Little Caesar And The Consuls

Canadian band formed in Toronto, Ontario. The original core of the group was active from ca. 1961 to 1968. They had several Canadian hits including 1963's "If... (I Found A New Girl)" on Columbia, "My Girl Sloopy," #3 in Canada (on Red Leaf) & Top 50 in The U.S.A (on Mala), as well as Smokey Robinson's "You Really Got A Hold on Me," #1 in Canada (also on Red Leaf). The earliest evidence of the band's existence is in the February 23, 1961, issue of the Weston, Ontario, Times & Guide, which mentions that they played for the Downsview Junior Teen Club's Valentine Party at Beverley Heights Junior High School the previous Saturday. In 1965, the group consisted of pianist and vocalist Bruce Morshead, Norm Sheratt on saxophone and maracas, guitarist Ken Pernokis, who was also the group’s comedian, bassist Tom Wilson (28), and drummer Gary Wright (10). Wright had replaced the band’s original drummer, Wayne Connors, in 1963. This lineup was very popular and played many dances and shows throughout Southern Ontario. They lasted until 1968 when Morshead and Wilson left. The band continued with vocalist and keyboard player Steve Macko, before breaking up in 1971. The name has been revived for various reunions throughout the years. In 1993, original members Norm Sherratt, Tom Wilson and Gary Wright, as well as later recruit Steve Macko, got together with Vic Wilson on sax, and Tony Crivaro on vocals and guitar. This lineup produced a CD entitled Since 1956. This is almost certainly where the erroneous formation date often seen on the internet originates. As of 2021, there is a group of musicians active under the name Little Caesar and The Consuls which includes no members of the original lineup.