Keith Hopwood

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Keith Hopwood served as rhythm guitarist for the 60's pop band Herman's Hermits. He also served as a keyboardist and backup guitarist for the post-Peter Noone outfit "Sour Mash" which recorded an unreleased album, "A Whale of a Tale" for RCA. A talented musician and composer he continues to live and work in the music business in the U.K. Several rare demo recordings from his time in Herman's Hermits are available through his website. Peter Noone credits his old friend with coming up with the idea of recording "Mrs. Brown You've Got A Lovely Daughter" as an after thought when Herman's Hermits were short of material for their first album. Noone's heavily accented delivery together with Hopwood's muted rhythm guitar work propelled the track to number one on the U.S. charts. Contrary to many erroneous reports the song was not an old music hall number and the Hermits did in fact play on the track. (See various Peter Noone and Hopwood interviews.)

[edit] Pluto Music

In 1968, Keith Hopwood and Derek Leckenby founded Pluto Music, a company that composes musical scores for commercials, films, and animation. Leckenby died in 1994, but Hopwood continues operating the company. Pluto Studios has been very successful providing services to many top acts including the Clash. Hopwood has proved himself a fine soundtrack composer working mostly on animated televison series in the U.K. Always a gifted composer, he wrote and co-wrote numerous songs recorded by Herman's Hermits and other bands such as Brinsley Schwartz.