Harmony Grass
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Predecessor | Tony Rivers & the Castaways |
| Founded | October 1968 in Essex, England |
| Defunct | 1970 |
| Headquarters | Essex , England, United Kingdom |
| Products | Music albums, singles |
Harmony Grass was a British sunshine pop ensemble formed in Essex in October 1968, emerging from former members of Tony Rivers & the Castaways. After signing with RCA Records, they gained recognition with their sole chart success in 1969, the single "Move in a Little Closer, Baby".
Tony Rivers & the Castaways
The origins of Harmony Grass trace back to Tony Rivers & the Castaways, a band established in 1960. Initially led by Bobby Rio, Tony Rivers took over as lead vocalist in late 1961 after being recruited by bassist Ray Brown. The original lineup—Rivers (vocals), Brown (bass), Vic Larkins (guitar), Mickey Johnson (guitar), and Brian Talbot (drums)—released their first two singles.
Following the departures of Larkins and Johnson, John Lyons and Rick Westwood joined; Westwood soon exited to become part of The Tremeloes and was replaced by Steve Scott. By 1963/64, the group consisted of Rivers, Brown, Lyons, Tony Harding (guitar), Kenny Rowe (backing vocals), and Brian Hudson (drums).
In 1967, Rivers and Brown incorporated members from The Sugarbeats: Martin Shear (backing vocals), John Perry (guitar), and Geoff Swettenham (drums); subsequently, Pete Swettenham joined on guitar. Perry and the Swettenhams eventually departed to create Grapefruit. Former members Harding, Rowe, Hudson, along with guitarist Tom Marshall, rejoined the lineup.
Between 1963 and 1966, Tony Rivers & the Castaways recorded six singles under EMI.
Harmony Grass
The band adopted a new musical direction and abbreviated their name to Harmony Grass in October 1968. Tony Harding exited and was succeeded by Tony Ferguson on guitar. Approximately one year after this transition, they secured a contract with RCA Records. Their single "Move in a Little Closer" climbed to No. 24 on the UK Singles Chart in January 1969. This track involved five takes, various vocal arrangements, and featured an orchestra that included drummer Clem Cattini. In 1969, they released their sole album, This Is Us, through RCA and toured extensively across the UK, including performances at London's Marquee Club.
Prior to the name change, Brian Hudson had left the band; Bill Castle briefly took over drumming duties on "Move in a Little Closer" before Hudson returned during the album's recording sessions. Midway through 1970, Tony Rivers departed from Harmony Grass and was replaced by Joe Williams. By late 1970, the group had dissolved.
Later careers
In 1973, guitarist Tony Ferguson and bassist Kenny Rowe joined Capability Brown.
Tony Rivers contributed to recordings by Brian Bennett of The Shadows, Steve Harley & Cockney Rebel, and Roger Daltrey. Since August 2024, Rivers has been receiving intensive care due to advanced Alzheimer's disease.
Tom Marshall collaborated with Episode Six, Sparrow, Liquid Gold, Bucks Fizz, and Elaine Paige. He was married to Sheila Carter-Dimmock from Episode Six and suffered serious injuries in a Bucks Fizz tour bus accident in December 1984.
Brian Hudson became tour manager for The Nolans and wed Linda Nolan in 1981. He passed away from cancer on 21 September 2007 at age 60.
Members
The lineup of Harmony Grass, arranged alphabetically, includes:
- Ray Brown — bass guitar
- Bill Castle — drums
- Tony Ferguson — guitar
- Tony Harding — guitar
- Brian Hudson — drums
- Tom Marshall — guitar and piano
- Tony Rivers — lead vocals
- Kenny Rowe — backing vocals
Albums
| Year | Title | UK Chart Position |
|---|---|---|
| 1970 | This Is Us | — |
Singles
| Year | Title | UK Chart Position | Additional Information |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1968 | "Move In a Little Closer, Baby" | 24 | |
| 1969 | "I Remember" | — | |
| "First Time Loving" | — | ||
| "Good Thing / What A Groovy Day" | — | ||
| 1970 | "Cecilia" | — | |
| "Te Lo Ricordi / Summer Dreaming" | — | ||
| "Mrs. Richie" | — | ||
| "Stand On Your Own Two Feet" | — | ||
| 1971 | "Listen Here / Stand On Your Own Two Feet" | — | Collaboration with Brian Auger and the Trinity |