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The Foundations were a British soul band who were primarily active between 1967 and 1970. The group's background was West Indies, White British and . Their 1967 debut single "Baby Now That I've Found You" reached number one in the UK and Canada, and number eleven in the US. Their 1968 single "Build Me Up Buttercup" reached number two in the UK and number three on the US Billboard Hot 100. The group was the first multi-racial group to have a number one hit in the UK in the 1960s.
The Foundations were one of the few British acts to imitate successfully what became known as the Motown Sound. The Foundations signed to Pye Records, at the time one of only four big UK record companies (the others being EMI, which included the His Master's Voice, Columbia and Parlophone labels, Decca Records, and Philips Records, which also owned Fontana Records).
At some stage Morrison was imprisoned for six months. In his absence, a friend of the band called Joan who ran a record store, suggested future Psychedelic rock shock rocker Arthur Brown as a replacement. 2NUR FM103.7, Wednesday 23 August 2023 - Vinyl Vibes by Jack Hodgins - Alan Warner - Original Guitarist of the Foundations 16:35Centre Stage Promotions - The Foundations Brown was straight and clean living, and did not drink, smoke or take drugs.The Little Box Office - The Foundations, Story of The Foundations By Ralph Gowling, Deputy Editor of The Beat magazine Decades later, Brown recalled when he walked into the Westbourne Grove bar for an audition, he saw Curtis holding a spear to the throat of the drummer, bent backwards over the bar. Louder, January 15, 2004 - Arthur Brown: Fire Starter by Hugh Fielder Brown and Curtis each performed solo numbers as well as duets It's Psychedelic Baby! Magazine, 22 Jan 2012 - Arthur Brown first came to prominence in swinging London. He is most well-known for The Crazy World of Arthur Brown and Kingdom Come. and one of the band members recalled later that they had experimented with "underground-type music" when Brown was with them. New Musical Express, 22 March 1969 - Page 12 FOUNDATIONS WERE SINGING WAITERS
The group had unsuccessfully tried to recruit Rod Stewart as a singer. They had a jam session with him, but he turned down their offer as he preferred other musical styles. Alan Warner recalled decades later that Stewart's then girlfriend, Dee Harrington, had ended up being secretary for the Foundations' management.Alice Randall RadioShows channel, 4 February 2022 - Alan Warner original guitarist of The Foundations interview by Alice Randall 9:00Mixcloud - The3decadesshow - Alan Warner radio feature part 2
The Foundations are said to have formed in Bayswater, London, in January 1967. An Avid's Guide to Sixties Songwriters, by Peter Dunbavin, 2017, (e) - 47 . Tony Macauley They practised and played in a basement coffee bar club called the Butterfly Club, which they also ran. Melody Maker, October 21, 1967 - Page 7 OUT OF JAZZ, TAMLA, R&B COME THE FOUNDATIONS The premises were at one time `used as a gambling den. While managing the club themselves, they played music nightly and handled the cooking and cleaning. They would get to bed around 6am or 7am, sleep until 4pm, and open again at 8pm. Sometimes they barely made enough money to pay the rent, occasionally living off leftovers and a couple of pounds of rice. Beat Instrumental, Dec 1967 - Page 28 Foundations never thought they'd make the charts by Crotus Pike Gomez recalled in 1969 that he, MacBeth, Allandale and Harris were living on £2 per week and could not afford a packet of razor blades. His mother would come and tell him off for leaving his job in the County Hall architect's department. The situation of saxophonist Mike Elliott was also not ideal. He had been staying in a top floor flat, in a condemned house, where the roof had been removed. Elliott was still paying rent. Clem Curtis recalled going to see him one morning, knocking on his door which got Elliott out of bed. He asked him, "Hey, Mike, where's your roof gone?", to which Elliott replied, "I don't know, man, they just came and knocked it off." Record Mirror, No. 347 Week ending Nov.11, 1967 - Page 3 'Before this record, WE were just what you'd call 'bums" say the Foundations
Following the band being forced out of their club by a protection racket gang who tied up Clem Curtis and held a knife to his throat, they moved next door to the new premises, a run-down place that was once a mini-cab office. According to Alan Warner in his interview with It's Psychedelic Baby Magazine, dated 22 July 2011, this is where they were discovered. The biography on AllMusic stated that Barry Class was the first to discover them. Other sources claim they were discovered by Ron Fairway, a man with many music connections and who managed the group, the Ways and Means.Strange Brew - The Ways and Means Fairway had his own agency, Ron Fairway Enterprises which was located at 6 Artesian Road, London W.2. New Musical Express, 2 July 1965 - Page 11 THE NEW TREND, MOLTONS NEW WAVE, Enquiries : RON FAIRWAY ENTERPRISES Fairway already had some success with his group, the Ways and Means. They already had record out, "Sea of Faces" on Pye Records. Melody Maker, 7 January 1967 - Page 2 OUT NOW FROM THE WAYS AND MEANS, SEA OF FACES It got to no.39 on the Radio City City Sixty chart for the Sunday 1 - Sunday 8 January 1967 period,The Pirate Radio Hall of Fame - The City Sixties, The City Sixty, 1st - 8th January 1967 and on the 21st, no. 41 on the Radio Caroline chart.Radio London Ltd - Radio Caroline Countdown Of Sound, Last week 44, This week 41 Sea Of Faces, Ways & Means Interestingly the Ways and Means would later end up being involved with a label that Barry Class created.The Strange Brew - The Ways and Means
In August 2023, Alan Warner was interviewed by Jack Hodgins of the Australian radio station, 2NUR FM. The interview appears to suggest that Raymond Morrison was still in the group when Ron Fairway approached them.
Ron Fairway told the group that he was going to get them a gig at Herne Bay. However, this job never materialized. The group sourced their own gigs which included a Caribbean club along Edgware Road and a few other clubs. 2NUR FM103.7, Wednesday 23 August 2023 - Vinyl Vibes by Jack Hodgins - Alan Warner - Original Guitarist of the Foundations 15:50 - 17:00
The Foundations were booked to appear at Eel Pie Island on Sunday 14 May 1967.Eel Pie Island Museaum - 1967 Roll-call, 1967, 14 May 1967 – The Foundations (£10) Appearing as a support act, for their efforts they were paid a sum of £10.TW Magazines, October 1, 2022 - The Musical View From Eel Pie Island, Eelpiland Performers
Arthur Brown appears to have left the group between the first and second quarter of 1967. Disc and Music Echo, October 21, 1967 - Page 10 FOUNDATIONS -EIGHT NAMES FROM NOWHERE According to a 1993 interview of Brown with Allan Vorda, Arthur Brown could have signed with the Foundations and sung material from the writers of "Baby, Now That I've Found You" but he did not want to be with the group for two years.Digital Collections - Date: 1993-11-08, Vorda, Allan (interviewer) Arthur Brown: Interview (Side A) 20:42
The day Tony Macaulay came to hear the Foundations play, he was suffering from what he described as "the worst hangover of his life". The band was playing so loud he could not judge how good they were, but he decided to give them a chance. His comments are recorded in the book, 1000 UK No. 1 Hits by Jon Kutner and Spencer Leigh, that he woke up that morning with a stinking headache, and when he got to the studio and heard the Foundations, he thought they were terrible. He decided his hangover was to blame, and so he gave them the benefit of the doubt.
At first, they found progress quite slow, and one of their sax players, Pat Burke, had to drop out of the band and take another job while they went through a rough patch. He later rejoined them in 1967.
They were noticed by Brian Epstein, who added them to the roster of his NEMS Agency, but the contract became void after he died on August 27, 1967.History Channel - This Day in HistoryAugust 27Beatles manager Brian Epstein dies
It was released on 25 August 1967. Reviewed in the Quick Spins section of Disc and Music Echo, the reviewer Benny Valentine liked it but remarked that it needed a bit more drive on the production and singing. It was a sleeper Disc and Music Echo, 26 August 1967 - Page 15 QUICK SPINS : And for ten weeks it did not do anything in the charts. Billboard, April 26, 1969 - Page 60 Barry Class * continued from page 43 Unlike the Ways and Means' single, "Sea of Faces" which was played on the pirate radio, charting on both Radio City and Radio Caroline, "Baby, Now that I've Found You" was not played on them. Luckily, the BBC's newly founded BBC Radio 1 was looking to avoid any records being played by the pirate radio stations and looked back at some recent releases that the pirate stations had missed. "Baby, Now That I've Found You" was one of them. The single then took off. The group members except for Pat Burke were pictured on page 4 of the 7 October issue of New Musical Express. The single had broken into the New Musical Express chart at no. 25 that week. New Musical Express, Week ending October 7, 1967 - Page 4 NEW to the charts, Foundations began in the basement ! FOUNDATIONS (l to r) front TIM HARRIS, ERIC ALLENDALE, CLEM CURTIS, TONY GOMEZ, back row MIKE ELLIOT, PETER McGRATH and ALAN WARNER. And by November was chart-topper one in the UK Singles Chart. The Foundations were pictured on the front page of the 11 November issue of Melody Maker. Moving up from the previous week's no. 2 spot, they pushed the Bee Gees' single, "Massachusetts" off of the no. 1 spot of the Melody Maker Pop 30 chart. Melody Maker, 11 November 1967 - Page 1 Foundations hit top spot Melody Maker, 11 November 1967 - Page 2 MELODY MAKER POP 30, 1 (2) This period was the ideal time for the group because of the soul boom that was happening in the UK since 1965 and, with American R&B stars visiting the country, interest and intrigue in the Foundations was generated.
With the Foundations in the top spot with "Baby, Now That I've Found You", Ron Fairway commented to Melody Maker that most managements would have pulled them out of the "bargain priced dates" that had been booked for some time. He expressed gratitude to everyone for their support, and said that they would fulfill every engagement for which they had signed.
In addition to establishing the Foundations as a group, "Baby, Now That I've Found You" was also the song that established their song writer Tony Macaulay. Story of Pop, The Radio One Part 10 - Page 279 - 280 THE FOUNDATIONS
Not long after their success with "Baby, Now That I've Found You", there were issues. Rock historian Roger Dopson describes what followed as a "behind the scenes struggle", where Fairway was "pushed out" and his partner, Barry Class, remained as sole manager of the group. Fairway later attempted to sue the band, alleging that he was wrongfully dismissed as the group's co-manager, though the band said that he had resigned of his own accord. The December 2 issue of New Musical Express wrote that it was likely to be several months before the case would be heard. New Musical Express, December 2, 1967 - Page 10 FOUNDATIONS SUED According to Dopson, Fairway had leaked a story to the media saying that the Foundations had broken up which only served to keep the Foundations name in the news headlines. Barry Class was quoted in the 18 November issue of Melody Maker as saying that it was a friction of personalities and it had been going on for about four months. Melody Maker, 18 November 1967 - Page 1 Foundations rocked by management split It was also confirmed by New Musical Express that same week that Fairway no longer had any association with the group and that agency representation would be only handled by Class. New Musical Express had the exclusive on the follow up to "Baby, Now That I've Found You" being "Back on My Feet Again". The article also said that the group would be doing a string of radio and television appearances to tie in with the single's release. With "Baby, Now that I've Found You" being released in the United States on the UNI Records label that week, they were filming a US promo for the single and hoping to fit in a three-day visit to the States at the end of the month. They were also planning to fly to the United States after the completion of their radio and television promotions for "Back on My Feet Again" in January. New Musical Express, 18 November 1967 - Page 13 Foundations' next single revealed
With the success of "Baby Now that I've Found You" having been established, there was talk within the group of adding a trumpet player to the line-up. Both Allandale and Burke could double on trumpet, but they were still looking to add one. Melody Maker, 17 February 1968 - Page 10 Foundations prove 'one -hit' knockers wrong - BOB DAWBARN
In January 1968, Barry Class had started his label, Trend Records. Billboard, January 20, 1968 - Page 40 International News Reports, Barry Class Starts Label Eric Allandale would be recruited to produce records for the label. Beat Instrumental, February, 1968 - Page 24 Instrumental News, Barry Class Starts Trend Record Label
The group was in France in January and they appeared on the Bouton Rouge television show. Their appearance was recorded on 30 January.Past Daily, October 25, 2013 - The Foundations – In Session on Bouton Rouge – 1968 – Nights at the Roundtable: Session Edition
It did not do as well as the first single, but it spent ten weeks in the UK chart, and made it to No. 18.Official Charts - FOUNDATIONS, FOUNDATIONS Songs, Official Singles Chart It made it to No. 29 in Canada. RPM Weekly, Volume 9 No. 9 Week Ending 27 April 1968 - Page 1 THE RPM 100, 29 29 39 BACK ON MY FEET AGAIN RPM Weekly, Volume 9 No. 10 Week Ending 4 May 1968 - Page 1 THE RPM 100
The 10 February 1968 issue of Billboard ran a picture of Louis Benjamin, head of Pye Records presenting a gold record to three members of the Foundations to mark the million sales of their debut single. Also pictured was the group's manager Barry Class. Billboard, February 10, 1968 - Page 40 International News Reports, PYE RECORDS (London) chief Louis Benjamin presents a gold disk to three members of the Foundations
Bass player Peter MacBeth was interviewed by Bob Dawbarn for the 17 February issue of Melody Maker. He said that they had a van for their equipment and had recently bought a twelve-seater car that used to belong to the Queen Mother. There was still speculation on whether the group would add a trumpet player. Macbeth said that if they do go to the United States, they would pick up one to tour with them.
Since "Back on My Feet Again" (their second single) had been released, tensions developed between the band and their songwriter/producer, Tony Macaulay. He would not allow them to record any of their own songs. In an interview, the band's organ player, Tony Gomez, told the NME ( NME) that he, Peter MacBeth, and Eric Allandale had some ideas that they wanted to put together. Curtis later recalled that Macaulay was a problem. "Tony Macaulay was very talented, but could be difficult to get on with. When we asked to record some of our own material – just as B sides, we weren't after the A side – he called us 'ungrateful' and stormed out of the studio." The group felt that Macaulay had reined in their "real" sound, making them seem more pop-oriented than they were. Tony Macaulay also recalled, "I was never close to the Foundations. I couldn't stand them, and they hated me! But the body of work we recorded was excellent."
According to the March 8 issue of New Musical Express, Tony Macaulay was to fly to the United States on 20 May for ten days. While there, he was to supervise some recording sessions in Detroit by The Foundations who were to cut an album and a single there. New Musical Express, No. 1156 Week ending March 8, 1969 - Page 8 Foundations to wax in Detroit
A third single, also released in 1968 was "Any Old Time (You're Lonely and Sad)". It had been announced for release for April 26. Melody Maker, April 26, 1968 - Page 3 Foundations single released this month It was backed with an Eric Allandale composition, "We Are Happy People".Second Hand Songs - ORIGINAL, We Are Happy People by The Foundations It was also mentioned in the April 27 issue of Disc and Music Echo that the single was due for release "Tomorrow". The magazine also mentioned the recent completion of the group's "next album" which is rush-released in the US and would be available in the UK within the next eight weeks. Disc and Music Echo, April 27, 1968 - Page 7 Foundations disc
"Any Old Time" would enter the UK charts at no. 48 and stay around for 2 weeks.Official Charts - FOUNDATIONS, FOUNDATIONS Songs, ANY OLD TIME (YOU’RE LONELY AND SAD)
An article "Ireland not for us" appeared in the April 1968 issue of Beat Instrumental which told of a near violent situation involving Clem Curtis where he had been accused of being involved in a fight the night before. It was at the end of a dance that the group had played at and Curtis was at the bar. Curtis said, "I went to the bar, and was confronted by a guy who stuck a knife in my stomach". Curtis had to talk himself out of the situation which took an hour. Beat Instrumental, April 1968 - Page 33 "Ireland not for us" says Clem Curtis
It was reported in the July 27 issue of Melody Maker that legal action had been taken against the Foundations by Raymond Morrison. In a court hearing that took three hours, Morrison claimed that he had discovered the talent of the group. He failed in his bid to put a freeze on a portion of the group's earnings. He had been released from prison in July 1967 following a six-month sentence for assault. The case was heard by Judge Stamp who said in reference to "Baby, Now That I've Found You", "I cannot understand how it can be suggested that a song which came into existence after Mr. Morrison had severed his connection with the group can he one in which he can have any share or interest". He also dismissed a similar motion against the Pye label. Melody Maker, July 27, 1968 - Page 4 MORRISON CLAIM
It was reported by Melody Maker in the 24 August issue that The Foundations were completing a live album allegedly recorded live in Britain and the US. The album Rocking the Foundations was cited for release in mid-September. Disc and Music Echo also reported the same thing in their 27 August issue. Melody Maker, 24 August 1968 - Page 4 NEWS EXTRA Disc and Music Echo, 28 August 1968 - Page 6 Clem quitting Foundations?
An advertisement appeared on page 22 of the September 14, 1968, issue of Melody Maker. Class Management on behalf of the Foundations were inviting enquiries from soul, r&b and progressive singers who considered themselves suitable to join the above-named group. Melody Maker, September 14, 1968 - Page 22 CLASS MANAGEMENTS LTD. (advertisement) Saxophonist Mike Elliott also left around this time and was never replaced. Curtis hung around and helped them audition a replacement singer. They auditioned 200 singers.Pop Dose, 19 April 2018 - Soul Serenade: The Foundations, "Baby, Now That I've Found You"Click Americana, 6 Mar 2021 - The Foundations: The '60s band behind 'Baby, Now That I've Found You' and 'Build Me Up Buttercup' It was reported in the September 14 issue of Melody Maker that they were also trying out Warren Davis of the Warren Davis Monday Band for the role. Curtis said he would not leave the band until they found a replacement. Melody Maker, 14 September 1968 - Page 4 Clem finally Quits He had become friendly with Sammy Davis Jr., 8 Days, 28 Mar 2017 - Foundations singer Clem Curtis dies and was encouraged to try his luck in the United States. Also in that month, they played at the Brave New World in Portsmouth. Drummer Tim Harris was out of action due to a poisoned arm and Eric Allandale filled in as the drummer. They were also set to go into the studio in October to record and it was speculated that it would be with the new singer.
Curtis would move to the United States for a solo career on the nightclub circuit, encouraged by the likes of Wilson Pickett and Sam & Dave, playing Las Vegas with the Righteous Brothers.
It had been reported in the October 12 issue of Melody Maker that the Foundations would record their next single "Build Me Up Buttercup" as soon as legal complications for the release of Joey Young (Colin Young) were sorted out with his former label, Major Minor Records. Melody Maker, October 12, 1968 - Page 5 FOUNDATION SINGLE In the same issue, a member of the group mis-named Peter Gomez said that they were frustrated with playing other people's sounds. But now that Clem has left, they felt that they were able to change their sound but only gradually. Melody Maker, October 12, 1968 - Page 17 POP TODAY AND TOMORROW, ENTERTAINMENT HAS BECOME A DIRTY WORD, Talent - bob dawbarn
On 30 November with Young still a fledgling lead singer, the group was to do two shows on one night, the first being the Old Hill Plaza at 9 pm and then followed by the Handsworth Plaza at 11 pm. Disc and Music Echo, 30 November 1968 - Page 4 Live, Foundations
In his early period with the Foundations, Young had to learn that he was just another group member. Other members put him in into Coventry but he eventually learnt to toe the line and was accepted by the other members. Disc and Music Echo, 5 July 1969 - Page 14 DISC SPECIAL, Colin Young - longs to sing ballads!
With Young, the band would have two more big hits; "Build Me Up Buttercup", which was their third big hit in January 1969 and "In the Bad Bad Old Days (Before You Loved Me)" which was a hit in April 1969.
Two members of the band, McBeth and Gomez were pictured with Tom Jones in the 1 March 1969 issue of Melody Maker, where Tom Jones was giving the band a gold disc at Elstree Studios where they appeared on his show. Melody Maker, 1 March 1969 - Page 3 Gold Disc for Foundations
When "In the Bad Bad Old Days" was in the Melody Maker Pop 30 chart at no. 16 on the Week of 26 March, Melody Maker, 29 March 1969 - Page 2 Melody Maker POP 30 the bass player was interviewed. He said that the group wanted to have two albums out that year. The second album would be done after coming back from their US tour. He said that several months prior, they had written some songs for a freaky type of LP. He also said that if they played underground-type numbers in the US, people would listen but he was unsure about back home in the UK, how it would be received. Melody Maker, 29 March 1969 - page 16, Foundations aren't going to desert the British Public Around that time they had been asked by John Carter-Davies, a Texas oil millionaire to play at a 21st birthday party for his son, David.
When they were on tour with Stevie Wonder, they had success with a ballad they performed. This prompted them to consider releasing a Macaulay / Macleod ballad. According to Melody Maker in the 29 March issue, tentatively titled, "No Place on Earth Could Find Him" Melody Maker, 29 March 1969 - Page 3 MILLIONAIRE ASKS FOR FOUNDATIONS AT 21st PARTY (later referred to as "No Place on Earth Could Find You"). Billboard, 26 April 1969 - FROM THE FOUNDATIONS to the Skies By ROD HARROD, Band to Cut in Detroit
At the height of their popularity, the Foundations' management were in negotiations with a UK TV company for a television series that would star members of the band. They had turned down a number of offers to appear in films because of script unsuitability.
It was noted by NME in the 19 April issue that the group had just finished a tour with Stevie Wonder and were completing their third album. They were also on their way to the US for their second major tour and had expectations of recording in Detroit. They were in the NME Top Five that week as well. New Musical Express, 19 April 1969 - Page 7 Foundations have never been stronger The group's publicist Rod Harrod was interviewed by New Musical Express about the Foundation's US tour. The interview was published in the magazine's 17 May issue. At the time the group was halfway through their tour, and the lineup was Peter Macbeth, Eric Allandale, Tony Gomez, Tim Harris, Alan Warner, Pat Burke and Colin Young. The show they played at the Filmore was opened by the Savoy Brown Blues Band and was closed by the Paul Butterfield Blues Band. The group knew what kind of audience they would be playing to. New Musical express, 17 May 1969 - Page 11 FOUNDATIONS CLEAN UP IN AMERICA TO THE TUNE OF £100,000, Difficult
It was reported in the 26 April issue of New Musical Express that the group had earlier considered calling off their United States tour due to a union ban preventing them from being televised there. Weeks later, it still had not been resolved but there were hopes that it would while they were still on tour. New Musical Express, No. 1163 Week Ending 26 April 1969 - Page 9 FOUNDATIONS DEPUTISE FOR TEMPTATIONS AT THE COPA
They were preparing for their second appearance at the Filmore when they had a phone call from the manager of the Copa club. He informed them that a couple of members of the Temptations had been taken unwell and asked if the Foundations could step in for the night. Not knowing that the group played their own instruments, he asked them to go immediately to rehearse with the house orchestra. The group made history of sorts by becoming the first act to play as a band there as well as playing in clothes other than the suit types. New Musical express, 17 May 1969 - Page 11 FOUNDATIONS CLEAN UP IN AMERICA TO THE TUNE OF £100,000, Bugged They also broke new ground by being the first "self-contained group" and first "rock group" to play there. Cash Box, May 3, 1969 - Page 26 Insights & Sounds, NEW YORK The group also did well by earning a week's worth of pay in one night. They had also secured a booking for when they were on their next tour in next November / October. They also played at the Cheetah which earned them $14,000 for just one night. According to Cash Box in the May 3, 1969, issue, things had seemingly gone well for the group with their playing the Copa club and the magazine wrote that Kip Cohen the Filmore manager had given them a release to do the show there. However the following week, Cash Box corrected things and said that the Foundations leaving Filmore was not amicable. According to a spokesman for Filmore, the group asked permission to leave to play at the Copa club, and it was denied. So, they decided to leave anyway. Cash Box, May 14, 1969 - Page 36 Insights & Sounds, NEW YORK
They had been booked to play at a club in Dayton, Ohio. At the time of booking, the manager had not realized that they were a multi-racial group and was not going to let them go on. However, he changed his mind. New Musical express, 17 May 1969 - Page 11 FOUNDATIONS CLEAN UP IN AMERICA TO THE TUNE OF £100,000, Too close The group had planned to do a week's worth of recording at Motown Studios but could not get a recording permit so that was cancelled. So they instead were booked in for a week's worth cabaret work in Detroit. They were also to do a week in Toronto. Publicist Harrod wondered why they never received requests to play in Canada. He noted that there was another group in Canada that went by the same name. New Musical express, 17 May 1969 - Page 11 FOUNDATIONS CLEAN UP IN AMERICA TO THE TUNE OF £100,000, Cowboys
After their return from their time in the US at the end of May, the group were set to appear at the Bratislava Song Festival in Czechoslovakia.
It had been reported in the June 7 issue of Melody Maker that the Foundations were in a row with their record label (Pye) and producer due to five tracks from their upcoming album, From the Foundations having been leaked to other artists. According to the group, the songs were supposed to be exclusive to them. The group were holding off on the release of their album until September. They discovered that the songs were going to be released by other artists. One of the "exclusive" songs to be released on single was "My Little Chickadee" which had been covered by Geno Washington the same time as The Foundations' version was released on the UNI label in the US. The group's manager Barry Class was due to meet with Pye chief, Louis Benjamin when the article went to press.
Also, in early June the Foundations issued an injunction against Clem Curtis's group, Clem Curtis and The New Foundations who were touted as alternative attraction when the Foundations had to leave the United States a week early when their booking for a week at a Detroit cabaret was cancelled. Melody Maker, June 7, 1969 - Page 3 FOUNDATIONS IN ROW WITH PYE RECORDS
It was reported in the June 21, 1969 issue of Cash Box that the group was planning to record a live gospel album inside a church. According to their publicity manager, Rod Harrod, the group was inspired by the success that the Edwin Hawkins Singers had with "Oh Happy Day". The article also mentioned the new artistic freedom the group had as a result of a recent deal that Pye Records chief Louis Benjamin had negotiated. Cash Box, June 21, 1969 - Page 49 International News Report, Foundations New Pye Arrangement Calls For Indie Recording Dates
As of July 5, the entities under the umbrella of Class International that handled aspects of The Foundations career were, Class Managements - exclusive management handled by Barry Class; First Class Agency - sole agents, handled by Jim Dawson; Top Class Music - joint publishers handled by Sleeping Bunny; Five Minute Films - promotional films handled by Sylvia Class and Overlord Publicity, worldwide press and publication handled by Rod Harrod. Disc and Music Echo, July 5, 1969 - Page 15 Class International
In the 5 July issue of Billboard it was reported that Barry Class had negotiated a new contract for the group with Pye. It was also noted that the group would take charge of producing their own material. Billboard, 5 July 1969 - Page 74 International News Reports, From The Music Capitals of the World Tony Gomez was interviewed by Ian Middleton of Record Mirror for the 2 August issue. In reply to Middleton's question about the group changing musical direction, he said, "We've changed it some already". He also said "We all think the same musically". And he mentioned that they had split from Tony Macaulay because things got stale. Record Mirror, No. 438 Week ending 2 August 1969 - Page 12 'Now it's called funk!', Tony Gomez talks to Ian Middleton
Five of the eleven songs composed by Tony Macaulay and John Macleod. One song "Waiting on the Shores of Nowhere" was composed by Robert Saker and Jack Winsley. The remaining five were original compositions by the band members.Discogs - The Foundations – Digging The Foundations Disc and Music Echo, 5 July 1969 – Page 12 Digging the Foundations, Digging their new album, track by track A song from the album, "I Can Feel It", an Eric Allandale composition was covered by Chuck Bennett. It was a hit for him in Germany the following year.Wayback Machine –
target="_blank" rel="nofollow"> The Stars and Stripes, Wednesday, January 12, 1972,
Page 10 Left Army Awhile to Tour With 'Hair', Soulful Supply Sgt. Cuts Discs By Rich Kraham Mac Kissoon also covered the song which was included on his Souled Out album, released the same year.Amazon – Mac Kissoon "Souled Out" (back cover) DECCA DL 5718 Another song from the album, "Solomon Grundy" also composed by Allandale had been covered by Danny Diaz & the Checkmates Record Mirror, No. 413 February 8th, 1969 - Page 10 NAMES & FACES PETER JONES as well as Pickettywitch.Who Sampled - You Got Me So I Don't Know by Pickettywitch
Due to South African authorities not allowing mixed groups to be seen, the album had to be issued there in a plain cover. Record Mirror, 21 March 1970 - Page 11 Face Face Face Face Face Face Face
It was reported by The New Musical Express in the 9 August issue that the Foundations were planning a rock-musical pantomime. It was supposed to be based on Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. There was a plan to use a colored actress to play snow white. Parts were also to be played by members of the band. They were allegedly working on music for the presentation and if a suitable theater could be found then it could go ahead. The group's aspirations were to have it done in the style of Hair. There had also been some dialogue with a major film company for a film release which would depend on the success of the musical. Melody Maker, No. 1178 Week ending 9 August 1969 - Page 8 Foundations are planning rock-musical pantomime
The group were going to spend ten days from the beginning of October to film their musical contribution to Take a Girl Like You.
They were to undertake an English tour with Chuck Berry that was to commence on 27 September. There was also hope to have Creedence Clearwater Revival added as well. It was cancelled due to the promoters dropping Berry. Due to Creedence Clearwater Revival being unavailable and no other suitable top acts being found, it was all cancelled. The Foundations however were planning to tour the UK in early 1970.
The group also had a tentative booking for an Australian tour at Christmas time. Melody Maker, No. 1178 Week ending 9 August 1969 - Page 8 BUT ARE DROPPING BRITISH TOUR -After Berry ban and Creedence refusal
The Foundations were at no. 1 in the Top Male Vocal Group category, Record World, 16 August 1969 - Page 60 record world, Most Promising Male Vocal Group and "Build Me Up Buttercup" was no. 10 in the Top Record category in the 16 August issue of Record World. Record World, 16 August 1969 - Page 60 record world, Top Record
On the week of September 13, Record Mirror showed the entry of "Born to Live Born to Die" in the National Top 50 charts at no. 46. Record Mirror, September 13, 1969 - Page 11 NATIONAL TOP FIFTY, 46, _, (1) Billboard reported in the 27 September issue that in Canada, Phonodisc was ahead of other countries with its rush release of "Born to Live, Born to Die". Heavy promotion for it was expected when the band would start their cross-country tour of universities commencing on 16 October. Billboard, 27 September 1969 - Page 74 Canadian News Report, From The Music Capitals of the World, TORONTO On the week ending 27 September, it had dropped down to no. 50 in the UK. Billboard, 27 September 1969 - Page 80 Billboard HITS OF THE WORLD, BRITAIN, This Week 50, Last Week 46 The 4 October issue showed that the single was back at no. 46. Billboard, 4 October 1969 - Billboard HITS OF THE WORLD, BRITAIN, This Week 46, Last Week 50 It was also in the Malaysian Top Ten having moved from no. 11 to no. 8. Billboard, 4 October 1969 - Billboard HITS OF THE WORLD, MALAYSIA, This Week 8, Last Week 11 The peak position of no. 4 in the Malaysian chart was shown in the 25 October issue of Billboard. Billboard, 25 October 1969 - Page 89 Billboard HITS OF THE WORLD, MALAYSIA, This Week 4, Last Week 6 It was still in the Top Ten a week later. Billboard, 1 November 1969 - Page 83 Billboard HITS OF THE WORLD, MALAYSIA, This Week 10, Last Week 4 Breakout sales action for Canada was reported by Cash Box in the 18 October issue. Cash Box, 18 October 1969 - Page 134 Cash Box Canada It would be listed as one of the best-selling singles from Pye in the 4 July 1970 issue. Cash Box, 4 July 1970 - Page 26 Part II — International Section, BEST SELLING SINGLES FROM PYE
A selection of lower priced records were listed in the 18 October issue of New Musical Express. Among them was the self-titled Foundations album on Marble Arch MALS 1157. New Musical Express, October 18, 1969 - Page 12 UNDER A£ It featured stereo re-recordings of previously recorded songs.Last Dodo - The Foundations 1970 LP: MALS 1157The Foundations, Baby Now That I've Found You CD Sequel Records – NEECD 300 Notes by Roger Dopson The songs "Any Old Time (Your'e Lonely And Sad)", "Back on My Feet Again", "Harlem Shuffle", "Tomorrow" and "We Are Happy People" appeared on the Rocking the Foundations album released the previous year.Popsike - Foundations The Foundations Marble Arch Records MAL1157 Mono Vinyl LP AlbumPopsike - Foundations Rocking The Foundations UK vinyl LP album record NPL18227 PYE 1968 "Baby Now That I've Found You" with Colin Young on vocals has the same backing track as the original Clem Curtis version.The Foundations channel, Jan 4, 2023 - The Foundations - Baby Now That I've Found You (Stereo) (Colin Young Version) (Official Audio)The Foundations channel, Dec 22, 2022 - The Foundations - Baby Now That I've Found You (Mono) (Official Audio) The new version of "Tomorrow" years later has been referred to as the alternate version. This version has Colin Young on vocals instead of Clem Curtis' vocals which appeared on the live version. They too have the same backing track. However, the Colin Young re-recording is a longer edit.The Foundations channel, Jan 4, 2023 - The Foundations - Tomorrow (Alternate Version) (Official Audio)The Foundations Channel, Jul 21, 2021 - Tomorrow (Live) It was originally on the Rocking the Foundations albumAmazon - The Foundations - Rocking The Foundations - Pye Records - NSPL 18227 NM/NM LP which was a mixture of actual live and studio tracks. This suggests that there were some recordings with Clem Curtis on lead vocals existed but his vocals were replaced with those by Colin Young.
Bassist Peter Macbeth left the band in 1969 to join the group Bubastis with Bernie Living. Over time, other members included Geoff Nicholson and Brian Appleyard from East of Eden, Simon Lee from Alexis Korner, and soul sax player Mike Freeman. Disc and Music Echo, 20 June 1970 - Page 4 BUZZ HEAVY GOSSIP by Caroline Boucher and Roy Shipston, A PROMISING new group you'll be hearing soon is Bubastis
An article appeared in the September 20 issue of New Musical Express that the new single for the group was "Love Song" which was written for the group by Donovan. The group cut short their Dutch tour so they could go back to London to record that song plus the Bill Martin and Phil Coulter composition "Take a Girl Like You" on October 8. It was also reported in the same article that their rock opera that was planned for Christmas had to be shelved. New Musical Express, no. 1184 Week ending September 20, 1969 - Page 6 DONOVAN PENS NEW DISC FOR THE FOUNDATIONS
The absence of the group in Sweden caused concern to their management in late September. They were reported missing. At the time there were heavy storms in Sweden that resulted in injuries and deaths. Rod Harrod, spokesman for the group said that management was very worried. The group's agent was flying out to investigate. New Musical Express, no. 1185 Week ending September 27, 1969 - Page 8
According to the Seventies Sevens website, the November 5, 1969 issue of Record Retailer reported that David Myers and John Worsley who were songwriters with Southern Music left to Join Barry Class' Trend Records that year.Seventies Sevens - TREND They composed "Baby, I Couldn't See" which The Foundations recorded. Eric Allendale who had been taken on as a producer for Trend in 1968 co-directed the recording with Worsley.45Cat - Record Details, Artist: The Foundations, Baby, I Couldn't See Backed with Colin Young's composition "Penny Sir", it was released on single, Pye Records 7N 17849 in 1969. It became a minor hit in Holland, making it on to the Dutch Tipparade chart, where it peaked at no. 8 on week three.Top 40 - TIPPARADE-LIJST VAN WEEK 49, 1969, BABY, I COULDN'T SEE, the foundations 13 8 3 WEKENTop 40 - TIPPARADE-LIJST VAN WEEK 50, 1969, BABY, I COULDN'T SEE, the foundations 8 16 4 WEKEN
Steve Bingham would assume of the role of Foundations bass guitarist in 1969. Blues.Gr, Jan 8, 2022 - Q&A with veteran UK bass guitarist, Steve Bingham - Rock n Roll has played a huge part in his life and career by Michael Limnios Blues Network
It appears that the Foundations were in Pye Studios around the second quarter of 1970. According to the May, 1970 issue of Beat Instrumental, the group had been in the studios to lay down some tracks. Beat Instrumental, May 1970 - Page 16
"My Little Chickadee" proved to be the band's last hit. In spite of releasing "Take a Girl Like You", the title song to the Oliver Reed and Hayley Mills film of the same name, and a heavy blues rock song "I'm Gonna Be a Rich Man", which was one of the few songs that Steve Bingham played on. 2NUR FM103.7, 20 August 2023 - Vinyl Vibes by Jack Hodgins, Steve Bingham - Former Bass Player of The Foundations (20:55 - 28:25)
On August 6, a broadcast showed the band's appearance on Top of the Pops performing "I'm Gonna Be a Rich Man".Top of the Pops archive - The Foundations, Artist Appearances
According to Disc and Music Echo in the magazine's September 5 issue, The Foundations were appearing with Miki Antony on Ed Stewart Stewpot show on Saturday at 5:15 pm. Disc and Music Echo, September 5, 1970 - Page 2 Look in
The Foundations split in late 1970.
During their time, the group took on bassists, Tony Collinge (possibly joined when the group left Barry Class in 1969), Paul Lockey (in 1970) who had been with Robert Plant in Band of Joy.
In 1971, Colin Young also had a single, "Any Time at All" bw "You're No Good" released on Trend 6099 005. It was produced by Tony Rockliff and Barry Class. It was credited to Colin Young introducing Development.happening45 channel - Colin Young - Anytime At AllAustrian Charts - COLIN YOUNG - ANYTIME AT ALL It was also released on Uni 55286. A Hot 100 prediction, it was in Billboard's Top 60 Pop Spotlight section for the week ending 5 June 1971. Billboard, 5 June 1971 - Page 39 TOP 60 POP SPOTLIGHT, Spotlights to reach the top 60 of the HOT 100 Chart
The last record released in the early 1970s period credited to "The Foundations" was a single "Stoney Ground" b/w "I'll Give You Love" MCA MCA 5075 in 1971.45Cat - The Foundations - Discography, UK, The Foundations, Stoney GroundPopsike - Foundations - Stoney Ground / I'll Give You Love - MCA Demo MKS 5075 - Northern The composers were actually Conan Byrne and Warren Davis of the Warren Davis Monday Band fame.hitparade.ch - Mighty Dodos – Honey (I Need Your Love)The Strange Brew - The Warren Davis Monday Band – part 3 By Nick Warburton, The Warren Davis Monday Band – last line up late 1968. Left to right: Stuart Cowell, Jim Toomey, Warren Davis (front), Tom Tierney and Con Byrne. Photo: Paul BrettGarage Hangover, February 11, 2018 - THE WARREN DAVIS MONDAY BAND - NICK WARBURTON Davis had tried out for the role of Foundations' lead singer in 1968. For the week of 29 January 1972 along with releases by Santana, Rod Stewart, The Hillside Singers and BJ Thomas etc., the song was on the pop section of the Cash Box Juke Box Programming Guide. Cash Box, 29 January 1972 - Page 56 JUKEBOX PROGRAMMING GUIDE, Pop For the week ending 26 February, the single made its debut on the Billboard Bubbling Under the Hot 100 chart. Charting for a week, it peaked at no. 113. Billboard, 19 February 1972 - Page 50 Bubbling Under The HOT 100 Billboard, 26 February 1972 - Page 33 Bubbling Under The HOT 100, 113 MusicVF.com - The Foundations Top Songs, Top Songs / Chart Singles Discography, 1972, 8. 02/1972 Stoney Ground by The Foundations
As reported in the 4 March 1972 issue of Disc and Music Echo, Development, Colin Young's group was alternating between that name and The Foundations when gigging around the UK. They were looking to release their first album the following month. Colin Young had an album released on the Stateside label, In the Beginning and credited to Colin Young's Development.Music Metason - ArtistInfo, Colin Young's Development, In The BeginningPopsike - IN THE BEGINNING COLIN YOUNG'S DEVELOPMENT PROG.RARISS. The musicians on the album included Graham Preskett on violin, guitar, banjo, harmonica, melodica, Steve Bingham on bass, Roger Cawkwell on flute, recorder and saxophones, Jean Roussel on organ and piano and Eddie "Tan Tan" Thornton on trombone and trumpet etc.
When Curtis returned to the UK, he formed a new version of the group with little success in spite of releasing several singles, but later had a lucrative spell on the 1960s nostalgia circuit. Re-formed members included John Springate, Derek "Del" Watson, Paul Wilmot (all members of the band Elegy) and Roy Carter who later on joined Heatwave.
According to an article about Brian Johnston of the White Plains on the White Plains Chronicles website, there is information provided by James Payne that gives a partial line-up of a 1973 version of the Foundations. Listed were Clem Curtis on vocals, Eric Allandale on trombone, Brian Johnston on keyboards and Jim Payne on drums.White Plains Chronicles, 1 May 2018 - Brian Johnston The Foundations (1973)
In the mid-1970s, while Clem Curtis and the Foundations were on the road, there was also another Foundations line-up that was led by Colin Young who were touring at the same time, and were playing basically the same material. This eventually led to court action which resulted in Curtis being allowed to bill his group as either the Foundations or Clem Curtis & the Foundations. Young was allowed to bill himself as "The New Foundations", or as "Colin Young & the New Foundations". The New Foundations name was previously used for the Australian release of "Build Me Up Buttercup" on Astor Records AP-1567 in 1969.45Cat - The Foundations - Discography, Australia, A: Build Me Up ButtercupTHE OFFICIAL MIKE D’ABO WEBSITE - The Foundations ( Note: in due course content will be moved to the new re-branded site)
In 1975, Young and his group, The New Foundations, released a lone single on "Something for My Baby" / "I Need Your Love" on Pye 45533.Shazam - Something for My Baby The New Foundations Music Week, January 31, 1976 - Page 7 Internationally yours PYE RECORDS ( *Note: SOMETHING ABOUT MY BABY is incorrect. Title should be "Something For My Baby")
The Clem Curtis led Foundations were competitors in the Eurovision 1977 with "Where Were You When I Needed Your Love?". Digital Spy, 28 March 2017 - 'Baby Now That I've Found You' singer Clem Curtis of The Foundations dies at 76 By Justin HarpEurovisionworld - A Song for Europe 1977: The Foundations - "Where were you when I needed your love" They were picked to be winners but due to a strike by electricians, they were not televised.Inlay notes to Baby Now That I've Found You by Roger Dopson CD, Sequel Records NEECD 300 The Sydney Morning Herald, 31 March 2017 - Clem Curtis, original singer with the Foundations A small ad appeared on the bottom of page 55 of the 26 March issue of Music Week. It said, "If you missed Eurovision on TV watch CRACKERJACK this Friday FOUNDATIONS "Where Were You When I Needed Your Love". Music Week, 26 March 1977 - Page 55 If you missed Eurovision on TV watch CRACKERJACK this Friday FOUNDATIONS "Where Were You When I Needed Your Love" Also that month, "Where Were You When I Needed Your Love" was being played on Radio Tees and David Hoare had it as a hit pick. Backed with "Love Me Nice and Easy", it was released on Summit SU 100 in 1977.
In 1978, there was another single credited to The Foundations. It was "Closer to Loving You" b/w "Change My Life" released on Psycho P2603.Gripsweat - THE FOUNDATIONS Closer To Loving You 1978 UK demo/DJ copy, PSYCHO P2603 N/MINT Over the years the B side "Change My Life" gained popularity among Northern soul fans.Popsike - NORTHERN SOUL-THE FOUNDATIONS- CHANGE MY-Popsike - Rare UK Northern Soul/Modern-The Foundations-Hear itPopsike - THE FOUNDATIONS"CHANGE MY LIFE"RARE SOUL ORIG. PSYCHO It appears on the Fab-U-Lus Northern Soul 10" LP album compilation.Discogs - Various – Fab-U-Lus Northern Soul
In the early 1990s, an album of re-recordings was released. It featured Clem Curtis on lead vocals, Alan Warner on guitar, Vince Cross on keyboards and Andy Bennett on drums. The recordings were arranged and produced by Keith Bateman. Released on Double Play GRF176, it included the old hits plus new tracks, "You Can't Fool Me", "Knock On Wood", "No-One Loves Me Like You Do", "Together", "Love You Now", "Sitting On The Dock Of The Bay" and "Loving You".Discogs - The Foundations – Build Me Up Buttercup, Label: Pilz – 44 8235-2, Released: 1993Discogs - The Foundations – Greatest Hits, Label: Double Play – GRF176, Released: 1996
There was another line-up formed in 1999 that included Colin Young (vocals), Alan Warner (Guitar), Steve Bingham (bass), Gary Moberly (keyboards), Tony Laidlaw (sax) and Sam Kelly then Steve Dixon (drums). This version of the group was re-formed due to the popularity of the film There's Something About Mary, and the interest created resulting from the 1968 hit "Build Me Up Buttercup" being featured in the film. Some time later, Young left this version of the group and was replaced by Hue Montgomery (aka Hugh Montgomery).
In the 1970s, there would be a collaborative attempt between two former members of the Foundations. Original Foundations trombonist Eric Allandale attempted to work with original Foundations drummer Tim Harris.
In 1975, Clem Curtis recorded a disco version of "Unchained Melody" which spent three weeks in the Record Mirror UK Disco Chart, peaking at no. 75.James Hamilton's Disco Page - A full list of all Record Mirror UK Disco Chart entries, 1975-1979, Clem Curtis Unchained Melody (RCA) — 25 August 1979: 75, 3 In 2005, he recorded the single "Stuck in a Wind Up" which was credited to Lord Large feat. Clem Curtis. Years later, spending a week in the iTunes chart, it peaked at no. 54 on 3 April 2022.Top Charts - Stuck in a Wind Up (feat. Clem Curtis)
Raymond Morrison later had some success as part of a duo called Ram & Tam. Music Week, November 10, 1979 - Page 47 DISCS, RAM & TAM New Single "WILL YOU STILL LOVE ME TOMORROW" in the reggae charts at no. 32 He died on February 24, 2013.Obits Jamaica - In loving memory of Raymond Morrison
Clem Curtis died on 27 March 2017 at age 76, from lung cancer.
Guitarist Alan Warner was interviewed by Strange Brew in 2022. He was talking about the group's relationship with Tony Macaulay. He also talked about the members and made a reference to Mike Elliott where he said, "The oldest guy in the band he was about forty". He then said "Funny enough I found out the other day, that he's still around. He celebrated his 90th ... or ninety something birthday the other day, I couldn't believe it!" Disc and Music Echo, November 4, 1967 - Page 11 Eight faces that laid the FOUNDATIONS of a hit! ★ Mike ElliottApple Podcasts, The Strange Brew - Alan Warner – The Foundations, Alan Warner, guitarist for The Foundations, talks about the group’s history including the hits ‘Baby Now That I - 34:28
In September 2023, music label London Calling released the Live on Air CD which brought together the tracks the band recorded for the Top of the Pops radio show.Clear Spot - London Calling LCCD0005136 - 2023 - FOUNDATIONS - LIVE ON AIR
UK EPs 7"
UK EPs 12"
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| +List of singles, with selected peak chart positions and certifications ! scope="col" rowspan="2" | Year ! scope="col" rowspan="2" | Title ! scope="col" colspan="8" | Peak chart positions ! scope="col" rowspan="2" | Certifications | ||||||
| 1967 | "Baby Now That I've Found You" | 1 | 21 | 1 | 3 | 13 | 16 | 11 | 33 | |
| 1968 | "Back on My Feet Again" | 18 | — | 29 | 18 | 32 | — | 59 | — | |
| "Any Old Time (You're Lonely and Sad)" | 48 | — | — | — | — | 20 | — | — | ||
| "Build Me Up Buttercup" | 2 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 12 | 4 | 3 | — | ||
| 1969 | "In the Bad Bad Old Days (Before You Loved Me)" | 8 | — | 23 | 7 | — | 20 | 51 | — | |
| "Born to Live, Born to Die" | 46 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| "My Little Chickadee" | — | — | 68 | — | — | — | 99 | — | ||
| "Baby, I Couldn't See" | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| 1970 | "Take a Girl Like You" | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | |
| "I'm Gonna Be a Rich Man" | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| 1971 | "Stoney Ground" | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | |
| 1977 | "Where Were You When I Needed Your Love?" | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | |
| 1978 | "Closer to Loving You" | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | |
| 1998 | "Build Me Up Buttercup" (UK re-release) | 71 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | |
| "—" denotes releases that did not chart or were not released in that territory. | ||||||||||
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