Biography
Geno Washington & the Ram Jam Band emerged as a defining force in the British soul and R&B scene of the 1960s. Geno Washington, born William Francis Washington on December 21, 1943, in Evansville, Indiana, first arrived in England as a member of the US Air Force. His dynamic presence and love for blues and soul quickly led him to jam sessions with local musicians in Ipswich and then to London's vibrant club circuit, where his impromptu performances at venues like the Flamingo Club caught the attention of guitarist Pete Gage. In 1965, Gage invited Washington to front his newly formed Ram Jam Band, a group that soon became renowned for their electrifying live shows and ability to energize audiences, particularly within the mod scene.[1][2][5]
The Ram Jam Band, initially formed by Pete Gage and Geoff Pullum, built their reputation on the London club circuit before Geno's arrival, even featuring Jamaican singer Errol Dixon. With Washington as frontman, the band recorded several hit singles, including "Water," "Hi Hi Hazel," and "Que Sera Sera," and released two of the UK's best-selling live albums of the decade: 'Hand Clappin, Foot Stompin, Funky-Butt ... Live!' and 'Hipster Flipsters Finger Poppin' Daddies.' Their high-energy performances and authentic soul sound made them a staple of British R&B, often headlining over more famous acts. The group disbanded in 1969, but Geno Washington continued to perform and record as a solo artist, later forming new bands and remaining active on the live circuit.[1][2][5]
Musically, the band drew heavily from American soul, R&B, and blues, with Geno's vocal style and stagecraft inspired by US soul legends. Their influence extended beyond their own recordings: in the 1980s, Dexys Midnight Runners paid tribute to Geno with their chart-topping single "Geno," cementing his status as a soul icon in the UK. The band's legacy endures in the northern soul movement and among musicians who cite their energetic live approach and authentic soul sound as formative influences.[1][5]
Fun Facts
- Geno Washington's live performances were so energetic that other acts often refused to follow him on stage, fearing they couldn't match the crowd response.[5]
- The band's name was inspired by the Ram Jam Inn, a historic coaching inn on the A1 road near Oakham, Rutland.[1]
- Keyboardist Geoff Pullum later became a renowned academic linguist and is now an emeritus professor at the University of Edinburgh.[1]
- Despite never having a UK number one single, the band had two of the best-selling live albums of the 1960s, staying on the charts for months.[1][5]
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- American Soul and R&B Artists - Geno Washington was heavily inspired by the US soul and R&B scene, drawing stylistic influence from artists such as James Brown and Otis Redding. (General influence on vocal style and stage performance) [1960s]
Key Collaborators
- Pete Gage - Guitarist and founder of the Ram Jam Band; recruited Geno as the frontman and co-led the band. (Ram Jam Band albums and singles) [1964–1969]
- Geoff Pullum - Keyboardist and co-founder of the Ram Jam Band; played in the original lineup. (Ram Jam Band recordings) [1964–1967]
- Errol Dixon - Predecessor as lead singer of the Ram Jam Band before Geno Washington joined. (Early Ram Jam Band singles) [1964–1965]
- Herb Prestidge, John Roberts, Lionel Kingham, Buddy Beadle - Original members of the Ram Jam Band, performing on early recordings and live shows. (Ram Jam Band singles and live albums) [1965–1969]
Artists Influenced
- Dexys Midnight Runners - Paid homage to Geno Washington with their 1980 hit single "Geno," citing him as a major influence on their sound and live performance ethos. ("Geno" (single)) [1980]
Connection Network
Discography
Albums
| Title | Release Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Hand Clappin' Foot Stompin' Funky-Butt... Live! | 1966-01-01 | Album |
| It's Geno Time | 2012-07-01 | Album |
| Hipsters, Flipsters, Finger-Poppin' Daddies! (Live) | 1967-01-01 | Album |
| Shake A Tail Feather | 1967-01-01 | Album |
| Live On Air 1966-1969 | 1966 | Album |
| Oh, Geno! Rare Pye Singles As and Bs | 2022-11-04 | Album |
| The Lost Broadcasts | 2019-07-26 | Album |
| Pqfmusic Concerts Presents Live at the Half Moon Putney | 2014-11-30 | Album |
| Running Wild (Live) | 1968-01-01 | Album |
| Running Wild (Live) | 1968-01-01 | Album |
| Shake A Tail Feather | 1967-01-01 | Album |
| Hipsters, Flipsters, Finger-Poppin' Daddies! (Live) | 1967-01-01 | Album |
| Hand Clappin' Foot Stompin' Funky-Butt... Live! | 1966-01-01 | Album |
Top Tracks
- You Don't Know Like I Know - Full Version - Live (Hand Clappin' Foot Stompin' Funky-Butt... Live!)
- Shake Shake Senora - 2007 Remaster (Take My Tip (25 British Mod Artefacts From The EMI Vaults))
- All I Need (Oh, Geno! Rare Pye Singles As and Bs)
- Michael (the Lover) (It's Geno Time)
- Que Sera Sera (Oh, Geno! Rare Pye Singles As and Bs)
- I'm Your Puppet
- Three Time Loser (Shake A Tail Feather)
- Who's Foolin' Who (Shake A Tail Feather)
- Ride Your Pony (It's Geno Time)
- Hold On I'm Comin' (It's Geno Time)
External Links
References
Heard on WWOZ
geno washington and the ram jam band has been played 3 times on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.
| Date | Time | Title | Show | Spotify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 23, 2025 | 19:16 | tell it like it is. | R&Bw/ Your Cousin Dimitri | |
| Oct 23, 2025 | 19:12 | que sera sera, | R&Bw/ Your Cousin Dimitri | |
| Oct 23, 2025 | 19:11 | if this is love (I'd rather be lonely) | R&Bw/ Your Cousin Dimitri |