Londonbeat
This pop soul vocal group was formed by an English guitarist and singers from America and Trinidad, with the original line-up comprising Jimmy Helms (b. 1944, Florida, USA), Jimmy Chambers (b. 20 January 1946, Trinidad, West Indies), George Chandler (b. Atlanta, Georgia, USA) and Willy M (b. William Henshall, London, England). Helms was best known for his UK Top 10 hit in 1973 with "Gonna Make You An Offer You Can't Refuse". He released several other singles at the time, including "Jack Horner's Holiday". Chandler was in 60s soul group the Four Kents who were American but based in northern Italy as servicemen. He too had released solo singles in the 70s. They came together and settled in London where they signed to David A. Stewart's AnXious label. Much of Londonbeat's material was close to a cappella though they used session musicians when necessary. Their debut single "9AM (The Comfort Zone)' reached the UK Top 20 in 1988, but it was 1990"s "I've Been Thinking About You" that gave the band their biggest hit, rising to number 2, and topping the US chart. Further transatlantic hits followed with "A Better Love" and "Come Back". They also appeared with BBC Radio 1 disc jockeys, Liz Kershaw and Bruno Brooks on the Christmas 1989 charity record "It Takes Two Baby".
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Albums
- (1991) In The Blood
Top Tracks
- I've Been Thinking About You
- No Woman No Cry
- A Better Love
- Crying In The Rain
- In An I Love You Mood
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