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{{Short description|British soul band}}{{EngvarB|date=December 2017}} {{Short description|British soul band}}{{EngvarB|date=December 2017}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2017}} {{Use dmy dates|date=December 2017}}
{{redirect|Hot Chocolate|the drink|hot chocolate|other uses|Hot chocolate (disambiguation)}} {{About|the British soul band|the drink|hot chocolate|other uses|Hot chocolate (disambiguation)}}

{{Infobox musical artist <!-- See Misplaced Pages:WikiProject Musicians --> {{Infobox musical artist <!-- See Misplaced Pages:WikiProject Musicians -->
| name = Hot Chocolate | name = Hot Chocolate
| image = 1998 hot chocolate cologne.jpg | image = 1998 hot chocolate cologne.jpg
| image_upright = 1.2 | image_upright = 1.2
| caption = Errol Brown, WDR-Veranstaltung, Köln, Alter Markt, 1998 | caption = Errol Brown, WDR-Veranstaltung, Köln, Alter Markt, 1998
| background = group_or_band | background = group_or_band
| alias = The Hot Chocolate Band | alias = The Hot Chocolate Band
| origin = ], London, England<ref name="Blues & Soul">{{cite magazine | url=http://www.bluesandsoul.com/feature/377/errol_brown_a_fondent_farewell/ | title=ERROL BROWN: A Fondent Farewell | magazine=]| access-date=17 December 2013}}</ref> | origin = ], London, England<ref name="Blues & Soul">{{cite magazine | url=http://www.bluesandsoul.com/feature/377/errol_brown_a_fondent_farewell/ | title=ERROL BROWN: A Fondent Farewell | magazine=] | access-date=17 December 2013 | archive-date=30 July 2012 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120730084416/http://www.bluesandsoul.com/feature/377/errol_brown_a_fondent_farewell | url-status=dead }}</ref>
| genre = {{Flatlist| | genre = {{Flatlist|
* ] * ]
* ] * ]
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* ] * ]
}} }}
| years_active = {{Flatlist| | years_active = {{Flatlist|
* 1968–1986 * 1968–1986
* 1988 * 1988
* 1992–present * 1992–present
}} }}
| label = {{Flatlist| | label = {{Flatlist|
* ] * ]
* ] * ]
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* ] * ]
}} }}
| associated_acts = | associated_acts =
| website = {{URL|hot-chocolate.co.uk/}} | website = {{URL|hot-chocolate.co.uk/}}
| current_members = Patrick Olive<br />Tony Connor<br />Harvey Hinsley<br />Steve Ansell<br />Andy Smith<br />Kennie Simon | current_members = ]<br />]<br />]<br />Steve Ansell<br />Andy Smith<br />Kennie Simon
| past_members = ]<br />]<br />Franklyn DeAllie<br />Jim King<br />Larry Ferguson<br />Brian Satterwhite<br />Grant Evelyn<br />Greg Bannis<br />Willy Dowling<br />Steve Matthews<br />Derek Lewis | past_members = ]<br />]<br />Franklyn DeAllie<br />Jim King<br />Ian King<br />Larry Ferguson<br />Brian Satterwhite<br />Grant Evelyn<br />Greg Bannis<br />Willy Dowling<br />Steve Matthews<br />]
}} }}
'''Hot Chocolate''' are a British ] band popular during the 1970s and 1980s, formed by ] and ]. The group had at least one hit song every year on the ] from 1970 to 1980.<ref name="British Hit Singles & Albums">{{cite book| first= David| last= Roberts| year= 2006| title= British Hit Singles & Albums| edition= 19th| publisher= Guinness World Records Limited| location= London| pages= 259/260| isbn= 1-904994-10-5}}</ref> '''Hot Chocolate''' are a British ] band popular during the 1970s and 1980s, formed by ] and ]. The group had at least one hit song every year on the ] from 1970 to 1984.<ref name="British Hit Singles & Albums">{{cite book| first= David| last= Roberts| year= 2006| title= British Hit Singles & Albums| edition= 19th| publisher= Guinness World Records Limited| location= London| pages= 259/260| isbn= 1-904994-10-5}}</ref>


Their hits include "]", a UK number two which also made the top 10 in three decades and reached number three on the US ]—the song also featured in the popular British comedy film '']'' (1997)—"]", topped the UK Charts, "]", reached number six in the US, "]", UK top five, and "]", charted at number three in the UK and number 8 in the US. In 2004, Brown received the ] for Outstanding Contribution to British Music from the ].<ref>{{cite news |title=Radiohead And The Darkness Triumph At Ivor Novello Awards |url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/radiohead-701-1354184 |access-date=30 June 2022 |work=]}}</ref> Their hits include "]", a UK number two which also made the top 10 in three decades and reached number three on the US ]—the song also featured in the popular British comedy film '']'' (1997)—"]", topped the UK Charts, "]", reached number six in the US, "]", UK top five, and "]", charted at number three in the UK and number 8 in the US. In 2004, Brown received the ] for Outstanding Contribution to British Music from the ].<ref>{{cite news |title=Radiohead And The Darkness Triumph At Ivor Novello Awards |url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/radiohead-701-1354184 |access-date=30 June 2022 |work=]}}</ref>


==Beginnings== ==Beginnings==
Formed in 1968, the band initially consisted of vocalist Errol Brown, guitarist Franklyn De Allie, drummer Jim King (shortly thereafter replaced by the unrelated Ian King), percussionist Patrick Olive, and bassist Tony Wilson;<ref name="badcatrecords1">{{cite web|url=http://badcatrecords.com/BadCat/HOTCHOCOLATE.htm |title=B |website=Badcatrecords.com|access-date=10 October 2016}}</ref> with keyboardist Larry Ferguson joining the band in the following year.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/totp2/features/top5/hot_chocolate.shtml |title=Top of the Pops 2 – Top 5 |publisher=] |date=24 September 2014 |access-date=10 October 2016}}</ref> The band was originally named "Hot Chocolate Band" by Mavis Smith, who worked for the ] press office. This was quickly shortened first to "The Hot Chocolate" and then to "Hot Chocolate" by ]. By 1970 the band's line-up had changed again to include Harvey Hinsley and Tony Connor (who was also a member of ] at the time) replacing De Allie and King respectively.<ref name="badcatrecords1"/> Formed in 1968, the band initially consisted of vocalist ], guitarist Franklyn De Allie, drummer Jim King (shortly thereafter replaced by the unrelated Ian King), percussionist ], and bassist ],<ref name="badcatrecords1">{{cite web |url=http://badcatrecords.com/BadCat/HOTCHOCOLATE.htm |title=B |website=Badcatrecords.com |access-date=10 October 2016 |archive-date=10 December 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171210232227/http://badcatrecords.com/BadCat/HOTCHOCOLATE.htm |url-status=dead }}</ref> with keyboardist Larry Ferguson joining the band in the following year.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/totp2/features/top5/hot_chocolate.shtml |title=Top of the Pops 2 – Top 5 |publisher=] |date=24 September 2014 |access-date=10 October 2016}}</ref> The band was originally named "Hot Chocolate Band" by Mavis Smith, who worked for the ] press office. This was quickly shortened first to "The Hot Chocolate" and then to "Hot Chocolate" by ]. By 1970, the band's line-up had changed again to include ] and ] (who was also a member of ] at the time) replacing De Allie and King respectively.<ref name="badcatrecords1"/>


Hot Chocolate started their recording career making a ] version of ]'s "]", but frontman Errol Brown was told he needed permission. He was contacted by ], discovered that Lennon liked his version, and the group was subsequently signed to Apple Records.<ref name="Blues & Soul"/> The link was short-lived as ] were starting to break up, and the Apple connection soon ended. Hot Chocolate started their recording career making a ] version of ]'s "]", but frontman Errol Brown was told he needed permission. He was contacted by ], discovered that Lennon liked his version, and the group was subsequently signed to Apple Records.<ref name="Blues & Soul"/> The link was short-lived as ] were starting to break up, and the Apple connection soon ended.


Later in 1970 Hot Chocolate, with the help of record producer Mickie Most, began releasing tracks that became hits, such as "]", "]", "]" (a US and Canadian hit for ]), and "I Believe in Love". All those releases were on the ] record label, owned by Most. Brown and bassist Tony Wilson wrote most of their original material, and also provided hits for ], "Bet Yer Life I Do", ], "Heaven Is Here", and ], "Think About Your Children". Later in 1970, Hot Chocolate, with the help of record producer Mickie Most, began releasing tracks that became hits, such as "]", "]", "]" (a US and Canadian hit for ]), and "I Believe in Love". All those releases were on the ] record label, owned by Most. Brown and bassist Tony Wilson wrote most of their original material, and also provided hits for ], "Bet Yer Life I Do", ], "Heaven Is Here", and ], "Think About Your Children".
Gradually the band started to become ] regulars. One of the hits from this period, "]", featured a guest spoken vocal from ]. Gradually the band started to become ] regulars. One of the hits from this period, "]", featured a guest spoken vocal from ].


==Success== ==Success==
Hot Chocolate became a big success in the ] era of the mid-1970s. A combination of high production standards, the growing confidence of the main songwriting team of Wilson and Brown, and tight vocal ] enabled them to secure further big hits such as "You Sexy Thing" and "]", which were also US hits, peaking at No. 3 (1976) and No. 6 (1979), respectively. After Wilson's departure for a solo career, that included a 1976 album ''I Like Your Style'', Brown assumed all songwriting duties. Wilson was initially replaced by Brian Satterwhite; before Satterwhite departed the band and Olive switched to bass as his primary instrument.<ref name="badcatrecords1"/> Hot Chocolate became a big success in the ] era of the mid-1970s. A combination of high production standards, the growing confidence of the main songwriting team of Wilson and Brown, and tight vocal ] enabled them to secure further big hits such as "You Sexy Thing" and "]", which were also US hits, peaking at No. 3 (1976) and No. 6 (1979), respectively. After Wilson's departure for a solo career, that included a 1976 album ''I Like Your Style'', Brown assumed all songwriting duties. Wilson was initially replaced by Brian Satterwhite, until Satterwhite departed the band and Olive switched to bass as his primary instrument.<ref name="badcatrecords1"/>


In 1977, after 15 hits, they finally reached ] with "]". It was one of the few of their recordings that was not written, at least partly, by Brown<ref name="British Hit Singles"/> The track was a ] composition.<ref name="British Hit Singles"/> In 1977, after 15 hits, they finally reached ] with "]". It was one of the few of their recordings that was not written, at least partly, by Brown<ref name="British Hit Singles"/> The track was a ] composition.<ref name="British Hit Singles"/>
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The band became the only group, and one of just three acts, that had a hit in every year of the 1970s in the UK charts (the other two being ] and ]).<ref name="British Hit Singles">{{cite book| first= David| last= Roberts| year= 2001| title= British Hit Singles| edition= 14th| publisher= Guinness World Records Limited| location= London| isbn= 0-85156-156-X| page= 47}}</ref><ref name="500 Number One Hits">{{cite book| first= Jo| last= Rice| year= 1982| title= The Guinness Book of 500 Number One Hits| edition= 1st| publisher= Guinness Superlatives Ltd| location= Enfield, Middlesex| isbn= 0-85112-250-7| page= 184}}</ref> The band eventually had at least one hit, every year, between 1970 and 1984.<ref name="British Hit Singles"/> The band became the only group, and one of just three acts, that had a hit in every year of the 1970s in the UK charts (the other two being ] and ]).<ref name="British Hit Singles">{{cite book| first= David| last= Roberts| year= 2001| title= British Hit Singles| edition= 14th| publisher= Guinness World Records Limited| location= London| isbn= 0-85156-156-X| page= 47}}</ref><ref name="500 Number One Hits">{{cite book| first= Jo| last= Rice| year= 1982| title= The Guinness Book of 500 Number One Hits| edition= 1st| publisher= Guinness Superlatives Ltd| location= Enfield, Middlesex| isbn= 0-85112-250-7| page= 184}}</ref> The band eventually had at least one hit, every year, between 1970 and 1984.<ref name="British Hit Singles"/>


The band continued well into the 1980s, and clocked up another big hit record: "]", in 1982, which reached number 5 in the UK. In all, the group charted 25 ] hit singles. Their single "You Sexy Thing" became the only track that made British ] status in the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s.<ref name="British Hit Singles"/> The band continued well into the 1980s, and clocked up another big hit record, "]", in 1982, which reached number 5 in the UK. In all, the group charted 25 ] hit singles. Their single "You Sexy Thing" became the only track that made British ] status in the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s.<ref name="British Hit Singles"/>


In 1987, Dutch DJ and producer ] made ]es of the Hot Chocolate hits;<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.liebrand.com/la/awards/choc.html|title=Liebrand Award Hot Chocolate|website=Liebrand.com|accessdate=2021-05-02}}</ref> "You Sexy Thing" and "Every 1's a Winner".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.liebrand.com/productions/index.html|title=Index Liebrand Productions|website=Liebrand.com|accessdate=2021-05-02}}</ref> Liebrand also made a combination remix of those two hits called "Two in a Bed" <ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OskVvra6kzc|title=Two in a bed (1987)|publisher=]}}</ref>{{Better source|date=September 2022}} for the exclusive ]. In 1987, Dutch DJ and producer ] made ]es of the Hot Chocolate hits;<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.liebrand.com/la/awards/choc.html|title=Liebrand Award Hot Chocolate|website=Liebrand.com|accessdate=2021-05-02}}</ref> "You Sexy Thing" and "Every 1's a Winner".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.liebrand.com/productions/index.html|title=Index Liebrand Productions|website=Liebrand.com|accessdate=2021-05-02}}</ref> Liebrand also made a combination remix of those two hits called "Two in a Bed" <ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OskVvra6kzc|title=Two in a bed (1987)|date=27 December 2017 |publisher=]}}</ref>{{Better source|date=September 2022}} for the exclusive ].


==Later years== ==Later years==
Renewed interest in Hot Chocolate came in part with the band's appearances on a string of successful film soundtracks starting with the 1997 comedy '']'', as well as in a 1989 acne lotion commercial (featuring a young ]).<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.downloadablemovies.org/content/watch/clearasil-advert-1989-patsy-palmer-1980s-44030.htm |title=Download &#124; Clearasil Advert 1989 (Patsy Palmer) 1980s |publisher=Downloadablemovies.org |access-date=13 January 2012 }}{{dead link|date=November 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> From the late 1980s onwards the group experienced a resurgence of credibility: ], ] and ] all added Hot Chocolate songs to their live sets,<ref name="Guinness Rockopedia">{{cite book| first= David| last= Roberts| year= 1998| title= Guinness Rockopedia| edition= 1st| publisher= Guinness Publishing Ltd| location= London| isbn= 0-85112-072-5| page= | url-access= registration| url= https://archive.org/details/guinnessrockoped0000unse/page/196}}</ref> and ]'s cover of "You Sexy Thing" featured in ]'s ]. Renewed interest in Hot Chocolate came in part with the band's appearances on a string of successful film soundtracks, starting with the 1997 comedy '']'', as well as in a 1989 ] ] lotion commercial (featuring a young ]).<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.downloadablemovies.org/content/watch/clearasil-advert-1989-patsy-palmer-1980s-44030.htm |title=Download &#124; Clearasil Advert 1989 (Patsy Palmer) 1980s |publisher=Downloadablemovies.org |access-date=13 January 2012 }}{{dead link|date=November 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> From the late 1980s onwards, the group experienced a resurgence of credibility: ], ] and ] all added Hot Chocolate songs to their live sets,<ref name="Guinness Rockopedia">{{cite book| first= David| last= Roberts| year= 1998| title= Guinness Rockopedia| edition= 1st| publisher= Guinness Publishing Ltd| location= London| isbn= 0-85112-072-5| page= | url-access= registration| url= https://archive.org/details/guinnessrockoped0000unse/page/196}}</ref> and ]'s cover of "You Sexy Thing" featured in ]'s ] in 1987.


Errol Brown and Larry Ferguson departed the band in 1986; ultimately leading the group to disband. Brown then began a solo career. Two of his singles made the UK Singles Chart – "Personal Touch" and "Body Rockin'". Hot Chocolate had a hit in 1988 in Germany. "Never Pretend" was written by Harvey Hinsley and Susan Stuttard, and the vocalist was Grant Evelyn.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.discogs.com/Hot-Chocolate-Never-Pretend/release/1536964 |title=Hot Chocolate – Never Pretend (Vinyl) at Discogs |publisher=]|access-date=29 July 2014}}</ref> The band's enduring popularity was verified when two ]s both reached No. 1 in the ] (see below). In 2003, ] received the ]; and in 2004, the ] for his contribution to British music. Errol Brown and Larry Ferguson departed the band in 1986, ultimately leading the group to disband. Brown then began a solo career. Two of his singles made the UK Singles Chart – "Personal Touch" and "Body Rockin'". Hot Chocolate had a hit in 1988 in Germany. "Never Pretend" was written by Harvey Hinsley and Susan Stuttard, and the vocalist was Grant Evelyn.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.discogs.com/Hot-Chocolate-Never-Pretend/release/1536964 |title=Hot Chocolate – Never Pretend (Vinyl) at Discogs |publisher=]|access-date=29 July 2014}}</ref> The band's enduring popularity was verified when two ]s both reached No. 1 in the ] (see below). In 2003, ] received the ]; and in 2004, the ] for his contribution to British music.


In 1992 the band reformed with new vocalist Greg Bannis and keyboardists Steve Ansell, Andy Smith, Willy Dowling, and Steve Matthews (the latter two of whom departed the band in 1994), and manager and agent Ric Martin took control over the band's bookings and live appearances.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://thegreatrockbible.com/portfolio-item/hot-chocolate-biography/ |title=HOT CHOCOLATE biography |publisher=The Great Rock Bible |date=23 November 2014 |access-date=10 October 2016}}</ref> Kennie Simon took over lead vocals in 2010 following the departure of Bannis and Hot Chocolate continue to make ] in the UK and Europe.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hot-chocolate.co.uk |title=Home |publisher=Hot Chocolate |access-date=7 April 2013}}</ref> In 1992, the band reformed with new vocalist Greg Bannis and keyboardists Steve Ansell, Andy Smith, Willy Dowling, and Steve Matthews (the latter two of whom departed the band in 1994), and manager and agent Ric Martin took control over the band's bookings and live appearances.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://thegreatrockbible.com/portfolio-item/hot-chocolate-biography/ |title=HOT CHOCOLATE biography |publisher=The Great Rock Bible |date=23 November 2014 |access-date=10 October 2016}}</ref> Kennie Simon took over lead vocals in 2010 following the departure of Bannis and Hot Chocolate continue to make ] in the UK and Europe.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hot-chocolate.co.uk |title=Home |publisher=Hot Chocolate |access-date=7 April 2013}}</ref>


On 6 May 2015, original frontman and principal songwriter Errol Brown died from liver cancer. He was 71.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-32613573 |title=Errol Brown, Hot Chocolate singer, dies aged 71 – BBC News |work=BBC News |date=6 May 2015 |access-date=4 July 2015}}</ref> On 6 May 2015, original frontman and principal songwriter Errol Brown died from liver cancer. He was 71.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-32613573 |title=Errol Brown, Hot Chocolate singer, dies aged 71 – BBC News |work=BBC News |date=6 May 2015 |access-date=4 July 2015}}</ref>

Original guitarist Franklyn Delano De Allie (born 21 January 1944, St. Marks Parish, Grenada, West Indies) later became a police officer, and died in ] on 30 December 2018.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.royalgazette.com/other/news/article/20190102/franklyn-deallie-1944-2018/ | title=Franklyn DeAllie (1944-2018) | date=2 January 2019 }}</ref>


==Personnel== ==Personnel==


===Members=== ===Members===
Principal members of the band that played on most/all hit records (], ], ], Larry Ferguson, ], and ]) are in '''bold'''.
{{col-begin}} {{col-begin}}
{{col-2}} {{col-2}}
;Current members ;Current members
*Patrick Olive – percussion <small>(1968–1975)</small>, bass <small>(1975–1984, 1988, 1992–present)</small> *''']''' – percussion <small>(1968–1975)</small>, bass <small>(1975–1984, 1988, 1992–present)</small>
*Tony Connor – drums, percussion <small>(1970–1986, 1988, 1992–present)</small> *''']''' – drums, percussion <small>(1970–1986, 1988, 1992–present)</small>
*Harvey Hinsley – guitars <small>(1970–1986, 1988, 1992–present)</small> *''']''' – guitars <small>(1970–1986, 1988, 1992–present)</small>
*Steve Ansell – keyboards, guitars <small>(1994–present)</small> *Steve Ansell – keyboards, guitars <small>(1994–present)</small>
*Andy Smith – keyboards <small>(1994–present)</small> *Andy Smith – keyboards <small>(1994–present)</small>
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{{col-2}} {{col-2}}
;Former members ;Former members
*] – lead vocals <small>(1968–1986; died 2015)</small> *''']''' – lead vocals <small>(1968–1986; died 2015)</small>
*] – bass, lead & backing vocals <small>(1968–1975)</small> *''']''' – bass, lead & backing vocals <small>(1968–1975)</small>
*Franklyn De Allie – guitars <small>(1968–1970)</small> *Franklyn De Allie – guitars <small>(1968–1970)</small>
*Jim King – drums, percussion <small>(1968–1970)</small> *Jim King – drums, percussion <small>(1968–1969)</small>
*Larry Ferguson – keyboards <small>(1969–1986)</small> *Ian King – drums, percussion <small>(1969–1970)</small>
*Derek Lewis – percussion, backing vocals <small>(1975)</small> *'''Larry Ferguson''' – keyboards <small>(1969–1986)</small>
*] – percussion, backing vocals <small>(1975)</small>
*Brian Satterwhite – bass, backing vocals <small>(1975)</small> *Brian Satterwhite – bass, backing vocals <small>(1975)</small>
*Rick Green - keyboards <small>(1975)</small> *Rick Green - keyboards <small>(1975)</small>
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*'''Franklyn De Allie''' – guitars *'''Franklyn De Allie''' – guitars
*'''Jim King''' – drums, percussion *'''Jim King''' – drums, percussion
*'''Patrick Olive''' – percussion *''']''' – percussion
*'''Tony Wilson''' – bass, vocals *''']''' – bass, vocals
| valign=top | | valign=top |
*'''Errol Brown''' – lead vocals *'''Errol Brown''' – lead vocals
*'''Franklyn De Allie''' – guitars *'''Franklyn De Allie''' – guitars
⚫ *'''Jim King''' – drums, percussion
*'''Patrick Olive''' – percussion *'''Patrick Olive''' – percussion
*'''Tony Wilson''' – bass, vocals *'''Tony Wilson''' – bass, vocals
*'''Larry Ferguson''' – keyboards *'''Larry Ferguson''' – keyboards
⚫ *'''Ian King''' – drums, percussion
| valign=top | | valign=top |
*'''Errol Brown''' – lead vocals *'''Errol Brown''' – lead vocals
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*'''Tony Wilson''' – bass, lead vocals *'''Tony Wilson''' – bass, lead vocals
*'''Larry Ferguson''' – keyboards *'''Larry Ferguson''' – keyboards
*'''Tony Connor''' – drums, percussion *''']''' – drums, percussion
*'''Harvey Hinsley''' – guitars *''']''' – guitars
| valign=top | | valign=top |
*'''Errol Brown''' – lead vocals *'''Errol Brown''' – lead vocals
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|- |-
| valign=top | | valign=top |
*'''Patrick Olive''' – bass *''']''' – bass
*'''Tony Connor''' – drums, percussion *''']''' – drums, percussion
*'''Harvey Hinsley''' – guitars *''']''' – guitars
*'''Greg Bannis''' – lead vocals *'''Greg Bannis''' – lead vocals
*'''Willy Dowling''' – keyboards, backing vocals *'''Willy Dowling''' – keyboards, backing vocals
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bar:Brian text:Brian Satterwhite bar:Brian text:Brian Satterwhite
bar:Jim text:Jim King bar:Jim text:Jim King
bar:Ian text:Ian King
bar:Tony2 text:Tony Connor bar:Tony2 text:Tony Connor
bar:Patrick text:Patrick Olive bar:Patrick text:Patrick Olive
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bar:Derek from:01/01/1975 till:01/07/1975 color:perc bar:Derek from:01/01/1975 till:01/07/1975 color:perc
bar:Derek from:01/01/1975 till:01/07/1975 color:bvocals width:3 bar:Derek from:01/01/1975 till:01/07/1975 color:bvocals width:3
bar:Jim from:start till:01/01/1970 color:drums bar:Jim from:start till:01/01/1969 color:drums
bar:Jim from:start till:01/01/1970 color:perc width:3 bar:Jim from:start till:01/01/1969 color:perc width:4
bar:Ian from:01/01/1969 till:01/01/1970 color:drums
bar:Ian from:01/01/1969 till:01/01/1970 color:perc width:3
bar:Tony2 from:01/01/1970 till:01/01/1986 color:drums bar:Tony2 from:01/01/1970 till:01/01/1986 color:drums
bar:Tony2 from:01/01/1970 till:01/01/1986 color:perc width:3 bar:Tony2 from:01/01/1970 till:01/01/1986 color:perc width:3
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==Discography== ==Discography==
{{main article|Hot Chocolate discography}} {{main|Hot Chocolate discography}}
⚫ * '']'' (1974)
;Studio Albums
All albums released by Rak Records unless otherwise noted.
⚫ * '']'' (1974)
* '']'' (1975) * '']'' (1975)
* '']'' (1976) * '']'' (1976)
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* ''Going Through the Motions'' (1979) * ''Going Through the Motions'' (1979)
* ''Class'' (1980) * ''Class'' (1980)
* ''Mystery'' (1982) * ''Mystery'' (1982)
* ''Love Shot'' (1983) * ''Love Shot'' (1983)
* ''Strictly Dance'' (1993, Polydor) * ''Strictly Dance'' (1993)


==References== ==References==
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* *
* {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120717051619/http://www.hot-chocolate.co.uk/ |date=17 July 2012 }} * {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120717051619/http://www.hot-chocolate.co.uk/ |date=17 July 2012 }}
* * {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120730084416/http://www.bluesandsoul.com/feature/377/errol_brown_a_fondent_farewell |date=30 July 2012 }}
* *
* *
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] ]
] ]
] ]
] ]
] ]
] ]
] ]
] ]
] ]
] ]
]

Latest revision as of 07:41, 24 November 2024

British soul band

This article is about the British soul band. For the drink, see hot chocolate. For other uses, see Hot chocolate (disambiguation).
Hot Chocolate
Errol Brown, WDR-Veranstaltung, Köln, Alter Markt, 1998Errol Brown, WDR-Veranstaltung, Köln, Alter Markt, 1998
Background information
Also known asThe Hot Chocolate Band
OriginWest Hampstead, London, England
Genres
Years active
  • 1968–1986
  • 1988
  • 1992–present
Labels
MembersPatrick Olive
Tony Connor
Harvey Hinsley
Steve Ansell
Andy Smith
Kennie Simon
Past membersErrol Brown
Tony Wilson
Franklyn DeAllie
Jim King
Ian King
Larry Ferguson
Brian Satterwhite
Grant Evelyn
Greg Bannis
Willy Dowling
Steve Matthews
Derek Lewis
Websitehot-chocolate.co.uk

Hot Chocolate are a British soul band popular during the 1970s and 1980s, formed by Errol Brown and Tony Wilson. The group had at least one hit song every year on the UK Singles Chart from 1970 to 1984.

Their hits include "You Sexy Thing", a UK number two which also made the top 10 in three decades and reached number three on the US Billboard Hot 100—the song also featured in the popular British comedy film The Full Monty (1997)—"So You Win Again", topped the UK Charts, "Every 1's a Winner", reached number six in the US, "It Started with a Kiss", UK top five, and "Emma", charted at number three in the UK and number 8 in the US. In 2004, Brown received the Ivor Novello Award for Outstanding Contribution to British Music from the British Academy of Songwriters, Composers and Authors.

Beginnings

Formed in 1968, the band initially consisted of vocalist Errol Brown, guitarist Franklyn De Allie, drummer Jim King (shortly thereafter replaced by the unrelated Ian King), percussionist Patrick Olive, and bassist Tony Wilson, with keyboardist Larry Ferguson joining the band in the following year. The band was originally named "Hot Chocolate Band" by Mavis Smith, who worked for the Apple Corps press office. This was quickly shortened first to "The Hot Chocolate" and then to "Hot Chocolate" by Mickie Most. By 1970, the band's line-up had changed again to include Harvey Hinsley and Tony Connor (who was also a member of Audience at the time) replacing De Allie and King respectively.

Hot Chocolate started their recording career making a reggae version of John Lennon's "Give Peace a Chance", but frontman Errol Brown was told he needed permission. He was contacted by Apple Records, discovered that Lennon liked his version, and the group was subsequently signed to Apple Records. The link was short-lived as the Beatles were starting to break up, and the Apple connection soon ended.

Later in 1970, Hot Chocolate, with the help of record producer Mickie Most, began releasing tracks that became hits, such as "Love Is Life", "Emma", "You Could Have Been a Lady" (a US and Canadian hit for April Wine), and "I Believe in Love". All those releases were on the Rak record label, owned by Most. Brown and bassist Tony Wilson wrote most of their original material, and also provided hits for Herman's Hermits, "Bet Yer Life I Do", Julie Felix, "Heaven Is Here", and Mary Hopkin, "Think About Your Children".

Gradually the band started to become UK Singles Chart regulars. One of the hits from this period, "Brother Louie", featured a guest spoken vocal from Alexis Korner.

Success

Hot Chocolate became a big success in the disco era of the mid-1970s. A combination of high production standards, the growing confidence of the main songwriting team of Wilson and Brown, and tight vocal harmonies enabled them to secure further big hits such as "You Sexy Thing" and "Every 1's a Winner", which were also US hits, peaking at No. 3 (1976) and No. 6 (1979), respectively. After Wilson's departure for a solo career, that included a 1976 album I Like Your Style, Brown assumed all songwriting duties. Wilson was initially replaced by Brian Satterwhite, until Satterwhite departed the band and Olive switched to bass as his primary instrument.

In 1977, after 15 hits, they finally reached number one with "So You Win Again". It was one of the few of their recordings that was not written, at least partly, by Brown The track was a Russ Ballard composition.

The band became the only group, and one of just three acts, that had a hit in every year of the 1970s in the UK charts (the other two being Elvis Presley and Diana Ross). The band eventually had at least one hit, every year, between 1970 and 1984.

The band continued well into the 1980s, and clocked up another big hit record, "It Started with a Kiss", in 1982, which reached number 5 in the UK. In all, the group charted 25 UK top 40 hit singles. Their single "You Sexy Thing" became the only track that made British top ten status in the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s.

In 1987, Dutch DJ and producer Ben Liebrand made remixes of the Hot Chocolate hits; "You Sexy Thing" and "Every 1's a Winner". Liebrand also made a combination remix of those two hits called "Two in a Bed" for the exclusive Disco Mix Club.

Later years

Renewed interest in Hot Chocolate came in part with the band's appearances on a string of successful film soundtracks, starting with the 1997 comedy The Full Monty, as well as in a 1989 Clearasil acne lotion commercial (featuring a young Patsy Palmer). From the late 1980s onwards, the group experienced a resurgence of credibility: Urge Overkill, PJ Harvey and the Sisters of Mercy all added Hot Chocolate songs to their live sets, and Cud's cover of "You Sexy Thing" featured in John Peel's Festive 50 in 1987.

Errol Brown and Larry Ferguson departed the band in 1986, ultimately leading the group to disband. Brown then began a solo career. Two of his singles made the UK Singles Chart – "Personal Touch" and "Body Rockin'". Hot Chocolate had a hit in 1988 in Germany. "Never Pretend" was written by Harvey Hinsley and Susan Stuttard, and the vocalist was Grant Evelyn. The band's enduring popularity was verified when two compilation albums both reached No. 1 in the UK Albums Chart (see below). In 2003, Errol Brown received the MBE; and in 2004, the Ivor Novello Award for his contribution to British music.

In 1992, the band reformed with new vocalist Greg Bannis and keyboardists Steve Ansell, Andy Smith, Willy Dowling, and Steve Matthews (the latter two of whom departed the band in 1994), and manager and agent Ric Martin took control over the band's bookings and live appearances. Kennie Simon took over lead vocals in 2010 following the departure of Bannis and Hot Chocolate continue to make live appearances in the UK and Europe.

On 6 May 2015, original frontman and principal songwriter Errol Brown died from liver cancer. He was 71.

Original guitarist Franklyn Delano De Allie (born 21 January 1944, St. Marks Parish, Grenada, West Indies) later became a police officer, and died in Warwick, Bermuda on 30 December 2018.

Personnel

Members

Principal members of the band that played on most/all hit records (Errol Brown, Tony Wilson, Patrick Olive, Larry Ferguson, Harvey Hinsley, and Tony Connor) are in bold.

Current members
  • Patrick Olive – percussion (1968–1975), bass (1975–1984, 1988, 1992–present)
  • Tony Connor – drums, percussion (1970–1986, 1988, 1992–present)
  • Harvey Hinsley – guitars (1970–1986, 1988, 1992–present)
  • Steve Ansell – keyboards, guitars (1994–present)
  • Andy Smith – keyboards (1994–present)
  • Kennie Simon – lead vocals, keyboards (2010–present)
Former members
  • Errol Brown – lead vocals (1968–1986; died 2015)
  • Tony Wilson – bass, lead & backing vocals (1968–1975)
  • Franklyn De Allie – guitars (1968–1970)
  • Jim King – drums, percussion (1968–1969)
  • Ian King – drums, percussion (1969–1970)
  • Larry Ferguson – keyboards (1969–1986)
  • Derek Lewis – percussion, backing vocals (1975)
  • Brian Satterwhite – bass, backing vocals (1975)
  • Rick Green - keyboards (1975)
  • Chris Cameron - keyboards, backing vocals (1982–1985)
  • Grant Evelyn – lead vocals (1988)
  • Greg Bannis – lead vocals (1992–2010)
  • Willy Dowling – keyboards, backing vocals (1992–1994)
  • Steve Matthews – keyboards, backing vocals (1992–1994)

Line-ups

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1968–1969 1969–1970 1970–1975 1975
  • Errol Brown – lead vocals
  • Franklyn De Allie – guitars
  • Patrick Olive – percussion
  • Tony Wilson – bass, vocals
  • Larry Ferguson – keyboards
  • Ian King – drums, percussion
  • Errol Brown – lead vocals
  • Patrick Olive – percussion
  • Tony Wilson – bass, lead vocals
  • Larry Ferguson – keyboards
  • Tony Connor – drums, percussion
  • Harvey Hinsley – guitars
  • Errol Brown – lead vocals
  • Patrick Olive – percussion
  • Larry Ferguson – keyboards
  • Tony Connor – drums, percussion
  • Harvey Hinsley – guitars
  • Brian Satterwhite – bass, backing vocals
  • Derek Lewis – percussion, backing vocals
1975–1986 1986–1988 1988 1988–1992
  • Errol Brown – lead vocals
  • Patrick Olive – bass
  • Larry Ferguson – keyboards
  • Tony Connor – drums, percussion
  • Harvey Hinsley – guitars

Disbanded

  • Patrick Olive – bass
  • Tony Connor – drums, percussion
  • Harvey Hinsley – guitars
  • Grant Evelyn – lead vocals

Disbanded

1992–1994 1994–2010 2010–present
  • Patrick Olive – bass
  • Tony Connor – drums, percussion
  • Harvey Hinsley – guitars
  • Greg Bannis – lead vocals
  • Willy Dowling – keyboards, backing vocals
  • Steve Matthews – keyboards, backing vocals
  • Patrick Olive – bass
  • Tony Connor – drums, percussion
  • Harvey Hinsley – guitars
  • Steve Ansell – keyboards, guitars
  • Greg Bannis – lead vocals
  • Andy Smith – keyboards
  • Patrick Olive – bass
  • Tony Connor – drums, percussion
  • Harvey Hinsley – guitars
  • Steve Ansell – keyboards, guitars
  • Andy Smith – keyboards
  • Kennie Simon – lead vocals, keyboards

Timeline

Discography

Main article: Hot Chocolate discography

References

  1. ^ "ERROL BROWN: A Fondent Farewell". Blues & Soul. Archived from the original on 30 July 2012. Retrieved 17 December 2013.
  2. Roberts, David (2006). British Hit Singles & Albums (19th ed.). London: Guinness World Records Limited. pp. 259/260. ISBN 1-904994-10-5.
  3. "Radiohead And The Darkness Triumph At Ivor Novello Awards". NME. Retrieved 30 June 2022.
  4. ^ "B". Badcatrecords.com. Archived from the original on 10 December 2017. Retrieved 10 October 2016.
  5. "Top of the Pops 2 – Top 5". BBC. 24 September 2014. Retrieved 10 October 2016.
  6. ^ Roberts, David (2001). British Hit Singles (14th ed.). London: Guinness World Records Limited. p. 47. ISBN 0-85156-156-X.
  7. Rice, Jo (1982). The Guinness Book of 500 Number One Hits (1st ed.). Enfield, Middlesex: Guinness Superlatives Ltd. p. 184. ISBN 0-85112-250-7.
  8. "Liebrand Award Hot Chocolate". Liebrand.com. Retrieved 2 May 2021.
  9. "Index Liebrand Productions". Liebrand.com. Retrieved 2 May 2021.
  10. "Two in a bed (1987)". YouTube. 27 December 2017.
  11. "Download | Clearasil Advert 1989 (Patsy Palmer) 1980s". Downloadablemovies.org. Retrieved 13 January 2012.
  12. Roberts, David (1998). Guinness Rockopedia (1st ed.). London: Guinness Publishing Ltd. p. 196. ISBN 0-85112-072-5.
  13. "Hot Chocolate – Never Pretend (Vinyl) at Discogs". Discogs. Retrieved 29 July 2014.
  14. "HOT CHOCOLATE biography". The Great Rock Bible. 23 November 2014. Retrieved 10 October 2016.
  15. "Home". Hot Chocolate. Retrieved 7 April 2013.
  16. "Errol Brown, Hot Chocolate singer, dies aged 71 – BBC News". BBC News. 6 May 2015. Retrieved 4 July 2015.
  17. "Franklyn DeAllie (1944-2018)". 2 January 2019.
  18. "Taste of Hot Chocolate". The Croydon Advertiser. Croydon, UK. 10 September 1982. p. 18. Retrieved 15 February 2023 – via Newspapers.com.
  19. "Disco Beat". North Wales Weekly News. Colwyn Bay, Wales. 6 June 1985. p. 27. Retrieved 15 February 2023 – via Newspapers.com.

External links

Hot Chocolate
  • Patrick Olive
  • Tony Connor
  • Harvey Hinsley
  • Steve Ansell
  • Andy Smith
  • Kennie Simon
  • Errol Brown
  • Tony Wilson
  • Franklyn De Allie
  • Jim King
  • Ian King
  • Larry Ferguson
  • Brian Satterwhite
  • Grant Evelyn
  • Greg Bannis
  • Willy Dowling
  • Steve Matthews
Studio albums
Compilation albums
Singles
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