Cliff Bennett and the Rebel Rousers
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Cliff Bennett and the Rebel Rousers were a 1960s beat group, who had two Top 10 hits with "One Way Love" (#9 UK, 1964), and "Got to Get You into My Life" (#6 UK, 1966).[1]
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[edit] Career
In 1959 Bennett put together the first version of the Rebel Rousers, his backing band. They were good enough to attract the attention of audio engineer and aspiring record producer, Joe Meek, with whom they recorded a single that sank without a trace.[2]
They dutifully recorded singles, for Parlophone, including cover versions of "You've Really Got a Hold on Me" and "Got My Mojo Working" but failed to make any impact. They were signed by Brian Epstein to a management contract in September 1964, and soon after, on their seventh release, "One Way Love" b/w "Slow Down", they finally charted. But their next record, "I'll Take You Home" b/w "Do You Love Him" only got to #42.[2]
Finally, in early 1966, they were booked as an opening act on The Beatles' last European tour. During those shows, Lennon and McCartney gave Bennett the first hearing of "Got to Get You into My Life", a song that was going to be on their Revolver album later that year, but not to be released as a single. Bennett and company saw their opportunity and took it, with Paul McCartney producing the session. The result was a #6 hit, and that was a double triumph for Bennett, as his own original song "Baby Each Day" graced the B-side.[2]
Cliff Bennett (lead vocals, born Clifford Bennett, 4 June 1940, Slough, Berkshire, England[2]) went on to be part of Toe Fat, whilst Chas Hodges (keyboards) and Dave Peacock (guitar) became Chas & Dave. The Rebel Rousers' line-up also included Mick Burt on drums. After Toe Fat disbanded, two of their members (Ken Hensley and Lee Kerslake) joined Uriah Heep[2], and Bennett was asked to join them, but declined. He released a solo album, Rebellion in 1971, but it flopped. He later retired from the music industry to become a shipping magnate, but he now occasionally plays with a reformed Rebel Rousers. The ongoing 2008 concert tour includes dates alongside Mike d'Abo, Steve Ellis and New Amen Corner at Butlins' venues up to December.[3]
[edit] Discography
[edit] Singles
- "One Way Love" (1964) - #9 UK - Parlophone
- "I'll Take You Home" (1965) - #42 UK - Parlophone
- "Got to Get You into My Life" (1966) - #6 UK - Parlophone
[edit] Album
[edit] Songs
"One Way Love" was written by Don Covay and Ronald Dean Miller. "I'll Take You Home" was written by Johnny Moore, Smokey Robinson and Marv Tarplin, whilst "Got to Get You into My Life" was penned by Lennon and McCartney.[4]
[edit] References
- ^ a b c Roberts, David (2006). British Hit Singles & Albums, 19th, London: Guinness World Records Limited, p. 54. ISBN 1-904994-10-5.
- ^ a b c d e All Music Guide biography
- ^ Cliffbennett.net
- ^ All Music Guide Discography - Songs
