The Esquires (Canadian band)
| Company type | Musical group |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1962 |
| Headquarters | Ottawa , Canada |
Area served | Canada |
| Products | Music recordings, singles, albums |
The Esquires were a musical group originating from Ottawa, Canada, active between 1962 and 1967. They hold the distinction of being the inaugural recipients of the Juno Award (formerly known as the RPM Awards) in Canada and were among the nation's pioneering pop music recording artists. Their video for one of their songs is regarded as Canada's earliest example of a music video. The lineup included future member Bruce Cockburn, and they achieved success with the track "It's a Dirty Shame," penned by William Hawkins.
History
Formed in 1962 by Clint Hierlihy and Gary Comeau during their high school years, The Esquires quickly established a loyal local audience by 1963, drawing inspiration from the style of Cliff Richard and the Shadows. Their prominence rose when they supported Montreal vocalist Andy Kim on Dick Clark's Caravan of Stars tour stop in Montreal, performing alongside artists such as Gene Pitney and The Dovells.
In 1963, they secured a contract with Capitol Records, making them arguably the first Canadian pop ensemble to sign with a major label. The following year, they earned the RPM Award for Best Vocal and Instrumental Group. Their career included opening performances for renowned acts like The Rolling Stones, The Beach Boys, The Dave Clark Five, and Roy Orbison. Among their significant releases were the successful single "So Many Other Boys" (1964) and the album Introducing The Esquires.
Bob Harrington was succeeded by lead vocalist Don Norman, who departed under contentious circumstances in 1965, leading to legal disputes over the band's name. This exit reportedly resulted in the loss of their Capitol Records deal. Norman proceeded with his own project, Don Norman and The Other Four, which also featured former member Gary Comeau.
Following this, The Esquires signed with Columbia Records and released two singles, including William Hawkins' "It's a Dirty Shame," before disbanding in 1967. Afterward, members joined or formed other prominent Canadian groups such as The Staccatos (later known as The Five Man Electrical Band), The Townsmen, The Modern Rock Quartet, 3's a Crowd, Canada Goose, and James Leroy and Denim.
In 1987, to mark their 25th anniversary, the band reunited for a benefit concert supporting the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario. In recognition of their contributions, Ottawa designated that day as "Esquires Day."
That same year saw the emergence of two music videos: "The Man From Adano" and "Gee Whiz It's You." Notably, "The Man From Adano" is acknowledged as Canada's first music video. Original recordings were contributed to the National Archives of Canada.
Singles
- 1963 "Atlantis"/"I've Lost My Girl" (Capitol)
- 1964 "The Man from Adano"/"Gee Whiz It's You" (Capitol)
- 1964 "So Many Other Boys"/"The Oldest Story" (Capitol) [No. 9 CAN]
- 1965 "Cry Is All I Do"/"We've Got a Future" (Capitol) [No. 39 CAN]
- 1965 "Love's Made a Fool of You"/"Summertime" (Capitol) [No. 19 CAN]
- 1966 "It's a Dirty Shame"/"The Sea Rushes to the Shore" (Columbia)
- 1966 "Love Hides a Multitude of Sins"/"Why Should I Care?" (Columbia)
Albums
- 1964 Introducing The Esquires (Capitol; CD reissue 2003, EMI Canada)