The
Kinks were a unique part of the first British invasion during the early
1960s. Starting off as just a
heavy
rock band, they developed into one of the most creative social satirists
in popular music.
The band was formed in 1963 by brothers Ray (lead vocals, guitar) and Dave (guitar, vocals) Davies. The original line-up included Peter Quaife (bass) and Mike Avory (drums). Although the Kinks' first two singles failed to chart, the third time was a charm. With an unforgettable, hard driving riff, "You Really Got Me," rocketed to the top of the chart in the United Kingdom and managed to reach #3 on the U.S. charts. The Kinks soon followed with a couple of more pure rock hits in 1964 and '65 -- "All Day and All of the Night" and "Tired of Waiting for You."
Led by Ray Davies' bizarre world perspective, the Kinks began focusing on wry, clever songs in 1966 with such songs as "A Well Respected Man," "Dedicated Follower of Fashion," and "Sunny Afternoon."
After leaving the band temporarily in 1966, Quaife left permanently in 1969. During the rest of the 1970s, the Kinks underwent a number of roster changes. In between, the group managed to sprinkle the charts with its distinguishably, twisted songs. In 1970, they emerged with "Lola," a song about a boy who was a girl. In 1976, the Kinks again resurfaced with the introspective "Celluloid Heroes."
The Kinks were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1990.