Fanny
Warner Brothers Records claimed in 1970 that their recent signing Fanny were the ‘first all-female rock group’. They sustained a career for four years on that basis, throwing off all rivals to the throne, including Birtha, whose tasteless publicity handout stated ‘Birtha has balls’. Formerly Wild Honey, the name Fanny was suggested by George Harrison to their producer Richard Perry. It was only later in their career that the group realized how risque their name was internationally. Comprised: Jean Millington (b. 1950, Manila, California, USA; bass/vocals), June Millington (b. 1949, Manila, California, USA; guitar/vocals), Alice de Buhr (b. 1950, Mason City, Iowa, USA; drums) and Nickey Barclay (b. 1951, Washington, DC, USA; keyboards). Their blend of driving hard rock and rock ‘n’ roll was exciting, although they were always a second division act. They were more popular in the UK where they toured regularly, recording albums at Apple and Olympic studios. June Millington was replaced in 1974 by Patti Quatro from the Pleasure Seekers, the sister of Suzi Quatro. None of their albums charted in the UK and their sales in the USA were minimal. Their second album, CHARITY BALL was their best work, giving them a US Top 40 hit with the title song. Ironically, their biggest hit Butter Boy came as they fragmented in 1975.