The Moody Blues - The Magnificent Moodies (1965)

"I'll Go Crazy" by The Moody Blues


The Move and The Moody Blues shared the same city in Birmingham, the same producer in Denny Cordell, and the same manager in (not Don Arden) Tony Secunda.  Before The Move switched to Arden, they rose to prominence with Secunda helped along by his publicity stunts which included ridiculous stage antics, signing their recording contract on the back of a topless model, and a libelous cartoon poster of the Prime Minister at the time, Harold Wilson, in bed with his secretary.  After the legal action took a big chunk out of the band, they let Secunda go.

The Moody Blues formed in 1964 with Michael Pinder (keyboard), Ray Thomas (percussion, flutes), Denny Laine (harmonica, guitar, lead vocals), Graeme Edge (drums), and Clint Warwick (bass) out of the refuse of other short-lived Brum Bands such as The Diplomats, The Rebels, and The Krew Cats.  Their early and short-lived residency at the Carlton Ballroom gathered the attention of producer Alex Murray who helped swing a record deal with Decca.  In a matter of months of existence, The Moody Blues released their debut single "Steal Your Heart Away" to a flop.  Their presence grew, however, thanks to spots on television including the first purposeful, promotional film for their only #1 single "Go Now!" later that year.

Despite the single success, their debut album The Magnificent Moodies released in 1965 failed to chart.  The band continued to release a consistent stream of singles but found each one less and less successful.  By 1966, lead singer and guitarist Denny Laine had had enough and left the band for a solo career.

Here is the discography surrounding The Moody Blues's debut album:

Down the Line (1959 single by El Riot and The Rebels)

The Bat (1961 single by The Krew Kats)

Samovar (1961 single by The Krew Kats)

Trambone (1961 single by The Krew Kats)
Forever and a Day (1963 single by Denny Laine and The Diplomats)

Doctor Feelgood (1964 single by Gerry Levene and The Avengers)

Steal Your Heart Away (1964 single)
Go Now! (1964 single)
I Don't Want to Go On Without You (1965 single)
The Moody Blues (1965 EP)
From the Bottom of My Heart (I Love You) (1965 single)
The Magnificent Moodies
Everyday (1965 single)
Stop! (1966 single)
This Is My House (But Nobody Calls) (1966 single)
Life's Not Life (1967 single)

The Village Postman (1968 single by The Hinge)

"Go Now!" by The Moody Blues


"Bye Bye Bird"


Pass the Headphones!!