The British Beat Boom


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Long John Baldry
A Band Of Angels
The Barron Knights
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Ken Griffiths - guitar/vocals

Bill Kenny - bass guitar/vocals

Alan Shroeder - drums



The Black Knights were a trio formed in Liverpool in 1963. They appeared on the same bill as The Beatles, Gerry & The Pacemakers and the rest of the major "Merseybeat" groups of the time at the leading venues in the city, including the Cavern Club.

In 1964 they auditioned for a part in the film "Ferry Cross The Mersey", starring Gerry & The Pacemakers, and were chosen from a host of local groups to appear in it. The Ken Griffiths-penned "I Gotta Woman" received its first airing in the movie.

This appearance led to a contract with EMI's Columbia Records and their single was recorded at Abbey Road studios with famed producer George Martin.

Selmer Electronics (at that time second only to Vox Amps) liked the record and offered the group free customised amplifiers/speakers, which they readily accepted, because the Vox amps they were using were purchased on credit. They toured most of Britain promoting the record and playing gigs with some of the country's leading groups, including The Moody Blues and The Animals. This was followed by a six-week residency at Hamburg's famous Star Club.

It was only months after their return from Germany that the band split up, mainly due to personal reasons.



Single

Jan '65

I Gotta Woman/Angel Of Love

Columbia DB 7443

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Re-issue

1997

Beat At Abbey Road 1963 to 1965 - 28 track compilation CD including The Black Knights' "I Gotta Woman"

EMI 7243 8 21135 2 2

 

 My thanks to Ken Griffiths for his contribution to this page