategy that put an eye on the "all-around entertainer" niche, however, led them to record many comedy numbers that have dated excruciatingly badly, and also ensured that they were denied artistic credibility."

The commercial fortunes of the group declined thereafter, although "You're My Girl" (1965) and "The Water Is Over My Head" (1966) were minor chart hits. They regularly featured Clive Lea's impersonations and group comedy routines, remained a popular live act on the cabaret circuit, and appeared at the 1967 Royal Variety Performance. Geoff Turton left the group in 1968, and had a briefly successful solo career as Jefferson, with two Billboard Hot 100 hits in the US in 1969–70. Clive Lea left in 1970, and was replaced by Terry Webster. The Rockin' Berries continued to perform as a music and comedy act in cabaret, with numerous later personnel changes. Turton returned to the group in the 1970s, and, with Botfield, has remained with the group up to 2020.[1] Botfield died on 30 July 2020.[4]

Band personnel

Current members
  • Geoff Turton (born Geoffrey Turton, 11 March 1944, Birmingham)[1] – lead vocals, rhythm guitar (1961–1968, 1970–present)
  • Simon Ryland – drums (1998–present)
  • Jay McGee – lead vocals (2000–present)
Former members
  • Rick Price (10 June 1944, Birmingham - 17 May 2022) – bass (1990–2022)[5]
  • Chuck Botfield (born Bryan Charles Botfield, 14 November 1943, Birmingham - 30 July 2020) – lead guitar (1961–2020)[4]
  • Terry Bond (born Terence Bond, 22 March 1943, Birmingham)[6] – drums (1961–1970)
  • Doug Thompson – guitar (1961)
  • Paul Hewitt – lead vocals (1961)
  • Tim Munns – bass (1961)
  • Dennis Ryland – saxophone (1961)
  • Jimmy Powell – lead vocals (1961)
  • Clive Lea (born 16 February 1942, Birmingham)[6] – lead vocals (1961–1970)
  • Roy Austin (born 27 December 1943, Birmingham[6] – bass (1961–1965)
  • Bobby Thomson – (born 1941, Liverpool) – bass/vocals (1965–1975)
  • Ken Rodway (born Mansfield, Nottinghamshire) – vocals/drums (1966–1967)
  • Rod Clarke (born Rodney Clarke, 23 November 1942, Surlingham, Norfolk) – guitar (1967–1970)
  • Terry Webster – lead vocals (1970–1976)
  • Keith Smart (born 10 December 1946, Birmingham) – drums (1970–1998)
  • John Dawson – bass (1976–1990)
  • Derek Jason – lead vocals (1976–2000)

Discography

Singles

  • "Wah Wah Wah Woo" / "Rockin' Berry Stomp" (Decca F 11698) – (1963)
  • "Itty Bitty Pieces" / "The Twitch" (Decca 11760) – (1963)
  • "I Didn't Mean To Hurt You" / "You'd Better Come Home" (Piccadilly 7N 35197) – (1964) – UK Singles Chart Number 43
  • "He's in Town" / "Flashback" (Piccadilly 7N 35203) – (Oct. 1964) – Number 3
  • "What In The World's Come Over You" / "You Don't Know What To Do" (Piccadilly 7N 35217) – (1964) – Number 23
  • "Poor Man's Son" / "Follow Me" (Piccadilly 7N 35236) – (1965) – Number 5
  • "You're My Girl" / "Brother Bill" (Piccadilly 7N 35254) – (1965) – Number 40
  • "The Water Is Over My Head" / "Doesn't Time Fly" (Piccadilly 7N 35270) – (1965) – Number 43
  • "I Could Make You Fall In Love" / "Land Of Love" (Piccadilly 7N 35304) – (1966)
  • "Midnight Mary" / "Money Grows On Trees" (Piccadilly 7N 35327) – (1966)
  • "Sometimes" / "Needs To Be" (Piccadilly 7N 35373) – (1967)
  • "Smile" / "Breakfast At Sam's" (Piccadilly 7N 35400) – (1967)
  • "Dawn (Go Away)" / "She's Not Like Any Girl" (Pye 7N 17411) – (1967)
  • "When I Reach The Top" / "Pain" (Pye 7N 17519) – (1968)
  • "Mr. Blue" / "Land Of Love" (Pye 7N 17589) – (1968)[2][6]
  • "Rock-A-Bye Nursery Rhyme" / "Long Time Ago" (Pye 7N 45394) – (1974)

Extended players

  • "I Didn't Mean To Hurt You" (Piccadilly NEP 34039) – (1965)
  • "New From The Berries" (Piccadilly NEP 34043) – (1965)
  • "Happy To Blue" (Piccadilly NEP 34045) – (1965)

Albums

  • They're In Town (Piccadilly NPL 38013) – (1964) – UK Albums Chart Number 15
  • Life Is Just A Bowl Of Berries (Piccadilly NPL 38022) – (1965)[2][7][8]

See also

References

  1. ^ a b c d "The Rockin' Berries". Brumbeat.net. Retrieved 30 January 2014.
  2. ^ a b c Roberts, David (2006). British Hit Singles & Albums (19th ed.). London: Guinness World Records Limited. p. 466. ISBN 1-904994-10-5.
  3. ^ Richie Unterberger. "The Rockin' Berries | Biography". AllMusic. Retrieved 30 January 2014.
  4. ^ a b "Chuck Botfield". Brumbeat.net. Retrieved 8 December 2020.
  5. ^ "Rick Price 1944/2022". ELO España. 18 May 2022. Retrieved 23 May 2022.
  6. ^ a b c d "Rockin' Berries ( Rocking Berries )". 45-rpm.org.uk. Retrieved 30 January 2014.
  7. ^ "The Rockin' Berries | Discography". AllMusic. Retrieved 30 January 2014.
  8. ^ "The Rockin' Berries". Discogs. Retrieved 15 May 2018.

rockin, berries, beat, group, from, birmingham, england, several, records, 1960s, version, group, emphasising, comedy, routines, well, music, continues, perform, present, genresbeat, rock, comedy, noveltyyears, active1961, presentlabelspiccadilly, pyemembersge. The Rockin Berries are a beat group from Birmingham England who had several hit records in the UK in the 1960s A version of the group emphasising comedy routines as well as music continues to perform to the present day The Rockin BerriesGenresBeat pop rock comedy noveltyYears active1961 presentLabelsPiccadilly PyeMembersGeoff TurtonSimon RylandJay McGeePast membersRick PriceChuck BotfieldTerry BondDoug ThompsonPaul HewittTim MunnsDennis RylandJimmy PowellClive LeaRoy AustinBobby ThomsonKen RodwayPete SpoonerSteven LawrenceRod ClarkeTerry WebsterStevie RiksKeith SmartJohn DawsonDerek JasonNoel Hazell Contents 1 History 2 Band personnel 3 Discography 3 1 Singles 3 2 Extended players 3 3 Albums 4 See also 5 ReferencesHistory EditThe Rockin Berries were originally formed as a beat group at Turves Green School in Birmingham in the late 1950s by guitarist Brian Chuck Botfield and were so named because they played several Chuck Berry songs in their set An early keyboard player with the group was Christine Perfect later Christine McVie of Fleetwood Mac When another band was formed locally by singer Paul Hewitt guitarist Doug Thompson and drummer Terry Bond Botfield agreed to join on condition that it used the Rockin Berries name By mid 1961 the group comprised Botfield lead guitar Doug Thompson rhythm guitar Tim Munns bass Dennis Ryland saxophone Terry Bond drums and singers Paul Hewitt and Jimmy Powell Later that year the group went to Germany to play a series of club engagements with Hewitt being replaced by singer and Elvis Presley impressionist Clive Lea On their return the group auditioned for promoter Jack Good who wanted to sign Powell but not the rest of the group After a few months Powell left for a solo career later leading the Five Dimensions who for a while included Rod Stewart Thompson Ryland and shortly afterwards Munns also left and were replaced by singer and guitarist Geoff Turton an old friend of Botfield s and bassist Roy Austin 1 When the group returned to England they won a contract with Decca Records who released their first two singles Wah Wah Woo and Itty Bitty Pieces in 1963 Although the group appeared on TV show Ready Steady Go the records were not hits and the group now managed by John Schroeder signed a deal with Pye Records subsidiary Piccadilly Their first record for the new label I Didn t Mean To Hurt You reached No 43 on the UK singles chart 2 and the band appeared at the Marquee Club in London where they were seen by American record producer Kim Fowley He suggested they record a version of He s in Town a Goffin and King song that had been a US hit for The Tokens The Rockin Berries version reached No 3 in the UK in late 1964 and the follow up records What In The World s Come Over You No 23 and Poor Man s Son No 5 were also hits They also released a successful album In Town At this point Roy Austin left the group and was replaced by Bobby Thomson previously of Rory Storm amp The Hurricanes 1 According to Richie Unterberger at AllMusic 3 Much of the Berries output reflected the lighter pop rock face of the British beat boom emphasizing catchy carefully constructed tunes supplied by British and American songwriters with high harmonies indebted to the Four Seasons and the Beach Boys A career strategy that put an eye on the all around entertainer niche however led them to record many comedy numbers that have dated excruciatingly badly and also ensured that they were denied artistic credibility The commercial fortunes of the group declined thereafter although You re My Girl 1965 and The Water Is Over My Head 1966 were minor chart hits They regularly featured Clive Lea s impersonations and group comedy routines remained a popular live act on the cabaret circuit and appeared at the 1967 Royal Variety Performance Geoff Turton left the group in 1968 and had a briefly successful solo career as Jefferson with two Billboard Hot 100 hits in the US in 1969 70 Clive Lea left in 1970 and was replaced by Terry Webster The Rockin Berries continued to perform as a music and comedy act in cabaret with numerous later personnel changes Turton returned to the group in the 1970s and with Botfield has remained with the group up to 2020 1 Botfield died on 30 July 2020 4 Band personnel EditCurrent membersGeoff Turton born Geoffrey Turton 11 March 1944 Birmingham 1 lead vocals rhythm guitar 1961 1968 1970 present Simon Ryland drums 1998 present Jay McGee lead vocals 2000 present Former membersRick Price 10 June 1944 Birmingham 17 May 2022 bass 1990 2022 5 Chuck Botfield born Bryan Charles Botfield 14 November 1943 Birmingham 30 July 2020 lead guitar 1961 2020 4 Terry Bond born Terence Bond 22 March 1943 Birmingham 6 drums 1961 1970 Doug Thompson guitar 1961 Paul Hewitt lead vocals 1961 Tim Munns bass 1961 Dennis Ryland saxophone 1961 Jimmy Powell lead vocals 1961 Clive Lea born 16 February 1942 Birmingham 6 lead vocals 1961 1970 Roy Austin born 27 December 1943 Birmingham 6 bass 1961 1965 Bobby Thomson born 1941 Liverpool bass vocals 1965 1975 Ken Rodway born Mansfield Nottinghamshire vocals drums 1966 1967 Rod Clarke born Rodney Clarke 23 November 1942 Surlingham Norfolk guitar 1967 1970 Terry Webster lead vocals 1970 1976 Keith Smart born 10 December 1946 Birmingham drums 1970 1998 John Dawson bass 1976 1990 Derek Jason lead vocals 1976 2000 Discography EditSingles Edit Wah Wah Wah Woo Rockin Berry Stomp Decca F 11698 1963 Itty Bitty Pieces The Twitch Decca 11760 1963 I Didn t Mean To Hurt You You d Better Come Home Piccadilly 7N 35197 1964 UK Singles Chart Number 43 He s in Town Flashback Piccadilly 7N 35203 Oct 1964 Number 3 What In The World s Come Over You You Don t Know What To Do Piccadilly 7N 35217 1964 Number 23 Poor Man s Son Follow Me Piccadilly 7N 35236 1965 Number 5 You re My Girl Brother Bill Piccadilly 7N 35254 1965 Number 40 The Water Is Over My Head Doesn t Time Fly Piccadilly 7N 35270 1965 Number 43 I Could Make You Fall In Love Land Of Love Piccadilly 7N 35304 1966 Midnight Mary Money Grows On Trees Piccadilly 7N 35327 1966 Sometimes Needs To Be Piccadilly 7N 35373 1967 Smile Breakfast At Sam s Piccadilly 7N 35400 1967 Dawn Go Away She s Not Like Any Girl Pye 7N 17411 1967 When I Reach The Top Pain Pye 7N 17519 1968 Mr Blue Land Of Love Pye 7N 17589 1968 2 6 Rock A Bye Nursery Rhyme Long Time Ago Pye 7N 45394 1974 Extended players Edit I Didn t Mean To Hurt You Piccadilly NEP 34039 1965 New From The Berries Piccadilly NEP 34043 1965 Happy To Blue Piccadilly NEP 34045 1965 Albums Edit They re In Town Piccadilly NPL 38013 1964 UK Albums Chart Number 15 Life Is Just A Bowl Of Berries Piccadilly NPL 38022 1965 2 7 8 See also EditList of performances on Top of the PopsReferences Edit a b c d The Rockin Berries Brumbeat net Retrieved 30 January 2014 a b c Roberts David 2006 British Hit Singles amp Albums 19th ed London Guinness World Records Limited p 466 ISBN 1 904994 10 5 Richie Unterberger The Rockin Berries Biography AllMusic Retrieved 30 January 2014 a b Chuck Botfield Brumbeat net Retrieved 8 December 2020 Rick Price 1944 2022 ELO Espana 18 May 2022 Retrieved 23 May 2022 a b c d Rockin Berries Rocking Berries 45 rpm org uk Retrieved 30 January 2014 The Rockin Berries Discography AllMusic Retrieved 30 January 2014 The Rockin Berries Discogs Retrieved 15 May 2018 Retrieved from https en wikipedia org w index php title The Rockin 27 Berries amp oldid 1089410868, wikipedia, wiki, book, books, library,

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