The Roulettes

The Roulettes were a British rock and roll group formed in London in 1962. They were shortly recruited to play as the backing group to singer Adam Faith, in order for him to compete with the beat bands then emerging from Merseyside. With Faith, they subsequently enjoyed a run of chart hits in the 1960s, billed as Adam Faith with The Roulettes on the Parlophone label. They backed Faith on the UK chart hits; 'The First Time', 'We Are in Love', 'I Love Being in Love With You', 'If He Tells You', and 'Someone's Taken Maria Away' (between 1964–65) In 1962, The Roulettes signed with Pye Records and began releasing their own material, in 1963 they switched to the same label as Adam Faith, (Parlophone) but none of their singles reached the charts. Their only album 'Stakes And Chips' was released in 1965 with similar success. As well as backing Adam Faith on record, they accompanied him on tour until October 1965, most notably backing him on a 'Live' album. Early in 1967 they joined the Philips Fontana label but still the charts eluded them, although they toured Europe until later that year when the group split up.

Contents

• The roulettes only heaven knows
• The roulettes shake
• Members
• Songs
• References

Members Russ Ballard and Bob Henrit went on to join Unit 4 + 2 formed by original Roulettes' member Brian Parker (on whose 1965 number one song, "Concrete and Clay", they had both previously played); the two would later also become members of rock band Argent. In addition Ballard had later success as a solo artist and songwriter, whilst Henrit became a renowned session drummer and also replaced The Kinks' long serving drummer Mick Avory in their later years.

Adam Faith's song "Cowman, Milk Your Cow" was written by Bee Gees members Barry and Robin Gibb on which the Roulettes (Ballard, Rogan and Henrit) played, Fleetwood Mac's Peter Green also played guitar on the song.