The Paramounts

A tight 4-piece rhythm & blues band, who performed in 'mod-cafes' and pub bars like 'The Shades' (run by Trower's father) and 'The Elms' around the Southend area in Essex, England. Previously known as "The Coasters" the band adopted their new name in November 1960. Scott left the band and Brooker took on his vocals. Copping departed in 1962 and was replaced on bass by Graham 'Diz' Derrick. The group had moderate chart success with the cover single "Poison Ivy" after signing to Parlophone late in 1963. They appeared on both "Ready! Steady! Go!" and "Thank Your Lucky Stars" TV shows, sharing the bill with "The Rolling Stones" in the latter. Sadly, they did not have similar success to The Stones. They gigged around the London scene but, after several further singles, all of which failed and deviated somewhat from their R&B style, the group broke up in 1966. Among their acquaintances on the Southend circuit were Graham Bonney and Mickey Jupp (then in "The Orioles"). Robin Trower eventually became recognized as an accomplished blues guitarist and Gary Brooker found fame with his co-written "Whiter Shade Of Pale" in Procol Harum.