Geno Washington and The Ram Jam Band had two of the biggest selling UK albums of the sixties. Amazingly both of these were live albums. Hand Clappin, Foot Stompin, Funky Butt Live was in the album charts for 48 weeks of the year 1966 and was only out-sold by The Sound of Music and Parsley, Sage, Rosemary & Thyme.
US soul acts rarely visited the UK and, having come over as a part of the US Air Force and stayed, Geno was our soul man. His level of touring and the high energy of his gigs was, and still is (as immortalized by Dexy’s Midnight Runners in the 80’s hit Geno) the stuff of legends. During his sets, the beat was continuous and the hits were incessant.
It was really Geno who pioneered this Go, Go style of performing and the audiences simply could not get enough. With the likes of Jimi Hendrix, Cream, and Pink Floyd in support Geno could never relax. These spiritual meanderings were abruptly halted when, in 1980 Blighty beckoned once more. A call came from old friends in the UK that a tribute called Geno (mentioned above) had gone to number one in the charts.
In interviews, the singer, Kevin Roland, was speaking of this legendary soul man, whose name they used to chant up and down the land and public interest in Geno was growing for a new generation. Soon, Anglophile Geno, was back in the UK and back on the road.
More Events in Greater London Listings MORE
Deep Azure
Deep Azure is the UK premiere of Chadwick Boseman’s lyrical stage drama, presented in the intimate, candlelit surroundings…
Whitney – Queen of the Night
Direct from the West End, the critically acclaimed Whitney – Queen of the Night arrives at the historic…
The Drifters
The legendary group The Drifters returns to the capital for a spectacular one-night-only performance at indigo at The…
6 African Leaders Removed by the French: Impact and Legacy
This powerful and eye-opening presentation, delivered by Black History Walks, explores the political, economic and cultural consequences of…
Daudi Matsiko + False Idah
Nottingham-based British–Ugandan singer-songwriter Daudi Matsiko returns to Kings Place with a new EP, Dead Bird Dream – a…
The Authenticator
In a major new commission for 2026, the National Theatre presents The Authenticator, a gripping gothic thriller by…
Julian Joseph at 60 Atmospheres in Audio Theatre 60
Julian Joseph, one of the most influential figures in British jazz, celebrates his 60th birthday with Atmospheres in…
Julian Joseph at 60: Atmospheres
Atmospheres marks a significant milestone in the life and career of Julian Joseph, one of the most influential…