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Why did The Spencer Davis Group break up? Bandleader Spencer Davis dies at 81, fans say his 'music will live on'

Spencer Davis formed the band in 1963 with Steve Winwood, Muff Winwood and Peter York and their first hit was 'Keep on Running' in 1965

Spencer Davis of The Spencer Davis Group died in a hospital at the age of 81 on October 19 while receiving treatment for pneumonia. His agent Bob Birk released a statement saying, "He (Spencer) was a very good friend. He was a highly ethical, very talented, good-hearted, extremely intelligent, generous man. He will be missed."

Who was Spencer Davis?

Born in Swansea, Wales, Davis was interested in music from an early age. As a child, Davis learned to play harmonica and accordion. When Davis was 16, he moved to London to work in civil service. He then relocated to Birmingham where he studied German before teaming up with future Rolling Stones bassist Bill Wyman to form a band called the Saints. Davis also collaborated with Christine McVie who later went on to join Fleetwood Mac.

Davis formed The Spencer Davis Group in 1963. It had Davis on guitar, Steve Winwood on organ and vocals, Muff Winwood on bass and Peter York on drums. Initially called The Rhythm & Blues Quartet, they changed their name since Davis was the only member comfortable with the media. The band earned their first hit in 1965 with 'Keep on Running', a cover of a song by Jamaican musician Jackie Edwards. 'Keep on Running' reached #1 on the UK singles chart in 1966 knocking off the Beatles' 'We Can Work It Out'/'Day Tripper'. They achieved another #1 hit with 'Somebody Help Me', a second Jackie Edwards cover. Singles 'I'm a Man' and 'Gimme Some Lovin' also found great success.

Why the disbandment?

Four years after its formation, in 1967, Steve Winwood left to form another rock band Traffic. Following this, The Spencer Davis Group disbanded two years later in 1969. Davis, who started a solo career, delivered the 1971 hit 'It’s Been So Long' (in collaboration with Peter Jameson) and 1972’s solo album 'Mousetrap'. Despite the success, Davis faced financial trouble and ended up getting a job at Island Records.

The song 'Don’t Want You No More' that Davis co-wrote with Eddie Hardin was picked by the Allman Brothers for their 'Beginnings' album. The record sold six million copies and as a result, Davis received a big cheque that helped him with his money problems. Later, in 1993, Davis formed the supergroup The Classic Rock All-Stars. He then left the group in 1995 to form World Classic Rockers with former Eagles bassist Randy Meisner, singer Bobby Kimball and guitarist Denny Laine.

Reactions

Singer-songwriter Gary Kemp tweeted, "RIP Spencer Davis. He lead a magnificent band, one of the greats of the 60s, along with Muff and Steve Winwood. 'Keep on Running' and 'Gimme Some Lovin' we’re R&B classics. He drove soul into the white rock sound of the time." Musician Jesse Kinch wrote, "Spencer Davis passed today. Founder & guitarist of the great band The Spencer Davis Group from the 1960's which also launched the career of lead vocalist Steve Winwood."

Musician Jonathan Nicholas tweeted, "Sad to hear Spencer Davis has passed. He was gracious enough to sit in with my old band The Rumblestrutters a few years ago in a cafe in the mumbles and lead us through a few numbers under the pseudonym Slim Price. Thoughts with his friends and family," while bassist Horace Panter said, "RIP Spencer Davis... one of the pioneers of those great 60s bands fusing soul and R&B into rock. Remember first hearing the Spencer Davis Band as an impressionable teenager. Just got their album out so turntable beckons."

Meanwhile, fans mourned the loss of the artist. One said, "R.I.P Spencer. You certainly always got the dance floor pumping with those classic BIG HITS....  your music will live on." Another said, “Spencer Davis, you will stay alive in your beautiful music R.I.P.” One more said, "RIP. Spencer Davis' first album was also one of the first I bought. Also saw them live at the late, lamented Marquee in London's Wardour Street in the '60s." One fan said, "Another legend of English music gone.” Another said, "Thanks for all that fantastic music Spencer. Sleep well."