The True Story Behind the Beau Brummels' Name and Their Role in the British Invasion
It's often said that the Beau Brummels chose their name so their LPs would come right after The Beatles in the music stores. However, is this urban legend true? Let's peel back the layers and explore the real story behind the formation of the Beau Brummels and their contribution to the British Invasion era.
The Inspiration Behind the Name
The Beau Brummels, a quintessential part of the 60s rock scene, took their name from George Bryan Brummell, an 18th-century English gentleman and a close friend and confidant of the future King George IV. Known as an 'excessively well-dressed man,' a term that translates to 'Beau' in English, the band embraced the moniker with style and distinction. Formed in San Francisco in 1964, the band's founding members sought to pay homage to the elegantly dressed gentleman while maintaining a sense of their own elegance and refinement.
Formation and Early Hits
The Beau Brummels' journey began when they embarked on the music scene in 1964. Before long, they released their first single, 'Laugh Laugh,' in December of that year. This track was considered one of America's early responses to the British Invasion, marking the beginning of the group's influence in the San Francisco Rock scene.
Produced by Sly Stewart
'Laugh Laugh' was produced by then-DJ Sylvester 'Sly' Stewart, who later rose to fame as the founder of Sly The Family Stone. Stewart's production skills played a pivotal role in the band's sound and success. Ensuring a British-sounding name was indeed something that the Brummels appreciated, but the story behind their namesake has been a subject of much debate.
The Myth Unveiled
According to lead singer Sal Valentino, there is no truth to the claim that the band picked their name to have their LPs follow The Beatles alphabetically. Instead, he suggests that the idea of placing their records after The Beatles' in the bins may have been a convenient outcome of their name, but not the primary reason for choosing it. Sal Valentino further explained that the group's management once spread rumors that the band was British, hoping to capitalize on the ongoing British Invasion trend. This led to some people mistakenly believing the Brummels were from the United Kingdom rather than California.
The Songs that Defined Their Career
The Beau Brummels didn't just rely on 'Laugh Laugh' to establish themselves. Their career saw two notable hits: 'Laugh Laugh' which became the first charting song from the San Francisco Rock scene in 1965, and their Top 10 hit 'Just a Little' in the summer of the same year. Both of these songs were credited for combining beat music and rock n' roll with folk-style elements, pioneering a sound that closely resembled the English bands of that era.
Role in the British Invasion Era
Both 'Laugh Laugh' and 'Just a Little' exhibited the unmistakable "moody pop" sound associated with pre-Beatles English bands. The songs featured Ron Elliot, the band's songwriter and guitarist, contributing his distinct style. Additionally, Sly Stewart was instrumental in production and maintaining a positive approach, often tying up 'loose ends' and keeping everybody involved by his enthusiasm and belief in the band's potential. His multifaceted skills as a drummer, guitarist, and vocalist ensured that the band's collective output was superior to any individual member.
Conclusion
So, did The Beau Brummels really pick their name for their albums to appear right after The Beatles? Probably not. However, the coincidence couldn't have been more fitting for the band to be associated with The Beatles and the British Invasion trend. The true legacy of The Beau Brummels lies in their contribution to the San Francisco Rock scene, their role in combining various musical genres, and their ability to captivate audiences with their unique sound and style.
Other artists may have had a similar name or had their albums placed in similar positions, but The Beau Brummels remain an integral part of the historic timeline of 60s rock. Their story shows the importance of context and names in shaping a musical identity and legacy. Whether the name was strategic or not, The Beau Brummels continue to be celebrated for their role in the British Invasion era and their indelible mark on the music of the 1960s.
Keywords: Beau Brummels, British Invasion, San Francisco Rock