Biography
This pivotal UK R&B outfit was formed in London in 1963 when Keith Relf (22 March 1943, Richmond, Surrey, England, d. 14 May 1976; vocals, harmonica) and Paul Samwell-Smith (b. 8 May 1943, Richmond, Surrey, England; bass), both members of semi-acoustic act the Metropolis Blues Quartet, joined forces with Chris Dreja (b. 11 November 1944, Surbiton, Surrey, England; rhythm guitar), Tony ‘Top’ Topham (lead guitar) and Jim McCarty (b. 25 July 1943, Liverpool, England; drums). Within months Topham had opted to continue academic studies and was replaced in October by Eric Clapton (b. Eric Clapp, 30 March 1945, Ripley, Surrey, England). The reconstituted line-up forged a style based on classic Chicago R&B and quickly amassed a following in the nascent blues circuit. They succeeded the Rolling Stones as the resident band at Richmond’s popular Crawdaddy club, whose owner, Giorgio Gomelsky, then assumed the role of group manager. Two enthusiastic, if...
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