The Essex is an American R&B vocal group formed in 1962, originating from Camp LeJeune in North Carolina. The founding members were Walter Vickers and Rodney Taylor, both United States Marine Corps stationed in Okinawa, Japan. They enlisted fellow Marines Billy Hill and Rudolph Johnson as group members, later adding female lead singer Anita Humes. In 1963, the band was signed to Roulette Records after submitting a demo. Their breakthrough came with "Easier Said Than Done", written by Larry Huff and William Linton, which reached Number 1 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart in July 1963 and sold over one million records, earning a gold disc award from the RIAA. The track also charted at number 41 in the UK Singles Chart. Following Rudolph Johnson's departure, the Essex became a quartet and released "A Walkin' Miracle", which peaked at number 12 on the Billboard Hot 100 in September 1963. Their next single, "She's Got Everything", written by Jimmy Radcliffe and Oramay Diamond, reached number 56 on the Billboard chart. The group faced challenges due to their Marine commitments, notably Rodney Taylor's death in 1966. Anita Humes pursued a solo career with Roulette but did not achieve chart success.
