Dervin Gordon (vocals), Lincoln Gordon (guitar), Eddy Grant (guitar), Patrick Lloyd (guitar), John Hall (drums), Ron Telemacque, Neil McBain, Frankie Hepburn, Dave Martin, Jimmy "Senyah" Haynes.
An energetic East London combo, the Equals balanced maximum R&B with plenty of pop, plus a few nods to vocalist Eddy Grant's West Indian background. Grant, born in British Guyana, moved to England with his family at the age of 12, and settled in a council estate named Hornsey Rise in northeast London. Four years later, he formed the Equals with schoolmates Lincoln Gordon (guitar), his twin brother Dervin Gordon (originally the vocalist), Pat Lloyd (guitar, then bass), and drummer John Hall. The band began gigging around London, amazing audiences with their apparently limitless energy and a distinct style fusing pop, blues, and R&B plus elements of ska and bluebeat.
By 1965, the Equals began doing dates in Europe as well, and released their first single on President Records. Though "Hold Me Closer" didn't perform on the charts, DJs began playing the flip side and by 1967 "Baby, Come Back" had hit the top of the charts in Germany and the Netherlands. One year later, the single hit number one in Britain as well, and brushed the charts in America. Subsequent singles lacked the immediate punch of "Baby, Come Back," however, and the Equals landed only two more Top Ten hits: "Viva Bobby Joe" and "Black Skin Blue Eyed Boys," the latter an apt message track from one of the few racially mixed bands of the era.
Grant left the Equals for a solo career in 1971, and though the band never charted again, they remained a popular live act, especially on the continent. Drummer Ronald Telemacque and guitarists Dave Martin and Frankie Hepburn were later added to the lineup.
From www.music.com
Posted by John Bush | Jun 18, 2004
The Equals were years ahead of their time! Completely underrated. I'm glad The Clash did them a bit of justice. Thanks for the add and all the best from Italy.
Who, me? Why yes, I am Kave-In. I am, as always, your humble servant. And yes, this is The Wiggle Room. You read the map correctly. Congratulations. You have both an impeccable sense of taste AND direction. Please, have some hors d'oeuvres. I recommend the toe jam on toast. The fine musical selections that I've prepared for you tonight are as follows...
I Smell A Rat by Rudy Robinson & The Hungry Men Police On My Back by The Equals Don't Laugh At Me by Howlin' Wolf What's A Matter Baby (Is It Hurting You) by Timi Yuro The Fife Piper by The Dynatones Take It Off by The Genteels Crazy Feelin' by Robb Fortune Shout by Lemming
Soul Garage Punk Funk New Wave Bubblegum Psych French Pop Girl Group and so on...and so on...and so on...
Whatever strikes my fancy, as long as it's on a 7" vinyl disc... Kave-In brings you these fine musical selections this evening...
Get Down by Harvey Scales & The 7 Sounds Gadget Suspect by Les Sunlights Big Brother by The Lollipops Oblighetto by Brother Jack McDuff Play With Fire by Barbara & Ernie Straighten Up And Fly Right by The Kidds The Headshrinker by Johnnie Mae Matthews Silly Savage by The Golden Toadstools
These fine sides will be available on my podcast page for download until the next episode is posted.
