The Cats (reggae band)

The Cats, previously known as The Hustlin' Kind, were a ska ensemble from Mile End, London.[1][2] The group's lineup comprised Tyrone Patterson (keyboards), Richard Archer (bass), John Kpiaye (guitar), and Michael Okoro (drums).[1]

The Cats
OriginMile End, London, England
GenresSka
Years active1967-1971
LabelsBAF
Past membersTyrone Patterson
Richard Archer
John Ogetti Kpiaye
Michael Okoro

History

They were initially an instrumental band, playing ska and soul covers in London clubs, changing the band name to The Cats in Summer 1968.[1] The group recorded ten tracks at Maximum Sound studios in Old Kent Road in September 1968.[1]

Their 1968 single, "Swan Lake", backed by "Swing Low", hit no. 48 in the UK Singles Chart in early 1969, making them the first British reggae band to have a top fifty hit in the UK.[2][3] According to Kpiaye "Swan Lake" was recorded during the Maximum Sound session, the single was released on the group's own Baf label. "Swan Lake" was later covered by Madness on their debut album One Step Beyond...; Subsequent releases by The Cats failed to chart, rendering them as one-hit wonders.

Discography

Singles
Record label Record number Year Title
BAF BAF1 1968 "Swan Lake" / "Swing Low"
BAF BAF2 1968 "My Girl" / "The Hog"
BAF BAF3 1968 "The Hog" / "Blues for Justice"
BAF BAF4 1968 "William Tell" / "Love Walk Right In"
BAF BAF5 1968 "Falling in Love" / "Don't Mess with Cupid"
Crystal CR 7009 1970 "Sherman" / "What Can I Do"
Groove GVE 1001 1976 "Swan Lake" (re-recording) / "Swan Lake" (Disco Version)

[4]

References
  1. de Koningh, Michael & Griffiths, Marc (2003) Tighten Up! The History of Reggae in the UK, Sanctuary, ISBN 1-86074-559-8, pp. 37-38
  2. "John Kpiaye – LKJ Records". Lintonkwesijohnson.com. Retrieved 2020-06-23.
  3. Roberts, David (2006). British Hit Singles & Albums (19th ed.). London: Guinness World Records Limited. p. 22. ISBN 1-904994-10-5.
  4. "The Cats [UK] Discography - UK - 45cat". 45cat.com. Retrieved 2020-06-23.
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