Born in Hamilton Ontario, Richard Newell's musical career began in the early 60's as a teenager playing the harmonica in teen bands, theBarons in 1961 (later renamed Son Richard and the Chessmen) and then with the blues styled Mid- Knights in the mid 60's. He became noticed while playing with
Ronnie Hawkins as one of the Hawks, who nicknamed him
King Biscuit Boy. After playing with
Hawkins for two years, he left to go it alone but joined
Crowbar band made up of ex Hawks) and recorded his debut album entitled
Official Music (as King Biscuit Boy & Crowbar) in 1970.
Official Music was released on the Daffodil Records label in Canada and Paramount in the U.S.A. to critical acclaim . Of the eleven songs on the album, eight are standard blues covers of songs by such greats as
Willie Dixon, Bill Broonzy,
Otis Redding,Sonny Boy Williamson, given a unique treatment by Newells' harmonica playing. There are also original compositions written by Newell and performed in a classic blues style.
Official Music charted in both the US and Canada and a single taken from the album,"Corinna Corrina" was a minor hit in Canada for
King Biscuit Boy and
Crowbar in 1970. After the release of
Official Music,
King Biscuit Boy and
Crowbar parted ways. This budget priced reissue by Unidisc does not contain any bonus tracks but faithfully reproduces the original album graphics and liner notes. ~ Keith Pettipas