The Original Caste, a Canadian folk group, was formed in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, in 1966 by Bruce Innes. Initially known as The North Country Singers, the band changed its name to avoid confusion with other folk groups. The original lineup included Bruce Innes on lead guitar and vocals, Graham Bruce on bass, Bliss Mackie on rhythm guitar and vocals, and Dixie Lee Innes on vocals. The Original Caste signed with TA Records in 1969 and released their debut album One Tin Soldier. The album featured the hit single "One Tin Soldier", which reached number 34 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1970. Their follow-up single, "Mr. Monday", was a significant success in Japan and Canada but did not achieve the same level of popularity in the United States. The band toured extensively across Canada, the United States, and Japan, opening for notable artists such as B.B. King and Glen Campbell. They released several albums including Live In Japan (1971) and Back Home (1974). Even though The Original Caste disbanded in 1980 following the divorce of Bruce and Dixie Innes, the former revived the moniker as a solo project in the 2000s.
