Editing Geno Washington

{{short description|American R&B singer (born 1943)}}
{{distinguish|Gino Washington|Gio Washington}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=December 2014}}
{{BLP primary sources|date=December 2008}}
{{Infobox musical artist  <!-- See Wikipedia:WikiProject Musicians -->
| name              = Geno Washington
| image             = GenoWashington.jpg
| caption           = Pictured in 2007
| image_size        = 
| background        = solo_singer
| birth_name        = William Francis Washington
| alias             = 
| birth_date        = {{birth date and age|1943|12|21}}
| death_date        =
| origin            = [[Evansville, Indiana]], United States
| instrument        = Vocals
| genre             = Soul, [[Rhythm and Blues|R&B]], pop, [[blues]]
| occupation        = Musician
| years_active      = 1966–present
| label             = [[Piccadilly Records|Piccadilly]], [[Marble Arch Records|Marble Arch]], [[Pye Records|Pye]], [[DJM Records|DJM]]
| associated_acts   = [[Geno Washington & the Ram Jam Band]]
| website           = {{URL|http://www.genowashington.blogspot.com}}
}}
'''Geno Washington''' (born '''William Francis Washington'''; December 21, 1943, in [[Evansville, Indiana]]) is an American [[Rhythm and blues|R&B]] singer who released five albums with [[Geno Washington & the Ram Jam Band|the Ram Jam Band]] between 1966 and 1969, and eight solo albums beginning in 1976.

==Background==
{{ main|Geno Washington & the Ram Jam Band}}
Washington was stationed in England with the [[United States Air Force]] during the early 1960s.<ref name="Larkin">{{cite book|title=[[Encyclopedia of Popular Music|The Virgin Encyclopedia of Popular Music]]|editor=Colin Larkin|editor-link=Colin Larkin (writer)|publisher=[[Virgin Books]]|date=1997|edition=Concise|isbn=1-85227-745-9|page=1234}}</ref> While stationed in [[East Anglia]], Washington became known as a frequent stand-in at [[concert|gigs]] around London.<ref name="Larkin"/> When guitarist [[Pete Gage (guitarist)|Pete Gage]] saw him at a [[nightclub]] in 1965, he asked Washington to join his new group, that was to become [[Geno Washington & the Ram Jam Band]].<ref name="Larkin"/>  Gage later formed [[Vinegar Joe (band)|Vinegar Joe]] with [[Elkie Brooks]] and [[Robert Palmer (singer)|Robert Palmer]].<ref name="Larkin"/>  The band's name came from the [[Ram Jam Inn]], an old [[coaching inn]] on the [[A1 road (Great Britain)|A1]] (Great North Road) at [[Stretton, Rutland|Stretton]], near [[Oakham]], [[Rutland]].

The group had two of the biggest selling UK albums of the 1960s, both of which were live albums.<ref name="Larkin"/> Their most commercially successful album, ''Hand Clappin, Foot Stompin, Funky-Butt ... Live!'', was in the [[UK Albums Chart]] for 38 weeks in 1966 and 1967, peaking at number 5 on the chart.  The other album was ''Hipster Flipsters Finger Poppin' Daddies'', which reached number 8 on the UK album chart.<ref>Martin Roach (ed.), ''Virgin Book of British Hit Albums'', 2009, p.292</ref>  The group had a number of moderate [[UK Singles Chart]] [[hit record|hits]] during 1966–67 on the [[Pye Records|Pye]] label: "Water" (which reached no. 39), "Hi Hi Hazel" (no. 45), "Que Sera Sera" (no. 43) and "Michael (The Lover)" (no. 39).<ref name="Larkin"/> They managed to build up a strong following with the crowds due to their energetic tour performances.<ref name="Larkin"/> Like their Pye label mates and rivals [[Jimmy James (singer)|Jimmy James and the Vagabonds]], they became popular with the [[Mod (subculture)|mod]] scene.  The band broke up in the autumn of 1969, with the band members going their own ways while Geno Washington continued as a solo artist, prior to returning to the United States.<ref name="Larkin"/>  Keyboard player [[Geoffrey K. Pullum|Geoff Pullum]] became an academic linguist, and is today emeritus professor at the University of Edinburgh.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.lel.ed.ac.uk/~gpullum/longer_bio.html |title=Geoffrey K. Pullum: Curriculum Vitae |publisher=Lel.ed.ac.uk |date=November 9, 2009 |accessdate=2012-04-29}}</ref>
==Career==
===1960s===
It was reported by ''Record Mirror'' in the magazine's July 13, 1968 issue that Washington was writing and looking to direct a documentary about racism. With the majority of the filming to be done in London, there was to be added clips that showed racial violence in South Africa. With a budget of £12,000 the planned release was to be some time after January 1969. It was also announced that Washington was writing a book, ''One Way Ticket to the White House'' which was to be released in paperback form in the UK and US sometime in 1968.<ref>''Record Mirror'', No. 383 July 13, 1968 - [https://worldradiohistory.com/UK/Record-Mirror/60s/68/Record-Mirror-1968-07-13.pdf Page 4 GENO WASHINGTON]</ref>

===1970s===
Washington left the UK to return to the United States and disappeared from the [[music industry]] for a length of time. He studied [[hypnosis]] and [[meditation]], made acquaintance with [[The Beach Boys]] and [[sound recording and reproduction|recorded]] some music with them that was never released. He would later record three albums for the DJM label, ''Geno's Back'' (1976), ''Live'' (1976), and ''That's Why Hollywood Loves Me'' (1979).<ref name="Larkin"/>

In May 1976, he released a single, "You Lovely Witch". Washington co-produced it with Kaplan Kaye. It was released on DJM 1011. A Single Pick for May 29, 1976, ''Record World'' predicted that a lot of plays would pick up R&B action.<ref>''Record World'', May 29, 1976 - [https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Record-World/70s/76/Record-World-1976-05-29.pdf Page 26 SINGLE PICKS GENO WASHINGTON & THE RAM JAM BAND]</ref>

===1980s===
He was encouraged to make a comeback in 1980 due to the rekindled interest in him resulting from the [[Dexys Midnight Runners]] hit single "[[Geno (song)|Geno]]" but he initially declined, as he was completing his degree in hypnotism.<ref name="Larkin"/> Soon he was back in the UK touring extensively and playing many gigs, particularly in south-east London. Washington was appearing at the Triad Leisure Centre at [[Bishop's Stortford]] on December 5, 1980.<ref>''Record Mirror'', December 6, 1980 - [https://worldradiohistory.com/UK/Record-Mirror/80s/80/Record-Mirror-1980-12-06.pdf UPFRONT Compiled by SUSANNE GARRETT, FRIDAY. DECEMBER 5]</ref>

===1990s to present===
Washington has been active on stage, recording and releasing new music on various labels, with titles such as "Change Your Thoughts You Change Your Life", "Live Sideways", "Loose Lips", "Put Out the Cat", "The Return of the G", "Take This Job and Stuff It" and "What's in the Pot?". As of 2021, Washington and his band could be regularly seen [[concert tour|touring]] in the UK. In January 2009 he released a single "I'm Doing 99 Years" and the proceeds from the single's sales will go to the victims of crime and child abuse.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hertfordshiremercury.co.uk/hertfordshiremercury-leisure/DisplayArticle.asp?ID=390866 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120804205940/http://www.hertfordshiremercury.co.uk/hertfordshiremercury-leisure/DisplayArticle.asp?ID=390866 |url-status=dead |archive-date=August 4, 2012 |date=February 13, 2009 |title=Soul originals put glide into your stride |author=Sara Black |website=Archive.today |accessdate=2020-03-11}}</ref> In July 2009 he headlined the Kelvedon Free Music Festival. In August 2010, Geno Washington & the Ram Jam Band were one of the headline acts at [[Rhythm Festival]], and appeared at the [[Gulbenkian Theatre]], Canterbury in October 2010.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rhythmfestival.com/|title=Rhythm Festival|website=Rhythmfestival.com}}</ref> In October 2014, they performed in the Spiegeltent at the [[Canterbury Festival|Canterbury Festival of Arts]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.canterburytimes.co.uk/Canterbury-Festival-2014/story-23055126-detail/story.html |title=Canterbury Festival 2014 &#124; Canterbury Times |access-date=October 20, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150923200259/http://www.canterburytimes.co.uk/Canterbury-Festival-2014/story-23055126-detail/story.html |archive-date=September 23, 2015 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

==Television and film career==
Washington has appeared on television since the 1960s. In 1966 he appeared in Episode 11 of ''[[Ready Steady Go!]]'' This episode also featured other stars such as [[Françoise Hardy]], [[Cilla Black]], [[Wayne Fontana]] and [[the Spencer Davis Group]]. In 1967, along with the [[Geno Washington & the Ram Jam Band|Ram Jam Band]], he appeared on ''The Record Star Show'' and doubtless others in the 1960s. Since then he has appeared on ''Top Ten'' (1980) in 2000 and the mini series ''S.O.U.L.—Sounds of Underground London'' in 2003.

Geno appears in the movie ''[[A Bit of Tom Jones?]]'', which had its London premiere in 2009. The film, which was made by Tred Films in Tredegar in South Wales, stars [[Jonny Owen]] and Roger Evans, with a cast including [[Matt Berry]], [[John Henshaw]] and [[Denise Welch]]. The film won the BAFTA Cymru "Best Film" award in 2010.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bafta.org/wales/awards/british-academy-cymru-awards/features/2010-highlights|title=BAFTA Cymru Awards in 2010 - The Highlights|date=April 23, 2010|website=Bafta.org}}</ref>

He has embraced acting, taking a role in ''[[Paparazzo]]'', a 1995 film starring [[Nick Berry]] and [[Fay Masterson]]. In 2007 he appeared as himself in an episode of ''[[Midsomer Murders]]'', entitled "The Axeman Cometh", that also featured [[Suzi Quatro]] and [[Mike Read]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0913446/|title=Geno Washington|website=IMDb.com|accessdate=September 30, 2019}}</ref>

==Writing and public speaking==
He is the author of ''The Blood Brothers'', a [[Vietnam War|war]] exploitation story. Washington has also written children's stories. He has appeared as a motivational speaker.

==Hypnotism==
Washington is a member of the Guild of Hypnotists.<ref>The Brook [http://www.the-brook.com/dates2006/09.2006.shtml Geno Washington & The Ram Jam Band, The Master of Soul – Great performer] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090106075252/http://www.the-brook.com/dates2006/09.2006.shtml |date=January 6, 2009 }}</ref> He has also included hypnotism as part of his act.<ref name="Larkin"/> In the past his show has consisted of some demonstrations of hypnotism in the first half and some "Get down soul music" in the second half.

==Current and recent activities==
He recently collaborated with comedian and musician [[Matt Berry]] for the track "Get Here in Time". Also in other activities involving Matt Berry,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://theduchessyork.co.uk/whats-on/detail/411 |title=The Duchess, York &#124; What's on &#124; Matt Berry (The IT Crowd/Mighty Boosh) &#124; 26 Nov 2010 |access-date=September 29, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101126133935/http://www.theduchessyork.co.uk/whats-on/detail/411 |archive-date=November 26, 2010 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Geno is featured on a 2012 song by Berry called "Theme From Snuff Box".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.shazam.com/track/66662068|title=Theme from Snuff Box (feat. Geno Washington)|website=Shazam.com}}</ref>

==Personal life==
Geno met his wife Frenchie at [[The Bag O'Nails]] club in London, which is also where her sister met [[Peter Noone]] of [[Herman's Hermits]], whom she married. This is also the same club where Paul McCartney met Linda Eastman.<ref>High Tide [http://www.hightidemagazine.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=210 The hypnotist: Geno Washington interviewed] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110711165640/http://www.hightidemagazine.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=210 |date=July 11, 2011 }}</ref>

==Solo discography==
{{ See also|Geno Washington & the Ram Jam Band#Discography}}

===Albums===
*''Geno's Back'' – [[DJM Records|DJM]] DJF 20457 – 1976
*''Geno Live'' – DJM DJF 20486 – 1976
*''That's Why Hollywood Loves Me'' – DJM DJF 20561 – 1979
*''Put Out the Cat'' – Teldec AP 624665 – 1981
*''Live Sideways'' – Ammunition GENO LP1 – 1986
*''Take That Job and Stuff It'' – Konnexion KOMO 788027 – 1987

====CD album====
*''Change Your Thoughts You Change Your Life (With the Purple Aces)'' – Thunderbird CSA 114 – 1998<ref name="Record Collector"/>

===Singles===
====7" singles====
*"Alison Please"/"Each and Every Part of Me" – PYE 7N 45019 – 1971
*"Feeling So Good (Skooby Doo)"/"My Little Chickadee" – PYE 7N 45085 – 1971
*"Dirty, Dirty"/"Give 'Em a Hand" – PYE 7N 45121
*"End of the World"/"Tell Me Tell Me Please" – DJM DJS 10365 – 1975
*"Hold on Momma"/"Help I'm in Love Again" – DJM DJS 10392 – 1975
*"Love Me Love Me"/"Hold On" – DJM DJS 10642 – 1976
*"Oh Pretty Woman"/"B.S.E. Love" – DJM DJS 10669 – 1976
*"Your Love Keeps on Haunting Me"/"La La La" – DJM DJS 10712 – 1976
*"Soothe Me"/"My Kind of Love" – DJM DJS 10761 – 1977
*"Boogie Queen"/"Why Did You Go Away?" – DJM DJS 10803 – 1977
*"Proud Mary"/"Stir It Up" – DJM DJS 10825 – 1978
*"My Money Your Money"/"Get Some Bad Tonight" – DJM DJS 10919 – 1979
*"Baby Come Back"/"Caught in the Middle" – DJM DJS 10926 – 1979
*"Michael (The Lover)"/"Accept My Invitation" – Soul Supply 7SS101 – 1984
*"Rock the Car"/"Catch Me" – Mil MILS 1 – 1988
*"Jingle Bells"/"Rock the Car" – G Kap GKA 001 – 1988

====12" singles====
*"Baby Come Back"/"Caught in the Middle" – DJM DJR 10926 – 1979
*"My Money Your Money"/"Get Some Bad Tonight" – DJR 18005 – 1979
*"Michael (The Lover)"/"Accept My Invitation" / "Emergency 999" – Soul Supply 12SS101 – 1984
*"Rock the Car"/"Catch Me" – Mil MILST 1 – 1988<ref name="Record Collector">{{cite magazine
| magazine= [[Record Collector]]
| interviewer-first= Spencer
| interviewer-last= Leigh
| first= Geno
| last= Washington
| date= September 2000
| title= Geno! Geno! Geno!
| publisher= Parker Mead Limited for Parker Publishing
| location= Ealing, London, England
| page= 75
| number=253}}</ref>

====CD single====
*"The Blues Walks with Me"/"Wake Me When the Morning Comes" – Thunderbird CSA 007 – 1998

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
*[http://www.facebook.com/GenoWashingtonOfficial/ Geno Washington Official Facebook]

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Washington, Geno}}
[[Category:1943 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Musicians from Evansville, Indiana]]
[[Category:American male singers]]
[[Category:American expatriates in the United Kingdom]]
[[Category:American soul musicians]]
[[Category:British rhythm and blues boom musicians]]
[[Category:Ric-Tic Records artists]]
[[Category:American hypnotists]]
[[Category:Writers from Evansville, Indiana]]
[[Category:British blues musicians]]
[[Category:American male writers]]
[[Category:Geno Washington & the Ram Jam Band members]]