Racey

The original line-up featured Richard Gower (born 1955, Hackney, London, England; vocals and keyboards), Phil Fursdon (vocals and guitar), Pete Miller (vocals and bass) and Clive Wilson (vocals and drums). After early success in their local pub circuit, they came to the attention of Mickie Most.[1] Racey's first single, "Baby It's You", was penned by Smokie members Chris Norman and Pete Spencer and released in 1978. Their second single, "Lay Your Love on Me", was the group's first hit single, peaking at No.3 in the UK Singles Chart in late 1978 through to early 1979.[1] The third single, "Some Girls", was written for the American band Blondie, for whom Mike Chapman also produced, but was instead given to Racey as a follow-up to "Lay Your Love on Me".[1] ("Some Girls" was later recorded by Barry Manilow for his 1982 "Here Comes the Night" album.) The band then parted company with Chinn and Chapman after the album was released and although they continued to play and tour they released only a few more singles that did not match their previous successes. The only album they made under the original line-up was their 1979 debut album Smash and Grab. The band's hits were either written and/or produced by Mike Chapman and Nicky Chinn.[1]

The band formally split in 1985, and since then two separate groups named Racey exist, one featuring band member Richard Gower and the other featuring Clive Wilson, Phil Fursdon and Pete Miller, the original bass player.[1] Miller died of cancer on 6 May 2003.[2] Several albums and CDs with re-recordings of the original hits as well as new material are available from both of the present-day versions of the group.

In May 2009, the reissue of Racey's Smash And Grab album was available on a double CD through 7Ts Records, a division of Cherry Red Records in London. It included the original 1979 album along with all other recordings made for RAK Records between 1978 and 1982.

• Kacey Traver. The Life of Racey Raver, 2009, Penguin House Books.

• Official website