The Mojos
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1962 |
| Headquarters | Liverpool , England |
| Products | Music recordings, singles, EPs |
The Mojos were a British beat group active during the 1960s, primarily recognized for their hit single in the UK, "Everything's Alright". In 1964, they achieved chart success with two additional singles on the UK Singles Chart.
Biography
Originally formed in 1962 under the name the Nomads by bassist Keith Karlson and Jon "Bob" Conrad, the band soon included lead vocalist and pianist Stu James alongside rhythm guitarist Adrian Lord. Following Lord's departure, pianist Terry O'Toole joined in 1963 upon the recommendation of George Harrison. The group then adopted the name the Mojos, with Lord moving to lead guitar duties. This ensemble recorded "My Whole Life Through" and their initial single "They Say," which attracted some attention and was featured in the 1964 film The Comedy Man.
After releasing their debut single, Lord left and was succeeded by Nicky Crouch, previously a member of Faron's Flamingos. This lineup produced three singles that charted—"Everything's Alright" (reaching No. 9), "Why Not Tonight" (No. 25), and "Seven Daffodils" (No. 30)—as well as an EP. The Mojos also appeared in the movie Every Day's a Holiday and performed at Hamburg’s renowned Star-Club.
In October 1964, Karlson, Conrad, and O'Toole departed from the band. Stu James and Nicky Crouch then brought in drummer Aynsley Dunbar and bassist Lewis Collins. This configuration released singles "Comin' On to Cry" and "Wait A Minute" through Decca Records before disbanding in 1966.
Subsequently, James and Crouch assembled a new version including bassist Deke Vernon and drummer Martin Smith, issuing "Good-Bye, Dolly Gray" in 1967; however, it did not enter the charts. Later that year, they performed at an upscale hotel in the Ivory Coast.
Towards the end of 1967, Stu James reformed the Mojos with local musicians Eddie Harnett, Duncan Campbell, and Tony House, recording "Until My Baby Comes Home" for Liberty Records.
Following their time with the Mojos, Lewis Collins pursued an acting career notably starring in The Professionals, while Aynsley Dunbar established himself as a sought-after session drummer collaborating with artists such as Frank Zappa, David Bowie, and John Mayall. Stu James moved into music management roles at Bradley's Records and Chrysalis Records. Nicky Crouch currently fronts Nicky Crouch's Mojos, which includes members from other prominent Merseybeat groups of the 1960s.
During the 1970s, the Hal Carter Organisation revived the Mojos as a touring act featuring professional musicians like Antz Cowell (lead guitar), Dave Cowell (bass), and Jon Werrell (drums). They supported bands such as Mud and Showaddywaddy on tours across the UK. Notably, Jon Werrell lent his drum kit to John Bonham for Led Zeppelin’s spontaneous performances in St. Helier.
Stu James, the band's lead singer, died on 10 May 2023 at age 77.
Discography
| Year | Single | UK Singles Chart |
|---|---|---|
| 1963 | A. "They Say" (Byers) B. "Forever" (Wilkinson) |
- |
| 1964 | A. "Everything's Al'right" (Crouch/Konrad/Staveley/James/Karlson) B. "Give Your Lovin' To Me" (Staveley/James/Karlson) |
No. 9 |
| A. "Why Not Tonight" (James/O'Toole) B. "Don't Do It Any More" (James) |
No. 25 | |
| A. "Seven Daffodils" (Hayes/Moseley) B. "Nothin' At All" (James/Crouch) |
No. 30 | |
| "The Mojos" EP 1. "Everything's Alright" (Crouch/Konrad/Staveley/James/Karlson) 2. "I Got My Mojo Working" (Foster) 3. "The One Who Really Loves You" (Robinson) 4. "Nobody But Me" (Isley/Isley/Isley) |
- | |
| 1965 | A. "Comin' On to Cry" (James/Crouch) B. "That's The Way It Goes" (James/Crouch) |
- |
| A. "Wait a Minute" (Lynch/Shuman) B. "Wonder If She Knows" (James/Crouch) (as Stu James and the Mojos) |
- | |
| 1967 | A. "Goodbye, Dolly Gray" (Cobb/Barnes) B. "I Just Can't Let Her Go" (Ross) |
- |
| 1968 | A. "Until My Baby Comes Home" (Slater) B. "Seven Park Avenue" (Slater) |
- |
In 2009, RPM Records released a compilation titled Everything's Alright: The Complete Recordings, encompassing all singles above plus "My Whole Life Through," originally from the 'This is Merseybeat' compilation, organized by release date chronologically.
External links
- The Mojos on 45-rpm.org.uk
- The Mojos featured at Merseybeatnostalgia.co.uk
- Nicky Crouch's Mojos
- Articles with short description
- English pop music groups
- English rock music groups
- Decca Records artists
- Rock music groups from Liverpool
- Beat groups
- British Invasion artists
- Musical groups established in 1963
- Musical groups disbanded in 1968
- 1963 establishments in England
- 1968 disestablishments in England
- Musical groups disestablished in 1968