The Mysterious Secrets of the Dave Clark Five

TLDRThe Dave Clark Five, despite their success, were shrouded in mystery and secrecy. Dave Clark's tight control over the band and the use of session musicians for recordings were just the beginning. Ron Ryan, a hidden figure, played a significant role in shaping the band's sound and writing their hits. This comprehensive summary reveals the untold story of the band.

Key insights

🎸The Dave Clark Five's music was not as accessible or prevalent as other British invasion bands of the 60s.

🔒Dave Clark's tight control and secrecy over the band's activities contributed to their lack of exposure and absence from compilations and reunion specials.

🥁Dave Clark, despite being the band's face, did not play drums on most of their major recordings, hiring session drummer Bobby Graham instead.

🎶Ron Ryan, a hidden figure, influenced the band's sound and wrote many of their hits, but his contributions were kept secret and unrewarded.

🤐Dave Clark's reneging on the royalty agreement with Ron Ryan added to the mystery surrounding the band and their true origins.

Q&A

Why was the Dave Clark Five not as well-known as other British invasion bands?

The band's music was not as accessible or prevalent over the years, and their lack of exposure and absence from compilations and reunion specials contributed to their relative obscurity.

Who played drums on the Dave Clark Five's recordings?

Session drummer Bobby Graham played drums on most of the band's major recordings, as Dave Clark focused on his production duties.

Who was Ron Ryan and what was his role in the band?

Ron Ryan was a hidden figure who influenced the band's sound and wrote many of their hits. His contributions were kept secret and unpaid.

Why did Dave Clark keep the session musicians and Ron Ryan's involvement a secret?

Dave Clark wanted tight control over the band and the final sound of their songs. He believed that revealing their use of session musicians and Ron Ryan's role would tarnish the band's image.

What happened to the royalty agreement between Dave Clark and Ron Ryan?

Dave Clark reneged on the agreement, refusing to pay Ron Ryan for his contributions. This added to the mystery surrounding the band's true origins.

Timestamped Summary

00:06The Dave Clark Five's music was not as accessible or prevalent as other British invasion bands of the 60s.

00:18Dave Clark tightly controlled the band's activities, leading to their absence from compilations and reunion specials.

05:39Dave Clark did not play drums on most of the band's major recordings, hiring session drummer Bobby Graham instead.

10:40Ron Ryan, a hidden figure, influenced the band's sound and wrote many of their hits.

11:23Dave Clark reneged on the royalty agreement with Ron Ryan, adding to the mystery surrounding the band's true origins.