THE EQUALS
England
(Everlasting)
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The Equals
England
An energetic East London combo, the Equals balanced maximum
R&B with plenty of pop, plus a few nods to vocalist Eddy Grant's West Indian
background. Grant, born in British Guyana, moved to England with his family
at the age of 12, and settled in a council estate named Hornsey Rise in northeast
London. Four years later, he formed the Equals with schoolmates Lincoln Gordon
(guitar), his twin brother Dervin Gordon (originally the vocalist), Pat Lloyd
(guitar, then bass), and John Hall (drummer). The band began gigging around
London, amazing audiences with their apparently limitless energy and a distinct
style fusing pop, blues, and R&B plus elements of ska and bluebeat.
By 1965, the Equals began doing dates in Europe as well, and
released their first single on President Records. Though "Hold Me Closer"
didn't perform on the charts, DJs began playing the flip side and by 1967 "Baby,
Come Back" had hit the top of the charts in Germany and the Netherlands.
One year later, the single hit number one in Britain as well, and brushed the
charts in America. Subsequent singles lacked the immediate punch of "Baby,
Come Back," however, and the Equals landed only two more Top Ten hits:
"Viva Bobby Joe" and "Black Skin Blue Eyed Boys," the latter
an apt message track from one of the few racially mixed bands of the era.
Grant left the Equals for a solo career in 1971, and though
the band never charted again, they remained a popular live act, especially on
the continent. Drummer Ronald Telemacque and guitarists Dave Martin and Frankie
Hepburn were later added to the lineup. ~ John Bush, All Music Guide
BABY COME BACK
The Equals
Come back
Baby, come back
Baby, come back
Baby, come back
This isn't the first time until today
That you have run away
I'm asking you for the first time
Love me and come back and stay (all right)
Hey (all right)
Hey (all right)
Hey, yeah
Come back
Baby, come back
Baby, come back
Baby, come back
There ain't no use in you crying
'Cause I'm more hurt than you
I shoulda not been out flirting
But now my love is true yeah
Ooh yeah (all right)
Ooh yeah (OK!)
Ooh, yeah
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