Somebody's Image
| Company type | Musical group |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1966 |
| Founder | Les Allan (Les Gough) |
| Defunct | 1969 |
| Headquarters | Melbourne , Australia |
Key people | Russell Morris (lead vocals), Les Allan (bass guitar), Eric Cairns (drums), Phillip Raphael (lead guitar), Kevin Thomas (rhythm guitar), Ronnie Charles (occasional vocals), Brian Holloway (lead vocals, guitar) |
| Products | Music singles |
Somebody's Image was a Melbourne-based Australian pop and R&B ensemble established in 1966, with Russell Morris serving as the principal vocalist. Their most successful single was a rendition of Joe South's "Hush", which climbed to number 14 on the national Go-Set Top 40 chart. Morris exited the group in 1968 to embark on a solo path, leading to the band's dissolution in 1969.
History
The group was assembled by Les Allan (also known as Les Gough) on bass guitar, Eric Cairns handling drums, Russell Morris as lead singer, Phillip Raphael on lead guitar, and Kevin Thomas playing rhythm guitar. Somebody's Image rapidly established a presence within Melbourne's music circuit. They acted as support for the Groop, a notable local outfit featuring keyboardist Brian Cadd and lead vocalist Ronnie Charles, who occasionally contributed vocals to Somebody's Image. Ian "Molly" Meldrum, an influential writer for Go-Set and advocate for the Groop, took on the role of their talent manager.
Their initial recording effort was a cover of Martha and the Vandellas' "Heat Wave" released in September 1967, which failed to enter the charts. Their subsequent single, "Hush," produced by Meldrum under W&G Records' In Records imprint, attained a peak position of No. 14 nationwide. With Meldrum’s backing, they secured a contract with EMI Records and issued "Hide and Seek" in April 1968, which reached No. 32 on the charts. Music historian Ian McFarlane regarded this track as their most compelling work despite its modest commercial performance.
In September 1968, Morris left to pursue a solo career managed by Meldrum. The band brought in Brian Holloway (formerly of the Dream) to fill the role of vocalist and guitarist; however, they ultimately disbanded in 1969.
Members
- Les Allan (Les Gough) – bass guitar
- Eric Cairns – drums
- Russell Morris – lead vocals
- Phillip Raphael – guitar
- Kevin Thomas – guitar
- Ronnie Charles – occasional vocals
- Brian Holloway – lead vocals, guitar
Singles
Go-Set Pop Poll
The Go-Set Pop Poll, held annually from 1966 through 1972 by the teen music publication Go-Set, ranked prominent Australian music figures.
|-
| 1968
| themselves
| Best Australian Group
| 4th
|-