Errol Brown, the smooth-voiced soul singer whose honeyed vocals serenaded the bedroom of many a swivel-hipped '70s lothario, has died at the age of 71.
Brown formed the band with Tony Wilson (centre) in Hampstead, north London. The band, who relocated to Brixton, were briefly connected to the Beatles' Apple Records label after getting permission from John Lennon to record a reggae version of his song Give Peace a Chance. They were originally named Hot Chocolate Band, but this was quickly shortened to Hot Chocolate by famed music manager Mickie Most.
The song Emma gave the band a massive hit in 1974, reaching number three in the UK singles chart and number eight in the US Billboard Hot 100 chart. They were presented with a silver disc by romance author Jackie Collins.
It was during the disco era of the mid-1970s that Hot Chocolate hit their groove with songs such as You Sexy Thing and Every 1's a Winner, which were also big hits in the US. The band became the only act alongside Elvis Presley and Diana Ross to have a hit in every year of the 1970s in the UK chart.
Brown's songs, which included It Started with a Kiss, helped turn the follically-challenged frontman into a sex symbol. His array of tight trousers obviously helped. "When I was writing Sexy Thing, I was in clubs until 4am; that was my life," he told the Daily Telegraph in 2009. "Once I got married and had my children, I left the life."
Brown, seen here presenting a best group award to Culture Club in 1984, went solo when Hot Chocolate eventually disbanded in 1986. In 2003 he received an MBE and, in 2004, an Ivor Novello Award for his contribution to British music.
In 1997, You Sexy Thing had a massive resurgence after being featured in hit comedy The Full Monty. The cultural impact of the film spread to tribute acts, a stage musical and this awkward-looking royal photo opportunity.
- Published6 May 2015
