King Size Kings 1964 / 65

King Size Kings 1964 / 65

by Pete Clemons

Around ten years ago I went to a fascinating chat with local soul singing legend Ray King. During the talk he mentioned how, before his own Soul Band, he had linked up with a band called Suzi and The King Size Kings. At that time he was still known by his birth name of Vibert Cornwall.

Suzi left the King Size Kings and, at the same time, Vibert became known by his stage name of Ray King. The King Size Kings changed their name to the Ray King Soul Band. This would have been toward the end of 1965 and early 1966.

At face value I took it that The King Size Kings were named so because of Ray King's involvement. But that does not appear to be the case. In fact, if anything, Vibert possibly gained the Ray King name through being with the band.

It seemed as though The King Size Kings were formed and had a life of their own before Ray King ever became involved with them.

An article I came across from October 1964 mentioned: – 'A Coventry group who have been playing together for only four months won the first heat of a beat music contest. The group will now appear in the semi finals of the competition along with The Barry James Four, another Coventry group, who finished in second place. The heat was staged at the Police Ballroom, Coventry'.

The article went on to name the band members: 'The five member of King Size Kings, Tony Ashton (lead singer), Barry Toal (drummer), Rick Bradford (bass guitar), Paul Price (lead guitar) and Bob Neal (rhythm guitar) hope that the contest will lead to a recording contract and, perhaps, a professional career'. No mention of Ray King - or Suzi for that matter.

Fast forward to July 1965 and the King Size Kings had just taken third place at their quarter final heat at the Wimbledon Palais with six original numbers including one composed by all members of the group titled, 'I've Been Wrong'.

It was reported that: 'The five members of a Coventry group, the King Size Kings – in it's present form, only came together two months ago, but the group has won its way through to the semi finals of the 'Melody Maker' national beat contest'.

The article continued that 'The Kings will take part in a semi final on August 1st and, if successful, in the finals on August 15th. Paul Price (17) is lead guitarist of the group, which has existed for about eighteen months but the present members, all from Coventry, only recently came together. They practice and perform most nights in the week. Mr E.W. Price, Paul's father and manager of the group, told the Coventry telegraph that they enjoy it. 'Any other life would be boring' he said'.

Sadly the Kings were unsuccessful in the contest. They were beaten at the semi final stage held, once more, in Wimbledon. However they were voted top group in the Midlands popularity poll of 1965.

Incidentally, as for the outcome of this most prestigious of competitions: 550 groups had initially entered the various heats. Prizes for the winners of the national contest include a Decca recording contract. A new Hammond organ worth (at that time) £525. An appearance on ABC-TV's 'Thank Your Lucky Stars'. And a set of stage clothes from the tailors Cecil Gee (later to become a chain). For the runners up a Vox PA system worth £180 and third place won a Premier drum kit worth £140.

The final, yet again at the Wimbledon Palais, was judged by, among others, Graham Nash of the Hollies, TV producer Muriel Young and DJ Kenny Everett. The panel voted a group called St Louis Union as the overall winners. St. Louis Union went on to have one top twenty record, when they covered the Beatles song 'Girl' in 1966. King Size Kings need not have been disappointed in being beaten at the semi final stage. They were in good company. Amboy Dukes, the UK band (not the US version) also fell at the semi final hurdle As did another band who achieved real fame and fortune. And they were called The Pink Floyd.

Not knowing the exact time Ray King joined The King Size Kings means it is difficult to establish if he was involved with the Melody Maker national beat contest of 1965.

Overall all though, despite the King Size Kings being short lived, they quickly established themselves. They became incredibly busy and very popular in a short space of time.

Also it is not clear how many, if any of King Size Kings followed Ray King into his Soul Band. So some mysteries still remain.