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{{EngvarB|date=December 2017}}
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{{redirect|Hot Chocolate|the drink|hot chocolate|the album|Hot Chocolate (album)|the revue|Hot Chocolates}} {{redirect|Hot Chocolate|the drink|hot chocolate|the album|Hot Chocolate (album)|the revue|Hot Chocolates}}
{{Infobox musical artist <!-- See Misplaced Pages:WikiProject Musicians --> {{Infobox musical artist <!-- See Misplaced Pages:WikiProject Musicians -->
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* ] * ]
* ] * ]
* ] * pop
* ] * ]
}} }}
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}} }}
| associated_acts = | associated_acts =
| website = {{URL|http://www.hot-chocolate.co.uk/}} | website = {{URL|hot-chocolate.co.uk/}}
| current_members = Patrick Olive<br />Tony Connor<br />Harvey Hinsley<br />Steve Ansell<br />Andy Smith<br />Kennie Simon | current_members = Patrick Olive<br />Tony Connor<br />Harvey Hinsley<br />Steve Ansell<br />Andy Smith<br />Kennie Simon
| past_members = ]<br />Tony Wilson<br />Franklyn DeAllie<br />Jim King<br />Larry Ferguson<br />Brian Satterwhite<br />Grant Evelyn<br />Greg Bannis<br />Willy Dowling<br />Steve Matthews<br />Derek Lewis | past_members = ]<br />Tony Wilson<br />Franklyn DeAllie<br />Jim King<br />Larry Ferguson<br />Brian Satterwhite<br />Grant Evelyn<br />Greg Bannis<br />Willy Dowling<br />Steve Matthews<br />Derek Lewis
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==Beginnings== ==Beginnings==
Formed in 1968, the band initially consisted of vocalist ], guitarist Franklyn De Allie, drummer Jim King (shortly thereafter replaced by the unrelated Ian King), percussionist Patrick Olive, and bassist Tony Wilson;<ref name="badcatrecords1">{{cite web|url=http://badcatrecords.com/BadCat/HOTCHOCOLATE.htm |title=B |website=Badcatrecords.com |date= |accessdate=2016-10-10}}</ref> with keyboardist Larry Ferguson joining the band in the following year.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/totp2/features/top5/hot_chocolate.shtml |title=Top of the Pops 2 - Top 5 |publisher=] |date=2014-09-24 |accessdate=2016-10-10}}</ref> The band was originally named "Hot Chocolate Band" by Mavis Smith, who worked for the ] press office. This was quickly shortened first to "The Hot Chocolate" and then to "Hot Chocolate" by ]. By 1970 the band's line-up had changed again to include Harvey Hinsley and Tony Connor (who was also a member of ] at the time) replacing De Allie and King respectively.<ref name="badcatrecords1"/> Formed in 1968, the band initially consisted of vocalist ], guitarist Franklyn De Allie, drummer Jim King (shortly thereafter replaced by the unrelated Ian King), percussionist Patrick Olive, and bassist Tony Wilson;<ref name="badcatrecords1">{{cite web|url=http://badcatrecords.com/BadCat/HOTCHOCOLATE.htm |title=B |website=''Badcatrecords.com'' |accessdate=10 October 2016}}</ref> with keyboardist Larry Ferguson joining the band in the following year.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/totp2/features/top5/hot_chocolate.shtml |title=Top of the Pops 2 – Top 5 |publisher=] |date=24 September 2014 |accessdate=10 October 2016}}</ref> The band was originally named "Hot Chocolate Band" by Mavis Smith, who worked for the ] press office. This was quickly shortened first to "The Hot Chocolate" and then to "Hot Chocolate" by ]. By 1970 the band's line-up had changed again to include Harvey Hinsley and Tony Connor (who was also a member of ] at the time) replacing De Allie and King respectively.<ref name="badcatrecords1"/>


Hot Chocolate started their recording career making a ] version of ]'s "]", but frontman ] was told he needed permission. He was contacted by ], discovered that Lennon liked his version, and the group was subsequently signed to Apple Records.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bluesandsoul.com/feature/377/errol_brown_a_fondent_farewell/ |title=ERROL BROWN: A Fondent Farewell |publisher=Bluesandsoul.com |date= |accessdate=2011-12-30}}</ref> The link was short-lived as ] were starting to break up; and consequently the Apple connection soon ended. Hot Chocolate started their recording career making a ] version of ]'s "]", but frontman ] was told he needed permission. He was contacted by ], discovered that Lennon liked his version, and the group was subsequently signed to Apple Records.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bluesandsoul.com/feature/377/errol_brown_a_fondent_farewell/ |title=ERROL BROWN: A Fondent Farewell |publisher=Bluesandsoul.com |accessdate=30 December 2011}}</ref> The link was short-lived as ] were starting to break up; and consequently the Apple connection soon ended.


Later in 1970 Hot Chocolate, with the help of ] Mickie Most, began releasing tracks that became hits, such as "]", "]", "You Could Have Been a Lady" (a U.S. and Canadian hit for ]), and "I Believe in Love". All those releases were on the ] ], owned by Most. Brown and bassist Tony Wilson wrote most of their original material, and also provided hits for ], "Bet Yer Life I Do", ], "Heaven is Here", and ], "Think About Your Children". Later in 1970 Hot Chocolate, with the help of record producer Mickie Most, began releasing tracks that became hits, such as "]", "]", "You Could Have Been a Lady" (a US and Canadian hit for ]), and "I Believe in Love". All those releases were on the ] record label, owned by Most. Brown and bassist Tony Wilson wrote most of their original material, and also provided hits for ], "Bet Yer Life I Do", ], "Heaven is Here", and ], "Think About Your Children".
Gradually the five-piece ]-based outfit started to become ] regulars. "]", which featured a guest spoken vocal from ], and "]" introduced the act. Gradually the five-piece ]-based outfit started to become ] regulars. "]", which featured a guest spoken vocal from ], and "]" introduced the act.


==Success== ==Success==
It was in the ] era of the mid-1970s that Hot Chocolate became a big success. A combination of high production standards, the growing confidence of the main ] team of Wilson and Brown, and tight vocal ] enabled them to secure further big hits such as "You Sexy Thing" and "Every 1's a Winner", which were also U.S. hits, peaking at #3 (1976) and #6 (1979), respectively. "Every 1's a Winner" featured a distinctive distorted guitar riff by Harvey Hinsley using a ]. After Wilson's departure for a solo career, that included a 1976 album ''I Like Your Style'', Brown assumed all songwriting duties. Wilson was initially replaced by Brian Satterwhite; before Satterwhite departed the band and Olive switched to bass as his primary instrument.<ref name="badcatrecords1"/> It was in the ] era of the mid-1970s that Hot Chocolate became a big success. A combination of high production standards, the growing confidence of the main songwriting team of Wilson and Brown, and tight vocal ] enabled them to secure further big hits such as "You Sexy Thing" and "Every 1's a Winner", which were also US hits, peaking at No. 3 (1976) and No. 6 (1979), respectively. "Every 1's a Winner" featured a distinctive distorted guitar riff by Harvey Hinsley using a ]. After Wilson's departure for a solo career, that included a 1976 album ''I Like Your Style'', Brown assumed all songwriting duties. Wilson was initially replaced by Brian Satterwhite; before Satterwhite departed the band and Olive switched to bass as his primary instrument.<ref name="badcatrecords1"/>


In 1977, after 15 hits, they finally reached ] with "]". It was one of the few of their recordings that was not written, at least partly, by Brown.<ref name="British Hit Singles"/> The track was a ] composition.<ref name="British Hit Singles"/> In 1977, after 15 hits, they finally reached ] with "]". It was one of the few of their recordings that was not written, at least partly, by Brown.<ref name="British Hit Singles"/> The track was a ] composition.<ref name="British Hit Singles"/>
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| isbn= 0-85112-250-7 | isbn= 0-85112-250-7
| page= 184}}</ref> | page= 184}}</ref>
The band eventually had at least one hit, every year, between 1970 and 1984.<ref name="British Hit Singles & Albums"/> Critically, they were often lambasted or simply ignored, and apart from ] their albums such as ''Cicero Park'' sold modestly. The band eventually had at least one hit, every year, between 1970 and 1984.<ref name="British Hit Singles & Albums"/> Critically, they were often lambasted or simply ignored, and apart from ] their albums such as ''Cicero Park'' sold modestly.


The band continued well into the 1980s, and clocked up another big hit record: "]", in 1982, which reached Number 5 in the UK. In all, the group charted 25 ] hit singles. Their single "You Sexy Thing" became the only track that made British ] status in the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s.<ref name="British Hit Singles & Albums"/> The band continued well into the 1980s, and clocked up another big hit record: "]", in 1982, which reached Number 5 in the UK. In all, the group charted 25 ] hit singles. Their single "You Sexy Thing" became the only track that made British ] status in the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s.<ref name="British Hit Singles & Albums"/>


==Later years== ==Later years==
Its renewed appreciation can be credited in part to its appearances in a string of successful films starting with the 1997 comedy '']'', and in a 1989 acne lotion commercial (featuring a young ]).<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.downloadablemovies.org/content/watch/clearasil-advert-1989-patsy-palmer-1980s-44030.htm |title=Download &#124; Clearasil Advert 1989 (Patsy Palmer) 1980s |publisher=Downloadablemovies.org |date= |accessdate=13 January 2012 }}{{dead link|date=November 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> From the late 1980s onwards the group experienced a resurgence of credibility: ], ] and ] all added Hot Chocolate songs to their live sets,<ref name="Guinness Rockopedia">{{cite book Its renewed appreciation can be credited in part to its appearances in a string of successful films starting with the 1997 comedy '']'', and in a 1989 acne lotion commercial (featuring a young ]).<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.downloadablemovies.org/content/watch/clearasil-advert-1989-patsy-palmer-1980s-44030.htm |title=Download &#124; Clearasil Advert 1989 (Patsy Palmer) 1980s |publisher=Downloadablemovies.org |accessdate=13 January 2012 }}{{dead link|date=November 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> From the late 1980s onwards the group experienced a resurgence of credibility: ], ] and ] all added Hot Chocolate songs to their live sets,<ref name="Guinness Rockopedia">{{cite book
| first= David | first= David
| last= Roberts | last= Roberts
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| page= 196}}</ref> and ]'s cover of "You Sexy Thing" featured in ]'s ]. | page= 196}}</ref> and ]'s cover of "You Sexy Thing" featured in ]'s ].


Errol Brown and Larry Ferguson departed the band in 1986; ultimately leading the group to disband. Brown then began a solo career. Two of his singles made the UK Singles Chart - "Personal Touch" and "Body Rockin'". Hot Chocolate had a hit in 1988 in Germany. "Never Pretend" was written by Harvey Hinsley and Susan Stuttard, and the vocalist was Grant Evelyn.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.discogs.com/Hot-Chocolate-Never-Pretend/release/1536964 |title=Hot Chocolate - Never Pretend (Vinyl) at Discogs |publisher=Discogs.com |date= |accessdate=2014-07-29}}</ref> The band's enduring popularity was verified when two ]s both reached #1 in the ] (see below). In 2003, ] received the ]; and in 2004, the ] for his contribution to British music. Errol Brown and Larry Ferguson departed the band in 1986; ultimately leading the group to disband. Brown then began a solo career. Two of his singles made the UK Singles Chart – "Personal Touch" and "Body Rockin'". Hot Chocolate had a hit in 1988 in Germany. "Never Pretend" was written by Harvey Hinsley and Susan Stuttard, and the vocalist was Grant Evelyn.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.discogs.com/Hot-Chocolate-Never-Pretend/release/1536964 |title=Hot Chocolate – Never Pretend (Vinyl) at Discogs |publisher=discogs |accessdate=29 July 2014}}</ref> The band's enduring popularity was verified when two ]s both reached No. 1 in the ] (see below). In 2003, ] received the ]; and in 2004, the ] for his contribution to British music.


In 1992 the band reformed with new vocalist Greg Bannis and keyboardists Steve Ansell, Andy Smith, Willy Dowling, and Steve Matthews (the latter two of which departed the band in 1994), and manager and agent Ric Martin took control over the band's bookings and live appearances.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://thegreatrockbible.com/portfolio-item/hot-chocolate-biography/ |title=HOT CHOCOLATE biography |publisher=The Great Rock Bible |date=2014-11-23 |accessdate=2016-10-10}}</ref> Kennie Simon took over lead vocals in 2010 following the departure of Bannis and Hot Chocolate continue to make ] in the UK and Europe.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hot-chocolate.co.uk |title=Home |publisher=Hot Chocolate |date= |accessdate=2013-04-07}}</ref> In 1992 the band reformed with new vocalist Greg Bannis and keyboardists Steve Ansell, Andy Smith, Willy Dowling, and Steve Matthews (the latter two of which departed the band in 1994), and manager and agent Ric Martin took control over the band's bookings and live appearances.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://thegreatrockbible.com/portfolio-item/hot-chocolate-biography/ |title=HOT CHOCOLATE biography |publisher=The Great Rock Bible |date=23 November 2014 |accessdate=10 October 2016}}</ref> Kennie Simon took over lead vocals in 2010 following the departure of Bannis and Hot Chocolate continue to make ] in the UK and Europe.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hot-chocolate.co.uk |title=Home |publisher=Hot Chocolate |accessdate=7 April 2013}}</ref>


On 6 May 2015, original frontman and principal songwriter Errol Brown died from liver cancer. He was 71.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-32613573 |title=Errol Brown, Hot Chocolate singer, dies aged 71 - BBC News |publisher=Bbc.com |date= |accessdate=2015-07-04}}</ref> On 6 May 2015, original frontman and principal songwriter Errol Brown died from liver cancer. He was 71.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-32613573 |title=Errol Brown, Hot Chocolate singer, dies aged 71 – BBC News |publisher=BBC |accessdate=4 July 2015}}</ref>


==Personnel== ==Personnel==
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{{col-2}} {{col-2}}
;Current members ;Current members
*Patrick Olive - percussion <small>(1968–1984, 1988, 1992–present)</small>, bass <small>(1975–1984, 1988, 1992–present)</small> *Patrick Olive – percussion <small>(1968–1984, 1988, 1992–present)</small>, bass <small>(1975–1984, 1988, 1992–present)</small>
*Tony Connor - drums, percussion <small>(1970–1986, 1988, 1992–present)</small> *Tony Connor – drums, percussion <small>(1970–1986, 1988, 1992–present)</small>
*Harvey Hinsley - guitars <small>(1970–1986, 1988, 1992–present)</small> *Harvey Hinsley – guitars <small>(1970–1986, 1988, 1992–present)</small>
*Steve Ansell - keyboards, guitars <small>(1994–present)</small> *Steve Ansell – keyboards, guitars <small>(1994–present)</small>
*Andy Smith - keyboards <small>(1994–present)</small> *Andy Smith – keyboards <small>(1994–present)</small>
*Kennie Simon - lead vocals, keyboards <small>(2010–present)</small> *Kennie Simon – lead vocals, keyboards <small>(2010–present)</small>
{{col-2}} {{col-2}}
;Former members ;Former members
*] - lead vocals <small>(1968–1986)</small> *] – lead vocals <small>(1968–1986)</small>
*Tony Wilson - bass, lead vocals <small>(1968–1975)</small> *Tony Wilson – bass, lead vocals <small>(1968–1975)</small>
*Franklyn De Allie - guitars <small>(1968–1970)</small> *Franklyn De Allie – guitars <small>(1968–1970)</small>
*Jim King - drums, percussion <small>(1968-1970)</small> *Jim King – drums, percussion <small>(1968–1970)</small>
*Larry Ferguson - keyboards <small>(1969–1986)</small> *Larry Ferguson – keyboards <small>(1969–1986)</small>
*Derek Lewis - percussion, backing vocals <small>(1975)</small> *Derek Lewis – percussion, backing vocals <small>(1975)</small>
*Brian Satterwhite - bass, backing vocals <small>(1975)</small> *Brian Satterwhite – bass, backing vocals <small>(1975)</small>
*Grant Evelyn - lead vocals <small>(1988)</small> *Grant Evelyn – lead vocals <small>(1988)</small>
*Greg Bannis - lead vocals <small>(1992–2010)</small> *Greg Bannis – lead vocals <small>(1992–2010)</small>
*Willy Dowling - keyboards, backing vocals <small>(1992–1994)</small> *Willy Dowling – keyboards, backing vocals <small>(1992–1994)</small>
*Steve Matthews - keyboards, backing vocals <small>(1992–1994)</small> *Steve Matthews – keyboards, backing vocals <small>(1992–1994)</small>
{{col-end}} {{col-end}}


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{| class="toccolours" border="1" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" style="float:width:375px; margin:0 0 1em 1em; border-collapse:collapse; border:1px solid #e2e2e2; width:99%;" {| class="toccolours" border="1" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" style="float:width:375px; margin:0 0 1em 1em; border-collapse:collapse; border:1px solid #e2e2e2; width:99%;"
|- |-
! style="vertical-align:top; background:#e7ebee; width:25%;"| 1968-1969 ! style="vertical-align:top; background:#e7ebee; width:25%;"| 1968–1969
! style="vertical-align:top; background:#e7ebee; width:25%;"| 1969-1970 ! style="vertical-align:top; background:#e7ebee; width:25%;"| 1969–1970
! style="vertical-align:top; background:#e7ebee; width:25%;"| 1970-1975 ! style="vertical-align:top; background:#e7ebee; width:25%;"| 1970–1975
! style="vertical-align:top; background:#e7ebee; width:25%;"| 1975 ! style="vertical-align:top; background:#e7ebee; width:25%;"| 1975
|- |-
| valign=top | | valign=top |
*''']''' - lead vocals *''']''' – lead vocals
*'''Franklyn De Allie''' - guitars *'''Franklyn De Allie''' – guitars
*'''Jim King''' - drums, percussion *'''Jim King''' – drums, percussion
*'''Patrick Olive''' - percussion *'''Patrick Olive''' – percussion
*'''Tony Wilson''' - bass, lead vocals *'''Tony Wilson''' – bass, lead vocals
| valign=top | | valign=top |
*'''Errol Brown''' - lead vocals *'''Errol Brown''' – lead vocals
*'''Franklyn De Allie''' - guitars *'''Franklyn De Allie''' – guitars
*'''Jim King''' - drums, percussion *'''Jim King''' – drums, percussion
*'''Patrick Olive''' - percussion *'''Patrick Olive''' – percussion
*'''Tony Wilson''' - bass, lead vocals *'''Tony Wilson''' – bass, lead vocals
*'''Larry Ferguson''' - keyboards *'''Larry Ferguson''' – keyboards
| valign=top | | valign=top |
*'''Errol Brown''' - lead vocals *'''Errol Brown''' – lead vocals
*'''Patrick Olive''' - percussion *'''Patrick Olive''' – percussion
*'''Tony Wilson''' - bass, lead vocals *'''Tony Wilson''' – bass, lead vocals
*'''Larry Ferguson''' - keyboards *'''Larry Ferguson''' – keyboards
*'''Tony Connor''' - drums, percussion *'''Tony Connor''' – drums, percussion
*'''Harvey Hinsley''' - guitars *'''Harvey Hinsley''' – guitars
| valign=top | | valign=top |
*'''Errol Brown''' - lead vocals *'''Errol Brown''' – lead vocals
*'''Patrick Olive''' - percussion *'''Patrick Olive''' – percussion
*'''Larry Ferguson''' - keyboards *'''Larry Ferguson''' – keyboards
*'''Tony Connor''' - drums, percussion *'''Tony Connor''' – drums, percussion
*'''Harvey Hinsley''' - guitars *'''Harvey Hinsley''' – guitars
*'''Brian Satterwhite''' - bass, backing vocals *'''Brian Satterwhite''' – bass, backing vocals
*'''Derek Lewis''' - percussion, backing vocals *'''Derek Lewis''' – percussion, backing vocals
|- |-
! style="vertical-align:top; background:#e7ebee; width:25%;"| 1975-1986 ! style="vertical-align:top; background:#e7ebee; width:25%;"| 1975–1986
! style="vertical-align:top; background:#e7ebee; width:25%;"| 1986-1988 ! style="vertical-align:top; background:#e7ebee; width:25%;"| 1986–1988
! style="vertical-align:top; background:#e7ebee; width:25%;"| 1988 ! style="vertical-align:top; background:#e7ebee; width:25%;"| 1988
! style="vertical-align:top; background:#e7ebee; width:25%;"| 1988-1992 ! style="vertical-align:top; background:#e7ebee; width:25%;"| 1988–1992
|- |-
| valign=top | | valign=top |
*'''Errol Brown''' - lead vocals *'''Errol Brown''' – lead vocals
*'''Patrick Olive''' - bass, percussion *'''Patrick Olive''' – bass, percussion
*'''Larry Ferguson''' - keyboards *'''Larry Ferguson''' – keyboards
*'''Tony Connor''' - drums, percussion *'''Tony Connor''' – drums, percussion
*'''Harvey Hinsley''' - guitars *'''Harvey Hinsley''' – guitars
| valign=top | | valign=top |
'''Disbanded''' '''Disbanded'''
| valign=top | | valign=top |
*'''Patrick Olive''' - bass, percussion *'''Patrick Olive''' – bass, percussion
*'''Tony Connor''' - drums, percussion *'''Tony Connor''' – drums, percussion
*'''Harvey Hinsley''' - guitars *'''Harvey Hinsley''' – guitars
*'''Grant Evelyn''' - lead vocals *'''Grant Evelyn''' – lead vocals
| valign=top | | valign=top |
'''Disbanded''' '''Disbanded'''
|- |-
! style="vertical-align:top; background:#e7ebee; width:25%;"| 1992-1994 ! style="vertical-align:top; background:#e7ebee; width:25%;"| 1992–1994
! style="vertical-align:top; background:#e7ebee; width:25%;"| 1994-2010 ! style="vertical-align:top; background:#e7ebee; width:25%;"| 1994–2010
! style="vertical-align:top; background:#e7ebee; width:25%;"| 2010–present ! style="vertical-align:top; background:#e7ebee; width:25%;"| 2010–present
|- |-
| valign=top | | valign=top |
*'''Patrick Olive''' - bass, percussion *'''Patrick Olive''' – bass, percussion
*'''Tony Connor''' - drums, percussion *'''Tony Connor''' – drums, percussion
*'''Harvey Hinsley''' - guitars *'''Harvey Hinsley''' – guitars
*'''Greg Bannis''' - lead vocals *'''Greg Bannis''' – lead vocals
*'''Willy Dowling''' - keyboards, backing vocals *'''Willy Dowling''' – keyboards, backing vocals
*'''Steve Matthews''' - keyboards, backing vocals *'''Steve Matthews''' – keyboards, backing vocals
| valign=top | | valign=top |
*'''Patrick Olive''' - bass, percussion *'''Patrick Olive''' – bass, percussion
*'''Tony Connor''' - drums, percussion *'''Tony Connor''' – drums, percussion
*'''Harvey Hinsley''' - guitars *'''Harvey Hinsley''' – guitars
*'''Steve Ansell''' - keyboards, guitars *'''Steve Ansell''' – keyboards, guitars
*'''Greg Bannis''' - lead vocals *'''Greg Bannis''' – lead vocals
*'''Andy Smith''' - keyboards *'''Andy Smith''' – keyboards
| valign=top | | valign=top |
*'''Patrick Olive''' - bass, percussion *'''Patrick Olive''' – bass, percussion
*'''Tony Connor''' - drums, percussion *'''Tony Connor''' – drums, percussion
*'''Harvey Hinsley''' - guitars *'''Harvey Hinsley''' – guitars
*'''Steve Ansell''' - keyboards, guitars *'''Steve Ansell''' – keyboards, guitars
*'''Andy Smith''' - keyboards *'''Andy Smith''' – keyboards
*'''Kennie Simon''' - lead vocals, keyboards *'''Kennie Simon''' – lead vocals, keyboards
|} |}


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* '']'' (1975) * '']'' (1975)
* '']'' (1976) * '']'' (1976)
* ''Every 1’s a Winner'' (1978) * ''Every 1's a Winner'' (1978)
* ''Going Through the Motions'' (1979) * ''Going Through the Motions'' (1979)
* ''Class'' (1980) * ''Class'' (1980)
Line 317: Line 319:


==References== ==References==
{{reflist|30em}} {{reflist}}


==External links== ==External links==

Revision as of 17:38, 10 December 2017

"Hot Chocolate" redirects here. For the drink, see hot chocolate. For the album, see Hot Chocolate (album). For the revue, see Hot Chocolates.
Hot Chocolate
Also known asThe Hot Chocolate Band
OriginWest Hampstead, London, England
Genres
Years active
  • 1968–1986
  • 1988
  • 1992–present
Labels
MembersPatrick Olive
Tony Connor
Harvey Hinsley
Steve Ansell
Andy Smith
Kennie Simon
Past membersErrol Brown
Tony Wilson
Franklyn DeAllie
Jim King
Larry Ferguson
Brian Satterwhite
Grant Evelyn
Greg Bannis
Willy Dowling
Steve Matthews
Derek Lewis
Websitehot-chocolate.co.uk

Hot Chocolate are a British soul band popular during the 1970s and 1980s, formed by Errol Brown and Tony Wilson. The act had at least one hit every year from 1970 to 1984, and their song "You Sexy Thing" made the Top 10 in three decades.

Beginnings

Formed in 1968, the band initially consisted of vocalist Errol Brown, guitarist Franklyn De Allie, drummer Jim King (shortly thereafter replaced by the unrelated Ian King), percussionist Patrick Olive, and bassist Tony Wilson; with keyboardist Larry Ferguson joining the band in the following year. The band was originally named "Hot Chocolate Band" by Mavis Smith, who worked for the Apple Corps press office. This was quickly shortened first to "The Hot Chocolate" and then to "Hot Chocolate" by Mickie Most. By 1970 the band's line-up had changed again to include Harvey Hinsley and Tony Connor (who was also a member of Audience at the time) replacing De Allie and King respectively.

Hot Chocolate started their recording career making a reggae version of John Lennon's "Give Peace a Chance", but frontman Errol Brown was told he needed permission. He was contacted by Apple Records, discovered that Lennon liked his version, and the group was subsequently signed to Apple Records. The link was short-lived as the Beatles were starting to break up; and consequently the Apple connection soon ended.

Later in 1970 Hot Chocolate, with the help of record producer Mickie Most, began releasing tracks that became hits, such as "Love Is Life", "Emma", "You Could Have Been a Lady" (a US and Canadian hit for April Wine), and "I Believe in Love". All those releases were on the Rak record label, owned by Most. Brown and bassist Tony Wilson wrote most of their original material, and also provided hits for Herman's Hermits, "Bet Yer Life I Do", Julie Felix, "Heaven is Here", and Mary Hopkin, "Think About Your Children".

Gradually the five-piece Brixton-based outfit started to become UK Singles Chart regulars. "Brother Louie", which featured a guest spoken vocal from Alexis Korner, and "Emma" introduced the act.

Success

It was in the disco era of the mid-1970s that Hot Chocolate became a big success. A combination of high production standards, the growing confidence of the main songwriting team of Wilson and Brown, and tight vocal harmonies enabled them to secure further big hits such as "You Sexy Thing" and "Every 1's a Winner", which were also US hits, peaking at No. 3 (1976) and No. 6 (1979), respectively. "Every 1's a Winner" featured a distinctive distorted guitar riff by Harvey Hinsley using a Roland GR-500. After Wilson's departure for a solo career, that included a 1976 album I Like Your Style, Brown assumed all songwriting duties. Wilson was initially replaced by Brian Satterwhite; before Satterwhite departed the band and Olive switched to bass as his primary instrument.

In 1977, after 15 hits, they finally reached Number One with "So You Win Again". It was one of the few of their recordings that was not written, at least partly, by Brown. The track was a Russ Ballard composition.

The band became the only group, and one of just three acts, that had a hit in every year of the 1970s in the UK charts (the other two being Elvis Presley and Diana Ross). The band eventually had at least one hit, every year, between 1970 and 1984. Critically, they were often lambasted or simply ignored, and apart from compilations their albums such as Cicero Park sold modestly.

The band continued well into the 1980s, and clocked up another big hit record: "It Started with a Kiss", in 1982, which reached Number 5 in the UK. In all, the group charted 25 UK Top 40 hit singles. Their single "You Sexy Thing" became the only track that made British Top Ten status in the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s.

Later years

Its renewed appreciation can be credited in part to its appearances in a string of successful films starting with the 1997 comedy The Full Monty, and in a 1989 acne lotion commercial (featuring a young Patsy Palmer). From the late 1980s onwards the group experienced a resurgence of credibility: Urge Overkill, PJ Harvey and the Sisters of Mercy all added Hot Chocolate songs to their live sets, and Cud's cover of "You Sexy Thing" featured in John Peel's Festive 50.

Errol Brown and Larry Ferguson departed the band in 1986; ultimately leading the group to disband. Brown then began a solo career. Two of his singles made the UK Singles Chart – "Personal Touch" and "Body Rockin'". Hot Chocolate had a hit in 1988 in Germany. "Never Pretend" was written by Harvey Hinsley and Susan Stuttard, and the vocalist was Grant Evelyn. The band's enduring popularity was verified when two compilation albums both reached No. 1 in the UK Albums Chart (see below). In 2003, Errol Brown received the MBE; and in 2004, the Ivor Novello Award for his contribution to British music.

In 1992 the band reformed with new vocalist Greg Bannis and keyboardists Steve Ansell, Andy Smith, Willy Dowling, and Steve Matthews (the latter two of which departed the band in 1994), and manager and agent Ric Martin took control over the band's bookings and live appearances. Kennie Simon took over lead vocals in 2010 following the departure of Bannis and Hot Chocolate continue to make live appearances in the UK and Europe.

On 6 May 2015, original frontman and principal songwriter Errol Brown died from liver cancer. He was 71.

Personnel

Members

Current members
  • Patrick Olive – percussion (1968–1984, 1988, 1992–present), bass (1975–1984, 1988, 1992–present)
  • Tony Connor – drums, percussion (1970–1986, 1988, 1992–present)
  • Harvey Hinsley – guitars (1970–1986, 1988, 1992–present)
  • Steve Ansell – keyboards, guitars (1994–present)
  • Andy Smith – keyboards (1994–present)
  • Kennie Simon – lead vocals, keyboards (2010–present)
Former members
  • Errol Brown – lead vocals (1968–1986)
  • Tony Wilson – bass, lead vocals (1968–1975)
  • Franklyn De Allie – guitars (1968–1970)
  • Jim King – drums, percussion (1968–1970)
  • Larry Ferguson – keyboards (1969–1986)
  • Derek Lewis – percussion, backing vocals (1975)
  • Brian Satterwhite – bass, backing vocals (1975)
  • Grant Evelyn – lead vocals (1988)
  • Greg Bannis – lead vocals (1992–2010)
  • Willy Dowling – keyboards, backing vocals (1992–1994)
  • Steve Matthews – keyboards, backing vocals (1992–1994)

Line-ups

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1968–1969 1969–1970 1970–1975 1975
  • Errol Brown – lead vocals
  • Franklyn De Allie – guitars
  • Jim King – drums, percussion
  • Patrick Olive – percussion
  • Tony Wilson – bass, lead vocals
  • Errol Brown – lead vocals
  • Franklyn De Allie – guitars
  • Jim King – drums, percussion
  • Patrick Olive – percussion
  • Tony Wilson – bass, lead vocals
  • Larry Ferguson – keyboards
  • Errol Brown – lead vocals
  • Patrick Olive – percussion
  • Tony Wilson – bass, lead vocals
  • Larry Ferguson – keyboards
  • Tony Connor – drums, percussion
  • Harvey Hinsley – guitars
  • Errol Brown – lead vocals
  • Patrick Olive – percussion
  • Larry Ferguson – keyboards
  • Tony Connor – drums, percussion
  • Harvey Hinsley – guitars
  • Brian Satterwhite – bass, backing vocals
  • Derek Lewis – percussion, backing vocals
1975–1986 1986–1988 1988 1988–1992
  • Errol Brown – lead vocals
  • Patrick Olive – bass, percussion
  • Larry Ferguson – keyboards
  • Tony Connor – drums, percussion
  • Harvey Hinsley – guitars

Disbanded

  • Patrick Olive – bass, percussion
  • Tony Connor – drums, percussion
  • Harvey Hinsley – guitars
  • Grant Evelyn – lead vocals

Disbanded

1992–1994 1994–2010 2010–present
  • Patrick Olive – bass, percussion
  • Tony Connor – drums, percussion
  • Harvey Hinsley – guitars
  • Greg Bannis – lead vocals
  • Willy Dowling – keyboards, backing vocals
  • Steve Matthews – keyboards, backing vocals
  • Patrick Olive – bass, percussion
  • Tony Connor – drums, percussion
  • Harvey Hinsley – guitars
  • Steve Ansell – keyboards, guitars
  • Greg Bannis – lead vocals
  • Andy Smith – keyboards
  • Patrick Olive – bass, percussion
  • Tony Connor – drums, percussion
  • Harvey Hinsley – guitars
  • Steve Ansell – keyboards, guitars
  • Andy Smith – keyboards
  • Kennie Simon – lead vocals, keyboards

Timeline

Discography

Main article: Hot Chocolate discography
Studio Albums

All albums released by Rak Records unless otherwise noted.

  • Cicero Park (1974)
  • Hot Chocolate (1975)
  • Man to Man (1976)
  • Every 1's a Winner (1978)
  • Going Through the Motions (1979)
  • Class (1980)
  • Mystery (1982)
  • Love Shot (1983)
  • Strictly Dance (1993, Polydor)

References

  1. "ERROL BROWN: A Fondent Farewell". Bluesandsoul.com. Retrieved 17 December 2013.
  2. ^ Roberts, David (2006). British Hit Singles & Albums (19th ed.). London: Guinness World Records Limited. pp. 259/260. ISBN 1-904994-10-5.
  3. ^ "B". Badcatrecords.com. Retrieved 10 October 2016. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |website= (help)
  4. "Top of the Pops 2 – Top 5". BBC. 24 September 2014. Retrieved 10 October 2016.
  5. "ERROL BROWN: A Fondent Farewell". Bluesandsoul.com. Retrieved 30 December 2011.
  6. ^ Roberts, David (2001). British Hit Singles (14th ed.). London: Guinness World Records Limited. p. 47. ISBN 0-85156-156-X.
  7. Rice, Jo (1982). The Guinness Book of 500 Number One Hits (1st ed.). Enfield, Middlesex: Guinness Superlatives Ltd. p. 184. ISBN 0-85112-250-7.
  8. "Download | Clearasil Advert 1989 (Patsy Palmer) 1980s". Downloadablemovies.org. Retrieved 13 January 2012.
  9. Roberts, David (1998). Guinness Rockopedia (1st ed.). London: Guinness Publishing Ltd. p. 196. ISBN 0-85112-072-5.
  10. "Hot Chocolate – Never Pretend (Vinyl) at Discogs". discogs. Retrieved 29 July 2014.
  11. "HOT CHOCOLATE biography". The Great Rock Bible. 23 November 2014. Retrieved 10 October 2016.
  12. "Home". Hot Chocolate. Retrieved 7 April 2013.
  13. "Errol Brown, Hot Chocolate singer, dies aged 71 – BBC News". BBC. Retrieved 4 July 2015.

External links

Hot Chocolate
  • Patrick Olive
  • Tony Connor
  • Harvey Hinsley
  • Steve Ansell
  • Andy Smith
  • Kennie Simon
  • Errol Brown
  • Tony Wilson
  • Franklyn De Allie
  • Jim King
  • Ian King
  • Larry Ferguson
  • Brian Satterwhite
  • Grant Evelyn
  • Greg Bannis
  • Willy Dowling
  • Steve Matthews
Studio albums
Compilation albums
Singles
Related articles
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