London Beat
This group featured a white English guitarist and three black American singers. Their line-up comprises Jimmy Chambers (b. 20 January 1946), Jimmy Helms(b. Florida, USA) and George Chandler (b. Atlanta, Georgia, USA), plus Willy M, (b. William Henshall, London, England). Helms was best known for his UK Top 10 hit in 1973 with Gonna Make You An Offer You Can't Refuse. He released several other singles at the time, including Jack Horner's Holiday. Chandler was in '60s soul group the Four Kents who were American but based in northern Italy as servicemen. He too had released solo singles in the '70s. They came together and settled in London where they signed to David A. Stewart's Anxious label. Much of their material was close to a cappella though they used session musicians when necessary. Their debut 9am (The Comfort Zone) was a strong piece, and it reached the UK number 21 spot in 1988. It was 1990's I've Been Thinking About You that gave the band their biggest hit, rising to number 2. They also appeared with BBC Radio 1 disc jockeys, Liz Kershaw and Bruno Brookes on the Christmas 1989 charity record It Takes Two Baby which was a minor hit in the UK.