Family
Family was a British rock band that was active from the mid-1960s to the mid-1970s. The band is known for its unique blend of progressive rock, jazz, and folk influences, and for the dynamic and charismatic stage presence of its lead singer, Roger Chapman.
The original lineup of Family included Chapman on vocals, Rob Townsend on drums, John "Charlie" Whitney on guitar, Ric Grech on bass, and Jim King on saxophone and flute. The band released its debut album, "Music in a Doll's House," in 1968, which received critical acclaim for its innovative sound and complex song structures.
Over the course of its career, Family released several more albums, including "Family Entertainment" (1969), "A Song for Me" (1970), and "Fearless" (1971). The band's music was known for its intricate arrangements and experimental approach to songwriting, and its live performances were renowned for their energy and improvisation.
Despite its success, Family never achieved widespread commercial success in the United States, although it did have a dedicated following in Europe. The band disbanded in 1973, but its members went on to pursue successful careers in music. Roger Chapman in particular continued to perform and record music as a solo artist for many years after the breakup of Family.
The Farinas / Roaring Sixties(1962
- 1967)
-
Roger Chapman - vocals - b. April 8, 1944,
Leicester, England.
-
Charlie Whitney - guitar/vocals - b. June
4, 1944, England.
-
Jim King - sax/flute - b. ca 1945, England.
-
Rick Grech - bass/violin/vocals - b. November
1, 1946, Bordeaux, France; d. March 17, 1990.
Family I (1967
- 1969)
-
Roger Chapman - vocals
-
Rob Townsend - drums - b. July 7, 1947, Leicester,
England.
-
Rick Grech - bass/violin/vocals
-
Jim King - sax/flute
-
Charlie Whitney - guitar/vocals
Albums:
-
"Music
in a Doll's House" (1968)
-
"Family
Entertainment" (1969)
Rick Grech leaves to join Blind Faith
(with Eric Clapton, Steve Winwood,
and Ginger Baker).
Family II (1969
- 1970)
-
Roger Chapman - vocals
-
Rob Townsend - drums
-
John "Poli" Palmer - percussion/flute/piano
- b. May 25, 1943, England.
-
John Weider - bass/violin - b. April 21, 1947,
England.
-
Charlie Whitney - guitar/vocals
Albums:
-
"A
Song for Me" (1970)
-
"Anyway"
(1970)
Family III (1970
- 1971)
-
Roger Chapman - vocals
-
Rob Townsend - drums
-
John "Poli" Palmer - percussion/flute/piano
-
John Wetton - bass/vocals - b. July 12, 1949,
Derby, England - formerly with The Palmer-James Group, Tetrad/Ginger
Man, Splinter, and Mogul Thrash.
-
Charlie Whitney - guitar/vocals
Album:
-
"Fearless"
(1971)
John Wetton joins King
Crimson, Roxy Music (guest musician), and Uriah
Heep; and later joins UK, Wishbone
Ash, and Asia.
Family IV (1971
- 1972)
-
Roger Chapman - vocals
-
Rob Townsend - drums
-
John "Poli" Palmer - percussion/flute/piano
-
Jim Cregan - bass/guitar
-
Charlie Whitney - guitar/vocals
Album:
-
"Bandstand"
(1972)
Family V (1972
- 1973)
-
Roger Chapman - vocals
-
Rob Townsend - drums
-
Tony Ashton - keyboards/vocals
-
Jim Cregan - bass/guitar
-
Charlie Whitney - guitar/vocals
Album:
-
"It's
Only a Movie" (1973)
Rob Townsend joins Medicine Head, then
Kevin
Ayers' band, then Dave Kelly's group.
Family VI (1973
- )
-
Roger Chapman - vocals
-
Tony Ashton - keyboards/vocals
-
Jim Cregan - bass/guitar
-
Charlie Whitney - guitar/vocals
Roger Chapman and Charlie Whitney form
Streetwalkers.
Jim
Cregan later joined Rod Stewart's
band.
Compilations:
-
"Best of Family" (1974)
-
"BBC
Live" (1992)
Back to Home
Last Revised: January 19, 2000 |
