The Dave Clark Five, also known as the DC5, were an English rock and roll band formed in 1958 in Tottenham, London. The classic line-up had five members: Dave Clark, Mike Smith, Lenny Davidson, Rick Huxley and Denis Payton. Here is who each of them was and what they played.
Drummer Dave Clark was the group’s leader, producer and co-songwriter. The band’s first UK top-ten single, “Glad All Over”, arrived in January 1964 and knocked the Beatles’ “I Want to Hold Your Hand” off the top of the UK Singles Chart.
Dave Clark – Drums, Backing and Occasional Lead Vocals (1959–1970)
XX, as well as its producer and co-songwriter. He played drums and sang backing and occasional lead vocals. He also stayed on for the 1970–1972 spinoff group Dave Clark and Friends.
Mike Smith – Lead Vocals, Keyboards (1961–1970)
Mike Smith was the lead vocalist and keyboard player. He continued with the spinoff group Dave Clark and Friends from 1970 to 1973. He died in 2008.
Lenny Davidson – Lead and Rhythm Guitars, Vocals (1961–1970)
Lenny Davidson played lead and rhythm guitars and sang backing and lead vocals through the group’s classic period, from 1961 to 1970.
Rick Huxley – Bass Guitar, Rhythm Guitar, Backing Vocals (1959–1970)
Rick Huxley played bass guitar and rhythm guitar and sang backing vocals. Before the Dave Clark Five he played with the Riverside Blues Boys and the Spon Valley Stompers. He died in 2013.
Denis Payton – Saxophones, Harmonica, Rhythm Guitar, Backing Vocals (1962–1970)
Denis Payton played tenor and baritone saxophones, harmonica and rhythm guitar, and sang backing and occasional lead vocals. His earlier groups included the Renegades, the Les Heath Combo, the Blue Dukes and the Mike Jones Combo. He died in 2006.
Early Members
Three musicians are listed as early members of the band: Stan Saxon (lead vocals, saxophone), Mick Ryan (lead guitar) and Chris Walls (bass).
Dave Clark and Friends Members
Two further musicians are listed for the Dave Clark and Friends spinoff group: Alan Parker (lead guitar) and Eric Ford (bass).
Classic Line-up at a Glance
- Dave Clark: drums and vocals
- Mike Smith: lead vocals and keyboards
- Lenny Davidson: lead and rhythm guitars
- Rick Huxley: bass and rhythm guitar
- Denis Payton: saxophones, harmonica and rhythm guitar
Frequently Asked Questions
Who led the Dave Clark Five? The drummer, Dave Clark.
Who sang lead vocals? Mike Smith was the lead vocalist, with Dave Clark, Lenny Davidson and Denis Payton singing backing and occasional lead vocals.
Where was the band formed? The band formed in 1958 in Tottenham, London.
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