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The Hollies
The Hollies proved themselves to be one of the most popular bands from the British Invasion Era.
The Hollies in the early '60's. Eric Haydock and Bobby Elliott, (front) with Graham Nash, Allan Clarke and Tony Hicks standing.The Hollies have proven over many years to be one of the most consistently popular and long-lasting groups from the beat era. First signed by EMI in the post Merseyside search for more Beatles, bands, the Hollies continue to perform to this day. They got there name from Buddy Holly, as the Beatles got there’s from the “Crickets”.
Their first single “Ain’t That Just Like Me” went to No.26 in England, “Searchin’” followed and got to No.12. Continuing the upward trend “Stay” was a hit at No. 8, and then “Stay” at No. 8
The Hollies Arrive
“Just One Look” really broke the band a cover of Doris Troy got them to No. 2, was a No. 4 hit, and finally “I’m Alive" with Graham Nash on vocals reaching No. 2, just behind the Beatles.
The Hollies had arrived.
From there, “Here I Go Again” reached number 4, and finally “I’m Alive” got to the coveted Number one spot in May 1965. The original line up was Allen Clarke on vocals, Tony Hicks, lead guitar, Graham Nash, rhythm and vocals, Eric Haydock, bass, and Bobby Elliott, who came over from Shane Fenton’s Fentones, on drums.
New line up, 1975, with Terry Sylvester, far left on guitar, and Bern Calvert, right, on bassChanges, and more Hollies Hits!
Eric Haydock was replaced by Bernie Calvert in ’66. The hits kept coming for the Hollies, “Look Through Any Window”, No.4 in ’65 George Harrisons “If I Needed Someone” , No. 20 also in ’65.
From there, until the present day, through line up changes and changing music styles the Hollies have persistently come up with high quality music.
Bobby Elliott and Tony Hicks remain as the original members. Alan Clarke went to live make music with Dave Crosby, Stephen Stills, and sometimes Neil Young. Ex Escorts guitarist, Terry Sylvester replaced him admirably.
Swedish singer Mikael Rickfors sang “The Baby” when Alllan Clark left for a while, but came back with the smash No. 2 in the USA “Long Cool Woman in a Black Dress” in 1972, followed by the classic “The Air That I Breath” , No. 2 in U.K. and No. 6 in the U.S.A.
In 2000, on the retirement of lead vocalist Allan Clarke, Carl
Wayne (ex singer in The Move) joined the Hollies, touring Europe and
Australasia with them, as well as playing venues all over the United Kingdom.
They recorded a new song, "How Do I Survive", in February 2003, which
appeared as the only previously unreleased item on a 46-track compilation CD of
the Hollies' greatest hits later that year. In addition to most of the Hollies'
songs, they included "Flowers in the Rain" and "Blackberry
Way" in their live repertoire. Their drummer Bobby Elliott described him
as "a fearless performer and powerhouse singer".
Wayne played what turned out to be his last concert with the
group on 10 July 2004 at Egersund, Norway. Shortly afterwards he was admitted
to hospital for tests; he was diagnosed with oesophageal cancer and died a few
weeks later at age 61. He left a widow, (Susan Hanson), and their son Jack.
Current members of The Hollies include the two original
member Tony Hicks (guitar) and Bobby Elliott (drums) plus Peter Howarth ,
guitar and vocals (joined 2004), Ian Parker, Keyboard, vocals (joined1991) Steve Lauri, (Guitar, vocals joined 2004) and
Ray Stiles, (ex the band Mudd bass and vocals joining 1986).
Vinyl Records by The Hollies.
There does not seem to be a lot of Hollies around on vinyl. However, there is enough to get a good selection into your collection. A good one to start with is this Greatest Hits album, put out by Epic in 1973. It's a good collection of the discs that were a hit in the U.S. between '65 and '72, so it will give you some great listening. Included is "Carrie Anne" "Bus Stop" "Long Cool Woman" (a must) and of course "He Ain't Heavy" .
This album was recorded at Abby Road Studios in late 1967, and released in November that year as "Butterfly". The 7th Hollies studio album, their second for 1976, and the last to feature Graham Nash. None of the tracks were released as singles and all tracks were written by Clarke-Nash-Hicks, with Nash doing most of the vocals.
The U.S. version of Butterfly, the album featured a different cover, and was re-named . It came out on Epic records in November '67.
Recorded at Abby Road Studios in late 1967, and released in November that year. The 7th Hollies studio album, their second for 1976, and the last to feature Graham Nash. None of the tracks were released as singles and all tracks were written by Clarke-Nash-Hicks, with Nash doing most of the vocals.
The controversial 8th Hollies album was recorded in May 1969. The album resulted in Graham Nash leaving the band. Graham had written some songs he wanted to do for the next album, but the band were not interested. And he was not interested in doing Dylan songs, considering in "sacrilege"
However, the album was a success, and it introduced Nash's replacement terry Sylvester. 12 Tracks with "I'll Be Your Baby Tonight", "Blowin' In The Wind", a rollicking "Mighty Quinn" and 'This Wheels On Fire".
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The Hollies
"Long Cool Woman"
One of the Hollies best releases, coming out in April 1972. Written by Allan Clarke with Roger Cook, and Roger Greenaway. I reached No. 32 on the charts in the U.K., and No. 2 in the USA.
Here is Danny Sandricks Hollies page with his interpretation of the song
