South African Band, the "STACCATOS" with "CRY TO ME" from their 1968 album, "HEAR AND NOW".

The Staccatos are a South African band formed in November 1961 by Brian Le Gassick. The original line-up consisted of Brian Le Gassick – lead vocals, guitar, John Leach – lead guitar, Willie van der Walt – bass and Ian Miller – drums. In 1962 Leach and van der Walt were replaced by Richard Crouse – guitar, Jimmy Routledge – bass and Billy Andrews – vocals, harmonica (Billy later became one half of the duo the “Dream Merchants” with Billy Forrest). In 1964 the Staccatos won the Transvaal Merseyside Contest, which included a recording contract with EMI. They supported Peter and Gordon on their tour of South Africa in 1965.

In 1966 Steve Lonsdale took over the lead vocals, and Richard Crouse married Wanda Arletti who joined the group for a tour of Zambia. In 1967 Eddie Boyle – bass, and Ronnie Cline – organ, joined the group. In 1968 Billy Forrest approached the group to record “Cry to me” for the film “Katrina”. This song became their biggest hit, reaching number 1 on the South African Top 20 in 1969 and charting for a massive 38 weeks, earning them a double gold disc.

In 1969 John Elliot – sax, joined the group and in 1970 Ivor Black – drums and Peter Vee – lead vocals (Steve Lonsdale left for America).

This is the album version off “Hear And Now” released in 1968.