Cliff Bennett and the Rebel Rousers were a British rhythm and blues band formed in 1958, led by singer Cliff Bennett. Active mainly between 1961 and 1969, they made a name for themselves with their energetic sound blending rock 'n' roll, soul and R&B, strongly influenced by black American music. Their trademark was a powerful horn section, a danceable groove and Bennett's powerful voice, close to the style of Otis Redding or Wilson Pickett. Spotted by Brian Epstein, the Beatles' famous manager, they gained in visibility by playing prestigious opening acts and signing to Parlophone. Their greatest success was their cover of the Beatles' "Got to Get You into My Life" (1966), produced by Paul McCartney, which reached the Top 10 of the British charts (no. 6). Despite a certain recognition and a strong stage presence, the band never managed to make a lasting breakthrough internationally. Cliff Bennett disbanded the Rebel Rousers in the late 1960s to form Toe Fat, a more psychedelic rock-oriented band. The musicians, for their part, continued briefly with other singers before falling off the radar. Today, the group remains a shining example of the vitality of the British R&B scene in the sixties, combining loyalty to American roots with a distinctly English mod energy.
