Crack Of Dawn

Canadian R&B/funk outfit who were quite popular in the live dance clubs. The band was formed in Kingston, Jamaica by natives Grant Gabriel, Trevor Daley, Carl Harvey, Rupert Harvey, Mark Smith & Alvin Jones. Grant Gabriel’s sister, Jackie, originally sang for the group. They relocated from Jamaica to Toronto, Ontario in the mid-70's. In 1974 the band attracted interest from Columbia Records of Canada, Ltd.'s head of A&R Bob Gallo and were signed top the label in January 1975, the first Canadian black band to ever sign with a major label. Another version of Crack of Dawn emerged in 1981 under the leadership of Dwight Gabriel who recorded a new album called 'Horizons' at Kensington Sound. They were only able to get the album released in Europe. Jackie Gabriel (vocals) Grant Gabriel Rupert Harvey (rhythm guitar) Trevor Daley (trombone) Mark Smith (bass) Alvin Jones (saxophone, flute) Dwight Gabriel (trumpet) Glenn Ricketts (vocals) Carl Harvey (guitar) Jacek Sobotta (keyboards) Carl Otway (drums) Andre King (bass; replaced Smith) George Flint (bass, guitar, vocals; 1981) James McGee (lead vocals; 1981) Doug Buchanan (keyboards; 1981)