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Revision as of 23:07, 19 December 2005 editDerek R Bullamore (talk | contribs)Autopatrolled, Extended confirmed users, Pending changes reviewers, Rollbackers341,493 edits →Biography← Previous edit Revision as of 23:08, 19 December 2005 edit undoDerek R Bullamore (talk | contribs)Autopatrolled, Extended confirmed users, Pending changes reviewers, Rollbackers341,493 edits →BiographyNext edit →
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It was in the ] era of the mid-1970s onwards, that Hot Chocolate became such a big success, and when they became indelibly identified with 'funky disco'. A combination of high production standards, the growing confidence of the main songwriting team of Tony Wilson and Errol Brown, and tight harmonies, enabled them to secure further big hits, like "]" and "]". It was in the ] era of the mid-1970s onwards, that Hot Chocolate became such a big success, and when they became indelibly identified with 'funky disco'. A combination of high production standards, the growing confidence of the main songwriting team of Tony Wilson and Errol Brown, and tight harmonies, enabled them to secure further big hits, like "]" and "]".


Between those two well-loved tracks, came ]'s only UK chart topper. In 1977, after scoring 15 previous hits, they finally reached Number One with ]. Oddly, it was one of the few of their recordings that was not penned, at least partly, by ]. The track was a ] composition. Between those two well-loved tracks, came ]'s only UK chart topper. In 1977, after scoring 15 previous hits, they finally reached Number One with "]". Oddly, it was one of the few of their recordings that was not penned, at least partly, by ]. The track was a ] composition.


The band became the only group, and one of just three UK chart acts, that scored a hit in every year of the ]. Considering the other two acts to do so were ] and ], that put ] in very elevated company. The success did not stop there, and they eventually had at least one hit, every single year, between 1970 and 1984. The band became the only group, and one of just three UK chart acts, that scored a hit in every year of the ]. Considering the other two acts to do so were ] and ], that put ] in very elevated company. The success did not stop there, and they eventually had at least one hit, every single year, between 1970 and 1984.

Revision as of 23:08, 19 December 2005

For the beverage, see Hot chocolate.

Biography

Hot Chocolate was a British band of the 1960s, and 1970s, and 1980s formed by Errol Brown (a Briton who was born in Jamaica). They were named by Mavis Smith, who worked for the Apple Corps press office.

Errol started recording by making a reggae version of John Lennon's "Give Peace A Chance", but he was told he needed permission. Much to Errol's surprise, he was contacted by Apple Records, since John Lennon loved his version, and subsequently signed to Apple Records. Then, with the group Hot Chocolate, and the help of ace record producer Mickie Most, they began releasing tracks that became minor hits, such as "Love Is Life" in 1970. All Hot Chocolate's original releases were on the RAK record label, which was owned by Mickie Most. But as yet, Hot Chocolate did not have a very high profile as an act.

This was to change significantly, as the six piece, London based, outfit started to become UK singles chart regulars. "Brother Louie", and "Emma" were more successful singles, and introduced their distinctive sound.

It was in the disco era of the mid-1970s onwards, that Hot Chocolate became such a big success, and when they became indelibly identified with 'funky disco'. A combination of high production standards, the growing confidence of the main songwriting team of Tony Wilson and Errol Brown, and tight harmonies, enabled them to secure further big hits, like "You Sexy Thing" and "Every 1's A Winner".

Between those two well-loved tracks, came Hot Chocolate's only UK chart topper. In 1977, after scoring 15 previous hits, they finally reached Number One with "So You Win Again". Oddly, it was one of the few of their recordings that was not penned, at least partly, by Errol Brown. The track was a Russ Ballard composition.

The band became the only group, and one of just three UK chart acts, that scored a hit in every year of the 1970s. Considering the other two acts to do so were Elvis Presley and Diana Ross, that put Hot Chocolate in very elevated company. The success did not stop there, and they eventually had at least one hit, every single year, between 1970 and 1984.

Whilst their longevity had its highs and lows, they continued well into the 1980s, and clocked up another big hit record: "It Started With A Kiss", in 1982. In all, the group charted no less than 25 UK top 40 hit singles.

When Hot Chocolate finally disbanded in 1985, Errol Brown did not have much solo success. Although, two singles of his did make the chart - "Personal Touch" - a Number 25 hit in 1987, and "Body Rockin'" the same year. In 2003, Brown received the MBE; and in 2004, the Ivor Novello Award for his outstanding contribution to British music.

Discography

Albums

Singles


Band Personnel

Errol Brown - born 12 November 1948 in Kingston, Jamaica - vocalist.

Patrick Olive - born 22 March 1947 in Grenada - percussionist / bassist (from 1975).

Tony Connor - born 6 April 1947 in Romford, Essex - drummer.

Larry Ferguson - born 14 April 1948 in Nassau, Bahamas - keyboards.

Tony Wilson - born 8 October 1947 in Trinidad - bassist (up to 1975).

Harvey Hinsley - born 19 January 1948 in Northampton - guitarist.

External link

HOT CHOCOLATE
File:Hot chocolate band.jpg
Hot Chocolate - photo by Gered Mankowitz
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