Geno Washington, born William Francis Washington on December 21, 1943 in Evansville, Indiana, is an American R&B singer. While stationed in England with the United States Air Force during the early 1960s, Washington began performing at local gigs around London. His breakthrough came when guitarist Pete Gage invited him to join his new group, which became known as Geno Washington & The Ram Jam Band. Their debut EP Hi was released in 1966, followed by their first album Hand Clappin', Foot Stompin', Funky-Butt... Live! the same year. This live album spent 38 weeks on the UK Albums Chart, peaking at number 5. The band's second live album, Hipsters, Flipsters, Finger-Poppin' Daddies, reached number 8 on the chart in 1967. Notable singles from this period include "Water" and "Hi! Hi! Hazel". The Ram Jam Band disbanded in autumn of 1969. Washington returned to the United States and later released several solo albums, including Geno's Back (1976) and Live (1976). He has continued to perform and record music, with recent releases such as "Change Your Thoughts You Change Your Life" (2011), and regularly tours in the UK. Washington also ventured into television and film, appearing in shows like Ready Steady Go! (1966) and films such as A Bit of Tom Jones? (2009).
