Spice (Canadian band)
| Company type | Musical ensemble |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1967 in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada |
| Defunct | 1973 |
| Headquarters | Winnipeg (later Toronto) , Canada |
Area served | Canada |
| Products | Pop and folk music recordings |
Spice, initially known as Sugar & Spice, was a Canadian ensemble blending pop and folk genres, originating from Winnipeg, Manitoba, and active between 1967 and 1973.
History
The group originated from The Griffins, a Winnipeg-based cover band formed in 1965, which included guitarists Phil O'Connell and Ron Harder, vocalist Don Carrier, drummer Kenn Richard, and bassist Larry Mahler. Under the management of Michael Gillespie, Harder departed and was succeeded by keyboardist Ken Lowry. In 1967, Geoff Marin and John McInnes, formerly of The Mongrels, joined the lineup alongside Kathleen Murphy and her sisters Maureen and Aileen as vocalists. At this point, the band adopted the name Sugar & Spice and secured a contract with Franklin, an independent label based in Winnipeg.
In 1968, Sugar & Spice issued two singles penned by Randy Bachman: "Not to Return" and "I Don't Need Anything." While tracks like "Day by Day" and "It's Growin'" achieved limited recognition, "Not to Return" enjoyed substantial airplay in Winnipeg and moderate attention elsewhere. The band toured extensively across the prairie provinces and Ontario, commencing with a performance at the University of Manitoba's Winter Carnival.
Their most notable success arrived in 1969 with a rendition of Peter Paul & Mary's "Cruel War," which sold approximately 23,000 units. This single reached number one on the RPM Canadian Content Chart in March and climbed to #31 on the RPM Top Singles Chart. Produced by Bob Burns of Winnipeg's Teen Dance Party, the group appeared on that television program, which led to prominent opportunities supporting acts such as Sonny & Cher and The Who. They also featured on CJAY's Young As You Are.
Following a managerial change from Gillespie to Frank Weiner, the band experienced several lineup adjustments. Late in 1969, they released "Something to Believe," written by Russell Thornberry from The New Christy Minstrels, which attained #90 on the charts. During the summer of 1970, they headlined Manitoba's inaugural rock event, the Niverville Pop Festival. Subsequent singles written by Bachman—"Whisper Girl Shining" and "Judith and the Windswept"—did not achieve chart success.
By 1970, musicians Brian Meissner and drummer Laurie Currie from Saskatoon joined; Meissner provided lead vocals on singles including "Angeline" and "It's Been a Long Time." In 1971, with only one female vocalist remaining, the group shortened its name to Spice. Under this moniker, they released "Sweet Talkin' Woman," which reached #52 on the charts; its B-side "Strawberry Wine" peaked higher at #25. Additionally, they issued "Just A Little Love" backed with "Angeline."
In 1972, Spice relocated to Toronto under the management of Ray Danniels, known for managing Rush; however, they were unable to establish a significant presence and disbanded in 1973.
External links
- as Sugar 'N Spice
- as Spice
- Article at canadianbands.com