Geno Washington and The Ram Jam Band had two of the biggest selling UK albums of the sixties. Amazingly both of these were live albums. Hand Clappin, Foot Stompin, Funky Butt Live was in the album charts for 48 weeks of the year 1966 and was only out-sold by The Sound of Music and Parsley, Sage, Rosemary & Thyme.
US soul acts rarely visited the UK and, having come over as a part of the US Air Force and stayed, Geno was our soul man. His level of touring and the high energy of his gigs was, and still is (as immortalized by Dexy’s Midnight Runners in the 80’s hit Geno) the stuff of legends. During his sets, the beat was continuous and the hits were incessant.
It was really Geno who pioneered this Go, Go style of performing and the audiences simply could not get enough. With the likes of Jimi Hendrix, Cream, and Pink Floyd in support Geno could never relax. These spiritual meanderings were abruptly halted when, in 1980 Blighty beckoned once more. A call came from old friends in the UK that a tribute called Geno (mentioned above) had gone to number one in the charts.
In interviews, the singer, Kevin Roland, was speaking of this legendary soul man, whose name they used to chant up and down the land and public interest in Geno was growing for a new generation. Soon, Anglophile Geno, was back in the UK and back on the road.
More Events in Greater London Listings MORE
Suzie Larke: Unseen
Logic-defying work by photographer Suzie Larke, who returns to our site with new images raising awareness and sparking…
Death Of England: The Plays
Following acclaimed seasons at the National Theatre, Clint Dyer and Roy Williams extraordinary series of three plays, DEATH…
Coriolanus
Unrivalled in the art of war, undefeated on the field of battle, Coriolanus is Rome’s greatest soldier. …
Diane Abbott: A Woman Like Me
Diane Abbott, who made history as Britain’s first Black woman MP, talks to Afua Hirsch about her new…
Candle Making and Caribbean Afternoon Tea Experience
Discover the ultimate Candle Crafting and dining experience with Aya Aromas and Rhythm Kitchen E17. Embark on…
The Hot Wing King
It’s summertime in Memphis, Tennessee and the annual Hot Wing Contest is about to roll through. Cordell has…
Sunday Soul
London’s hard-hitting, evening live show filled with golden era hits. Atlantic Soul Orchestra deliver two live shows…
Eugy Official
Infiltrating the worldwide Gospel music scene, Eugy is one of the key players at the forefront of UK…