Spencer Davis moved from South Wales to London as a teenager and played in various skiffle bands.
Like many other teenagers in the UK during the 50's and 60's, Davis found inspiration in the imported American R&B sound and in 1960 he relocated to Birmingham, Britain's second largest city and home to thriving R&B scene.
Spencer studied German at college and later became a teacher himself at a junior school in Yardley. He played in various venues around Brum and sometimes featured alongside Christine Perfect who later joined Fleetwood Mac.
Spencer, Steve & Muff Winwood played at the Golden Eagle pub in Hill Street which was a regular haunt for Midland R&B enthusiasts, they then formed the Spencer Davis Group along with Pete York.
The Golden Eagle was a popular venue for up and coming bands from the region and the Spencer Davis Group were well liked. Spencer Davis performed before Sonny Boy Williamson at the venue which may have been a blessing for the future.
Meanwhile, Chris Blackwell of Island Records took a journey north from London to Manchester via Birmingham, being used to ska and reggae he picked up on Winwood's unique soulful voice (for a young white boy from Brum). The then quartet turned down a record deal from Decca and went with Fontana records and Island publishing, the band were signed, albeit with an informal deal between Island and Fontana.
The band played arduously around Britain with Jackie Edwards writing one of their first big hits 'Keep On Running', later the band found success through their own song writing abilities such as 'I'm A Man' (a popular MOD song).
Steve Winwood left for pastures new in the late 60's, he had 'Traffic' on his mind, Spencer Davis continued the band regardless and recruited new musicians, one unsuccessful candidate being Reginald Dwight (Elton John). The band notched up several other classic late 60's songs until Spencer Davis made a move to Germany and then America where he now lives and still performs, Steve and Muff Winwood also now reside in the States, Peter York lives and still entertains in Germany.
These songs continue to inspire thousands of musicians world wide, long live the unique soulful magic that is 'The Spencer Davis Group'.
If you enjoy the songs featured here then look out for the many Spencer Davis Group recordings and solo works, the musicians continue to contribute to the music industry.
Thanks for reading/listening.
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