where Stevie came from . . . mostly accepted as a vehicle for Stevie Winwood to learn his chops and once the Winwood brothers had split (Stevie we know to bigger and better things, Muff hung up his bass and went into production) they became almost pub rockers . . . . . . slightly unfair maybe but the spark was gone
Another valued bio from Kostas over at Urbanaspirines . . . . . . . .
Stevie, keyboards, guitar and vocals, Muff bass Spencer guitar and drummer Pete York
Live
no me neither . . . . . . Spencer on the right
Wednesday, October 21, 2020
SPENCER DAVIS R.I.P. 1939 - 2020
We lost Spencer Davis on Monday from a heart attack caused by complications with pneumonia, he was 81. An erudite intelligent “gentleman” and blues purist to the end, he brought in the raw talent of perhaps our greatest blues singer Steve Winwood as a teenager (17 in 1966!). He spoke fluent German as this clip shows became a teacher and whilst a staunch Welshman growing up and forming the band in Birmingham (he was an honorary member of Plaid Cymru) lived finally in Avalon
Big O says:
Spencer Davis, one of the key figures of the 1960s beat scene, has died at the age of 81. Davis died in hospital on October 19, while being treated for pneumonia, his agent told the BBC. The Welsh guitarist was the driving force behind The Spencer Davis Group, who scored transatlantic hits with Keep On Running and Somebody Help Me. The band, which also featured a teenage Stevie Winwood, toured with The Who and The Rolling Stones in the '60s. The Spencer Davis Group went on to prove they had songwriting chops of their own, with hit singles like I'm A Man and Gimme Some Lovin', which was later covered by The Blues Brothers. He is survived by his long-time partner June, and three adult children.
Spencer takes lead vocals on this from 'The Ghost Goes Gear' ! (I KNOW!)
Wednesday, December 26, 2018
Bought when it came out but by my older brother not me but boy did we play this single to DEATH! Superb classic pop from one of those magic unique moments in time . . . . . .
On this day in music history: December 26, 1966 - “Gimme Some Lovin’” by The Spencer Davis Group is released in the US (UK release date is on October 28, 1966). Written by Steve Winwood, it is the first major hit single for the blue eyed soul/rock band from Birmingham, UK. Formed in 1963 and led by guitarist Spencer Davis, the band is actually fronted by musical prodigy Steve Winwood who is only fourteen years old when he joins. The band also includes Steve’s older brother Mervyn “Muff” Winwood on bass. The Spencer Davis Group are signed to Philips Records subsidiary Fontana Records in 1965, making their big breakthrough with “Keep On Running”, becoming their first UK #1 and their first US chart entry (#76 Pop) in early 1966. Idolizing many American R&B musicians, in particular Ray Charles, the then still teen aged Steve Winwood possesses an effortlessly soulful voice that echoes his musical hero, and exhibits a maturity well beyond his tender age. Winwood also displays a natural virtuosity on several instruments, especially on the Hammond B-3 organ and guitar. Looking to break the band in the US, co-producer Chris Blackwell asks them to write something they think will appeal to American audiences. Among the first songs Winwood writes is the uptempo R&B flavored rave up “Gimme Some Lovin’”. Released in the UK at the end of October 1966, it is another smash, peaking at #2 on the UK singles chart. In the interim, the US branch of Philips Records who had declined to release The Spencer Davis Groups’ earlier singles stateside, has the Philadelphia based Jordan Bros cover “Gimme Some Lovin’”, and releases it as a single in mid December of 1966. United Artists Records, the US licensee of The Spencer Davis Groups’ records, rush releases the original version. The Spencer Davis version completely steamrolls The Jordan Bros. record, quickly becoming a hit. Entering the Hot 100 at #100 on December 31, 1966, it peaks at #7 on February 25, 1967. The US hit single version of “Gimme Some Lovin’” differs significantly from its UK counterpart, featuring a different lead vocal, as well as additional instrumentation and background vocals not included on the original UK single. An instant party anthem, “Gimme Some Lovin’” becomes The Spencer Davis Groups’ signature song, and is covered numerous times with versions by The Grateful Dead, Sam & Dave, Booker T. & The MG’s, and The Blues Brothers whose version is featured in the 1980 film. The original version has been featured in many films, including “The Big Chill”, “Days Of Thunder”, “The Boat That Rocked”, “Notting Hill” and “Good Morning Vietnam”. The Spencer Davis Groups’ original version of “Gimme Some Lovin’” is inducted into the Grammy Hall Of Fame in 1999.
