They turned professional in '62 and moved to London to seek their fortune. By this time both Copping and Brownlee had exited the band and been replaced by Derrick and Wilson respectively. Signed to Parlophone in 1963 and under the guidance of producer Ron Richards, The Paramounts released several R&B singles but only their debut, a cover of The Coasters' "Poison Ivy", made any impression on the charts.

To promote "Poison Ivy", they made appearances on television shows "Ready, Steady, Go" and "Thank Your Lucky Stars". They shared the bill of the second of these shows with the Rolling Stones who were so impressed with the Paramounts that they labelled them "the best r&b band in England".

They gradually built up a following as a live act and were added to Brian Epstein's NEMS stable in 1965 and even appeared on tour with The Beatles. None of this, however, had much impact on the sales of their records and they were reduced to backing artists like Sandie Shaw.

Disillusioned with having to play as a back-up band to various solo singers, the group disbanded in September 1966 only to find themselves re-grouping under the guise of Procol Harum (but that's another story!).

For more on The Paramounts visit "Beyond the Pale"