Biography

The Kinks were an English rock band formed in Muswell Hill, North London, in 1963 by brothers Ray and Dave Davies. They are regarded as one of the most influential rock bands of their era. The classic lineup included Ray Davies on lead vocals and rhythm guitar, Dave Davies on lead guitar and vocals, Pete Quaife on bass, and Mick Avory on drums.

Early Years and Breakthrough

Initially performing as The Ravens, the band played a mix of R&B and rock and roll. After securing a contract with Pye Records in 1964, they renamed themselves The Kinks. Their third single, "You Really Got Me," became a massive international hit, topping the charts in the UK and reaching the Top 10 in the United States. The song's distorted power-chord riff, created by Dave Davies, is considered a seminal moment in the development of hard rock and heavy metal. This success was followed by another major hit, "All Day and All of the Night."

The Mid-1960s: Observational Songwriting and US Ban

As Ray Davies' songwriting matured, he became known for his witty and satirical observations of English life and class society. This was evident in hits like "A Well-Respected Man," "Dedicated Follower of Fashion," and the UK number one, "Sunny Afternoon." During this period, the band's career in the United States was abruptly halted by a four-year ban from the American Federation of Musicians, stemming from their rowdy on-stage behavior and disputes with promoters. This ban significantly impacted their American success and led Ray Davies to focus his writing on more overtly English themes.

Key Albums of the Era

Cut off from the American market, the band entered a period of immense creativity, producing a string of critically acclaimed albums that showcased Ray Davies' unique narrative style. These included:

  • Face to Face (1966): Considered one of the first rock concept albums, it was comprised entirely of Ray Davies' compositions and moved away from the band's early hard-driving sound.
  • Something Else by The Kinks (1967): This album featured the iconic single "Waterloo Sunset" and Dave Davies' solo hit "Death of a Clown."
  • The Kinks Are the Village Green Preservation Society (1968): Though a commercial failure upon release, this album is now regarded as a masterpiece for its celebration of a traditional, mythical England.
  • Arthur (Or the Decline and Fall of the British Empire) (1969): A concept album that served as the soundtrack to a television play, it further explored themes of English life and post-war society.

The 1970s: Theatricality and an American Comeback

Following the lifting of the US ban in 1969, the band returned to the American charts with the 1970 hit "Lola," a story about an encounter with a transvestite. The album it came from, Lola Versus Powerman and the Moneygoround, Part One, was a satirical look at the music industry. The early 1970s saw the band embrace a more theatrical style with concept albums like Muswell Hillbillies (1971), Everybody's in Show-Biz (1972), and the rock operas Preservation Act 1 (1973) and Schoolboys in Disgrace (1975). By the late 1970s, they had refashioned themselves as a hard rock arena act, achieving renewed success in the US with albums like Sleepwalker (1977) and Misfits (1978).

The 1980s and 1990s: Mainstream Success and Breakup

The Kinks enjoyed a resurgence in popularity in the early 1980s, fueled by the rise of MTV. The 1983 single "Come Dancing" became one of their biggest US hits. Albums like Low Budget (1979), Give the People What They Want (1981), and State of Confusion (1983) were commercially successful in America. However, internal tensions, particularly between the Davies brothers, persisted. After a period of declining commercial success, the band released their final studio album, Phobia, in 1993 and officially disbanded in 1996.

Legacy and Influence

The Kinks are recognized as one of the most important and influential bands of the British Invasion. Their music has influenced countless artists across genres like punk, heavy metal, and Britpop. In 1990, the original four members were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The Davies brothers have both pursued solo careers, and talk of a reunion has circulated for years.

Songs