The Kinks, formed in 1963 by R + B fans Ray and Dave Davies, Peter Quaife, and Mick Avory, had chart success with their power-chord rock and later music-hall style rather than R + B covers (which they did.) At the height of their fame, there was a four-year ban placed on the group from touring by U.S. authorities for unprofessional conduct. It does seem that after 1966, there weren't any Kinks hits here until 1970. Hmmm…..
The Zombies had a distinct sound due to lead singer Colin Bluntstone and keyboard wizard Rod Argent. Their first U.S. hit in 1964 was ”She's Not There”, written by Argent.
And then there's The Rolling Stones. Who would've thunk it?? Did you ever imagine in your wildest dreams that Jagger and co. would outlast not only the Beatles, not only the entire British Invasion, but outlast several decades to still be rocking in 2005?!! AMAZING, isn't it? Like many of the abovementioned bands (and some of the following below-mentioned), the Stones started out doing R + B covers.
In mid-1963, the group was formed with Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, and original members Brian Jones, Dick Taylor, and Tony Chapman. By year's end, Charlie Watts replaced Chapman and Bill Wyman joined when Taylor quit. The classic lineup was now in place. The group's name came from a Muddy Waters song. In 1963, they had their first single and British success with a remake of Chuck Berry's ”Come On”. Their first U.S. hit was ”Tell Me (You're Coming Back)” in 1964.
- The Bachelors were a trio from Dublin, Ireland, who had their first U.S. hit, ”Diane”, also in '64.
- Georgie Fame And The Blue Flames had a Top 40 hit in 1965 with the jazzy ”Yeh Yeh”.
- ”You've Got Your Troubles” was the first U.S. hit for The Fortunes in 1965.
- From Wales came the fantastic vocals (and looks) of Thomas Jones Woodward, shortened to Tom Jones, with his first U.S. hit, the top ten smash, ”It's Not Unusual”.
- The Moody Blues made their U.S. top 40 debut with the British R + B ballad, ”Go Now!”.
- Donovan(Leitch) was widely considered the "Scottish Bob Dylan"; his first U.S. hit was "Catch The Wind." Though not a Top 40 hit, "Universal Soldier" was also popular.
- The Troggs had one of 1966's most distinct hits, ”Wild Thing”, which was also a no. 1 smash.
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