The Roulettes Biography
Formed in London, England in 1962, the Roulettes made their recording debut that year with "Hully Gully Slip And Slide", released on Pye Records. The single was not a success but the band was saved from obscurity in 1963 when they were invited to back singer Adam Faith. By this point their line-up comprised Russ Ballard (31 October 1945, Waltham Cross, Hertfordshire, England; lead guitar), Peter Thorpe (b. 25 May 1945, Wimbledon, London, England; rhythm guitar), John Rodgers (bass) and Bob Henrit (b. Robert Henrit, 2 May 1944, Broxbourne, Hertfordshire, England; drums). Ballard and Henrit had previously worked together as members of the Daybreakers. The Roulettes were featured on all of Faith's singles until May 1965, including the hits "The First Time" and "We Are In Love". They also played on his 1964 album On The Move. The Roulettes rekindled their own recording career in 1963 with "Soon You'll Be Leaving Me". It was the first of a series of superior beat singles they recorded for Parlophone Records including "Bad Time", "I'll Remember Tonight" (both 1964) and the excellent "The Long Cigarette" (1965). By that point John "Mod" Rogan (b. 3 February 1944, Hartlepool, County Durham, England), had replaced John Rodgers, who died in a car crash in 1964. The Roulettes momentum faltered upon breaking from Faith. They split up in 1967, having completed two memorable singles, "Rhyme Boy, Rhyme" and "Help Me To Help Myself", for Fontana Records. Ballard and Henrit switched to Unit 4+2 with whom they already enjoyed a close association, as leader "Buster' Meikle had also been a member of the Daybreakers. Indeed Ballard played guitar on Unit 4+2"s 1965 number 1 hit, "Concrete And Clay' and both musicians were featured on several subsequent recordings. Following a period of inactivity after Unit 4+2"s demise, Ballard and Henrit returned in Argent.
Source: The Encyclopedia of Popular Music by Colin Larkin. Licensed from Muze.
|
