The Beau-Marks
| Company type | Rock band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1958 |
| Headquarters | Montreal , Canada |
| Products | Music albums and singles |
The Beau-Marks were a rock ensemble originating from Montreal, Quebec, Canada, established in 1958. Their initial single, released in April 1959 under the name The Del-Tones, featured "Rockin' Blues" backed with "Moonlight Party." Shortly thereafter, they adopted the name Beau-Marks, inspired by the Bomarc missile. Their major success came with the track "Clap Your Hands," which climbed to number one in both Canada and Australia, attained position #45 on the US Billboard pop charts, and reached #40 on Cashbox. Additionally, it secured the #8 spot on New Zealand's Lever Hit parade. The song was also recorded in French as "Frappe Tes Mains" and in Quebec as "Tape des mains," with lyrics penned by Michel A. Lebel; this version became a signature closing number for Rock n' Roll Queen Lucie Marotte. Their first album, containing ten tracks, was issued in 1960. Following this release, they made appearances on American Bandstand and performed at Carnegie Hall. The group produced two more albums before disbanding in 1963. A reunion in 1968 led to a reissue of "Clap Your Hands," which reached #74 on the RPM charts.
Notably, The Beau-Marks were pioneers among Canadian bands as the first to headline at New York City's Peppermint Lounge and to be featured on The Ed Sullivan Show.
Members
- Raymond "Ray" Hutchinson – guitar (deceased November 2021, aged 81)
- Michel "Mike" Robitaille – guitar and bass
- Joseph "Joey" Fréchette – piano and vocals
- Gilles Tailleur – drums
- Phillip "Shakin" Baker – lead guitar and vocals (alternate/backing)
Discography
- The High Flying Beau-Marks (1960)
- The Beau-Marks in Person! Recorded on Location at Le Coq D'Or (1961)
- The Beau-Marks (1962)
- Lucie Marotte (1990) – Tape des mains
CHUM Chart singles
- Clap Your Hands (1960) – #33
- Billy, Billy Went A Walking (1960) – #39
- Classmate (1961) – #4
- Little Miss Twist / Lovely Little Lady (1961) – #17
- The Tender Years (1962) – #18
- Clap Your Hands Once Again (1962) – featured on Roger Ashby Oldies Show
See also
References