Hubbry Logo
The RokesThe RokesMain
Open search
The Rokes
Community hub
The Rokes
logo
8 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
The Rokes
The Rokes
The Rokes
View on Wikipedia
from Wikipedia

The Rokes were a pop rock band formed in 1963 in Italy by English expatriates. Their most successful songs included "Piangi con me", the original version of "Let's Live for Today", a US hit when covered by The Grass Roots; and "Che colpa abbiamo noi", an Italian-language version of "Cheryl's Going Home" by Bob Lind.

Key Information

History

[edit]

Norman David "Shel" Shapiro (born 16 August 1943, Stanmore, Middlesex) began performing in London, England, as a guitarist and singer with rock and roll band Rob Storm & the Whispers. After a spell playing in Gene Vincent's backing band during a tour of Great Britain in 1959, Shapiro decided to form his own band, The Shel Carson Combo, with guitarist Vic Briggs (14 February 1945, Twickenham, Middlesex – 25 June 2021), drummer Mike Shepstone (born 29 March 1943, Weymouth, Dorset), and bassist Bobby Posner (born 6 May 1945, Edgware, Middlesex).

The band performed rhythm and blues in clubs around London and had regular shows at American base camps around the south of England plus a couple of tours in the north including Scotland, before deciding to try their luck in the club scene in continental Europe. In January 1963, they travelled to then West Germany, where they had a residency at the Top Ten Club in Hamburg with a short stay at the Top Ten Club in Hanover. The group was then invited to tour Italy as the backing band for Colin Hicks, the brother of Tommy Steele. Briggs left the combo, preferring to stay in England, and was replaced by Johnny Charlton (born 3 April 1945, Walthamstow, London). The band toured around Italy with Hicks, increasingly performing more of their own material.[1][2]

In June 1963, they broke their ties with Hicks and were signed up by Teddy Reno, the manager and husband of Italian pop singer Rita Pavone. They toured with Pavone, appearing as The Shel Carson Combo, warming up the fans before she did her show. Then the band gained a recording contract with the ARC record label and renamed themselves The Rokes for their first single, a cover version of Big Joe Turner's "Shake, Rattle and Roll": it was unsuccessful, but the group established themselves in a club residency at The Piper Club, in Rome. The Rokes also made a series of short commercials for the ice cream brand Algida, on Italian television. On later recordings, they sang mainly in English-accented Italian versions of American and British chart hits. In 1965, their version of Jackie DeShannon's "When You Walk in the Room" ("C'è una strana espressione nei tuoi occhi"), reached no. 11 on the Italian charts, followed by "Grazie a te", a cover of "I'm Alive" by The Hollies.

In 1966, the band was voted the second most popular beat music group in Italy, after having had further hits with versions of Bob Lind's songs "Cheryl's Going Home" ("Che colpa abbiamo noi") and "Remember The Rain" ("E la pioggia che va"). The B-side of "Che colpa abbiamo noi" was a song that Shapiro co-wrote with Italian lyricist Mogol, "Piangi con me" ("Cry with Me" in English). The group re-recorded the song in English as "Let's Live for Today", with lyrics by Michael Julien of Dick James Music. Worldwide sales of "Piangi con me" exceeded one million copies, qualifying the record for a gold disc.[3] The single was released in England at the same time as a cover version by another English band was done, The Living Daylights. Then the song was heard by American record producers P. F. Sloan and Steve Barri, and successfully recorded by them with The Grass Roots, an American group.[1][2][4]

The Rokes released four albums between 1965 and 1968, and continued to record successfully in Italy. The band also toured and appeared regularly on Italian TV shows and in several editions of the annual Sanremo Music Festival. The group also ventured into psychedelic rock in 1968 with "Il vento" (written by Mogol and Lucio Battisti), also recorded in English as "When the Wind Arises", with lyrics by Mike Shepstone. Then they also recorded a version of The Equals' UK hit "Baby, Come Back" ("Non c'è pace per me"). However, their records had little success outside Italy due to RCA/ARC's lack of publicity. With changing tastes and declining sales, the group disbanded in 1970, having sold more than five million records.[1][2]

Later activities

[edit]

Shapiro continued to compose and perform his own music. He recorded seven albums and embarked on an acting career, working with directors such as Mario Monicelli and Marco Risi. In 1977 he founded his own label in Milan.[1] In 2018 he recorded an album with former rival and Equipe 84 lead vocalist Maurizio Vandelli. Johnny Charlton opened his own art gallery, Galleria Charlton, in Rome. He now works as a visual artist. Bobby Posner and Mike Shepstone initially returned to England. Posner bought various pubs in London and eventually sold these and moved to Hastings where he acquired other music pubs. He continues to perform in various rock, reggae, and blues bands. Mike Shepstone formed the duo 'Shepstone and Dibbens', toured with AC/DC and continued to write songs for other artists. In 2000, serious discussions about putting the band back together for an Italian tour gained momentum. However, Shapiro and Charlton weren't interested, so Posner and Shepstone decided to form The Rokes M&B (Mike and Bobby). They have been playing regularly in Italy since 2000. In 2013 Posner moved permanently back to Italy and now lives with his fiancée Paola Salvadeo in Novi Ligure (AL).[2]

Discography

[edit]

Albums

[edit]
  • 1965 – The Rokes (ARC, SA 4)
  • 1966 – The Rokes vol. 2 (ARC, SA 8)
  • 1966 – Che mondo strano (ARC, SA 15)
  • 1968 – The Rokes (ARC, ALPS 11006)

Singles

[edit]
Title Year Peak chart positions
IT
[5]
"Shake and Rattle"
b/w "Quando eri con me" 		1964 —
"Un'anima pura"
b/w "She Asks of You" 		1965 —
"C'è una strana espressione nei tuoi occhi"
b/w "Ci vedremo domani" 		—
"Grazie a te"
b/w "La mia città" 		1966 12
"Ascolta nel vento"
b/w "Il primo sintomo" 		—
"Che colpa abbiamo noi"
b/w "Piangi con me" 		3
"È la pioggia che va"
b/w "Finché c'è musica mi tengo su" 		1
"Bisogna saper perdere"
b/w "Non far finta di no" 		1967 4
"Eccola di nuovo"
b/w "Ricordo quando ero bambino" 		—
8
"Let's Live for Today"
b/w "Ride On" 		—
"Cercate di abbracciare tutto il mondo come noi"
b/w "Regency Sue" 		12
"Hold My Hand"
b/w "Regency Sue" 		—
"Le opere di Bartolomeo"
b/w "Siamo sotto il sole" 		1968 15
"Lascia l'ultimo ballo per me"
b/w "Io vivrò senza te" 		16
"The Works of Bartholomew"
b/w "When the Wind Rises" 		—
"Qui non c'è nessuno"
b/w "La luna è bianca, la notte è nera" 		—
"Baby Come Back"
b/w "Hello, come stai" 		—
"Ma che freddo fa"
b/w "Per te, per me" 		1969 —
"28 giugno"
b/w "Mary" 		23
"Ombre blu"
b/w "Sempre giorno" 		—
"—" denotes releases that did not chart or were not released in that territory.

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

The Rokes

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
The Rokes were an English band formed in 1963 in by British expatriates, achieving significant commercial success in the Italian music market during the but limited recognition elsewhere. The group is best remembered for their 1966 single "Piangi con me", written by band member Shel Shapiro and lyricist Mogol, which sold over one million copies, earning a gold disc, and was a major hit in . This track, translating to "Cry with Me", was adapted with English lyrics as "Let's Live for Today" and became a major international hit for the American band in 1967. Originally known as The Cabin Boys, the band was renamed The Rokes by their Italian manager after forming to back Australian singer Colin Hicks on tour. Key members included Shel Shapiro on guitar and vocals (born 1943), on guitar and vocals (later replaced by John Charlton), Bob Posner on bass and vocals, and Mike Shepstone on drums and vocals. Emerging during the era, they blended beat, , and pop influences, ranking second in Italy's most popular beat groups poll by 1967. The band's discography featured several albums and singles primarily released in , including their self-titled debut album in 1965, Volume 2° in 1966, and Che Mondo Strano later that year. Early singles like "Shake, Rattle and Roll" (1964) and "Un’Anima Pura" (1964) helped establish their presence, while "Piangi con me" marked their peak. As Italian pop and rock tastes evolved toward more progressive styles in the late , The Rokes disbanded in 1970.

Formation and Early Career

Origins in the UK

The Shel Carson Combo was formed in 1963 in by guitarist and vocalist Shel Shapiro, who had previously gained experience in the British music scene, including stints with groups like Rob Storm & the Whispers and as part of Gene Vincent's backing band during a 1959 UK tour. The initial lineup featured Shapiro on guitar and vocals, drummer Mike Shepstone, bassist Bobby Posner, and guitarist , establishing a core ensemble rooted in the burgeoning British beat movement. As a rhythm and blues band, the Shel Carson Combo quickly began performing in clubs, honing their sound through live gigs that captured the energetic style of the era's R&B revival. One early appearance took place at the Brentwood in on February 23, 1963, where they shared the bill with local acts, drawing crowds eager for authentic American-influenced blues interpretations. These club performances helped build their reputation among British music circles, emphasizing covers of R&B standards and original material performed with a raw, driving energy. The band's early momentum extended to European tours, including residencies in Hamburg's vibrant club scene, where they backed various American artists and refined their act amid the competitive environment of post-war Germany's rock circuit. These outings generated interest from Italian promoters, notably Teddy Reno—manager of pop star Rita Pavone—who spotted their potential during initial forays into continental Europe. This attention paved the way for their relocation to Italy later that year.

Relocation to Italy and Initial Success

After completing European tours as the Shel Carson Combo, the band—with John Charlton replacing on guitar—relocated to in 1963, settling there by June to pursue opportunities in the burgeoning music scene. Initially backing Australian performer Colin Hicks on his Italian engagements and billed as The Cabin Boys, they soon attracted attention from influential figures in the local industry. In June 1963, the group severed ties with Hicks and signed with , the manager and husband of rising Italian pop star , who secured them a with RCA Italiana. Reno arranged for them to serve as Pavone's backing band on her nationwide tour, providing crucial exposure and helping them adapt to the Italian market through performances across the . This collaboration marked their transition from supporting acts to establishing a presence in Italy's pop landscape. In 1963, following their signing with , the band renamed themselves The Rokes and released their debut single, a cover of Bill Haley's "," issued on the ARC label (an affiliate of RCA) in 1964. Though it did not achieve major chart success, it represented their first original recording under the new moniker. Follow-up singles included "Un'anima pura" in 1964 and "C'è una strana espressione nei tuoi occhi," an Italian adaptation of ' "When You Walk in the Room," released in 1965, which began to build their audience. These efforts further solidified their foothold in the domestic entertainment circuit.

Musical Career and Achievements

Breakthrough in 1966

In 1966, The Rokes marked their breakthrough in the Italian music scene with a series of successful singles that propelled them to national prominence. Their single "Che colpa abbiamo noi," an Italian-language adaptation of Bob Lind's "Cheryl's Going Home," peaked at number 3 on the Italian charts, showcasing the band's ability to blend English folk-rock influences with local appeal. Released on ARC Records, the track's B-side, "Piangi con me"—co-written by band member Shel Shapiro and Mogol—emerged as the real standout, becoming an enduring hit that sold over one million copies worldwide and qualified for a gold disc. This original composition by the group would later inspire ' international success with their English adaptation, "Let's Live for Today." Building on this momentum, The Rokes followed with "È la pioggia che va," their Italian version of Bob Lind's "Remember the Rain," which climbed to number 1 on the Italian charts, dominating and sales throughout the year. These 1966 releases not only highlighted the band's knack for reinterpreting Anglo-American pop but also capitalized on the growing craze in , following their earlier singles from – that had begun building a fanbase. The string of hits culminated in widespread recognition, as The Rokes were voted the second most popular beat group in that year based on a national poll. By the late , the cumulative impact of these breakthrough tracks and subsequent releases had driven The Rokes' total record sales in Italy to exceed 5 million copies, cementing their status as one of the era's top acts.

Peak Popularity and Tours

Following their breakthrough in 1966, The Rokes experienced their peak popularity in Italy from 1967 to 1969, characterized by sustained chart success, multiple releases, and widespread media exposure. The band issued The Rokes in 1965, followed by Volume 2° and Che mondo strano in 1966, and another self-titled in 1968, which helped solidify their position as a dominant force in the Italian pop-rock scene. These records featured a mix of original material and covers, reflecting the group's evolving style amid the beat and emerging psychedelic trends. The Rokes became fixtures on Italian television during this era, with regular appearances on popular variety programs that amplified their visibility. They performed on Senza rete in 1969, showcasing hits like "28 giugno" in live segments broadcast on . The group also featured in several editions of the prestigious in 1967, 1968, and 1969, further cementing their status as national stars. Live performances defined much of their peak period, as the band embarked on extensive tours across and parts of , drawing large crowds at concerts and festivals. These tours often included opening slots for prominent Italian artists, contributing to their reputation as a dynamic live act. Their international profile rose notably when "Piangi con me" (1966), an Italian adaptation of the song originally written by band member Shel Shapiro, was re-recorded by the American group as "Let's Live for Today." This version climbed to number eight on the in 1967, introducing The Rokes' material to a global audience. By 1967, The Rokes' music began incorporating psychedelic influences, evident in singles like "When the Wind Arises," which blended beat rhythms with experimental elements and marked a shift toward more adventurous sounds in their later output. This evolution aligned with broader trends in European rock, helping sustain their relevance through 1969.

Musical Style and Influences

Core Sound and Evolution

The Rokes originated in the with roots in and , drawing heavily from the sound exemplified by bands such as and . Formed initially as the Shel Carson Combo in , the group performed in clubs like , where they absorbed influences from early figures including and , as well as folk artists like and . This foundation emphasized energetic guitar riffs and rhythmic drive, aligning with the burgeoning beat scene that swept across in the mid-1960s. Upon relocating to Italy in 1963, The Rokes adapted their style to the local market, transitioning into pop rock characterized by harmonic vocals and guitar-driven arrangements. The band's use of vocal harmonies, inspired by The Everly Brothers and a hallmark of English groups, became a defining trait, blending seamlessly with their beat roots to create accessible, melody-focused songs. This shift was evident in their early Italian recordings, where they maintained a British accent in performances while incorporating elements that appealed to Mediterranean audiences, solidifying their position in the "Bitt" movement—a localized version of beat music. By 1967-1968, The Rokes evolved further, incorporating elements such as longer tracks and experimental sonorities, reflecting global trends in . Lead singer Shel noted the band's interest in "discovering ," which led to explorations beyond straightforward pop structures. This phase marked a maturation from their initial beat influences, embracing the psychedelic wave while retaining core guitar and vocal elements. A key aspect of their sound was a bilingual approach, where English originals were frequently adapted with Italian lyrics to enhance local appeal, and vice versa for Italian compositions. This strategy allowed them to navigate markets effectively, often securing rights to foreign hits and reinterpreting them for Italian audiences, which contributed to their commercial longevity in .

Key Songs and Covers

The Rokes' breakthrough track "Piangi con me," released in , exemplified their original songwriting with its urgent, theme, blending rhythmic beat energy with poignant Italian lyrics penned by renowned adapter Mogol. This composition was later translated and adapted into English as "Let's Live for Today," which recorded and propelled to number 8 on the in 1967, marking a significant cross-cultural success that introduced The Rokes' melody to American audiences. Among their notable covers, "C'è una strana espressione nei tuoi occhi" (1965) adapted Jackie DeShannon's 1964 hit "When You Walk in the Room" into an emotional that captured the introspective longing of the original while infusing it with Italian pop sensibilities, highlighting the band's ability to transform Anglo-American rock into heartfelt, localized expressions. Similarly, "Che colpa abbiamo noi" (), a cover of Bob Lind's folk-rock tune "Cheryl's Goin' Home," delivered an upbeat yet melancholic narrative of regret and escape, adapted by Mogol to resonate with Italian listeners through its vivid storytelling and harmonious vocals. These adaptations underscored The Rokes' focus on emotional s and lively pop arrangements, often featuring close vocal harmonies and guitar-driven rhythms. The Rokes' approach to covers and originals significantly influenced the Italian beat scene of the , where over 1,600 bands emerged, by seamlessly blending Anglo-American rock influences—like those from and American folk-rock—with local pop traditions through Italian lyric adaptations. This fusion not only popularized among Italian youth but also positioned The Rokes as cultural bridges, contributing to a vibrant movement that emphasized accessible, emotionally charged songs tailored to domestic tastes.

Band Members

Original and Core Lineup

The Rokes' original and core lineup, which solidified by 1964, consisted of four English musicians who relocated to to capitalize on the burgeoning scene there. This stable quartet drove the band's success through their active years until 1970. Shel Shapiro, born Norman David Shapiro on 16 August 1943 in , , served as the band's lead guitarist, lead vocalist, primary songwriter, and frontman. His songwriting contributions, often drawing from influences, shaped much of The Rokes' repertoire, while his charismatic stage presence positioned him as the group's focal point. Prior to forming the band, Shapiro had performed in London groups like Rob Storm & and gained experience in clubs. Mike Shepstone, born on 23 March 1943 in , , provided the band's drumming and contributed to backing vocals. His solid rhythmic foundation anchored The Rokes' energetic live performances and recordings, supporting their transition from club gigs to international hits. Shepstone had earlier played in British combos before joining in the early lineup. Bobby Posner, born on 6 May 1945 in , , , handled duties and added harmonies to the vocal arrangements. His low-end playing complemented the dual-guitar setup, enhancing the band's tight, harmony-driven sound. As one of the younger members, Posner brought fresh energy from the London circuit to the group. Johnny Charlton, born Johnny Raymond Charlton on 3 April 1945 in , , , joined as the rhythm guitarist shortly after the band's 1963 formation, replacing an earlier member and becoming a core part of the lineup. His contributions to guitar work and occasional vocals helped define The Rokes' polished beat style during their Italian heyday. Charlton, like his bandmates, was an drawn to opportunities abroad.

Personnel Changes

The Rokes underwent their sole significant personnel change in 1963, shortly before relocating to . Original guitarist , who had been part of the initial lineup formed in as the Shel Carson Combo, chose to remain in the UK and was replaced by Johnny Charlton upon the band's move to support Colin Hicks on tour. This adjustment resulted in a stable quartet that persisted without further major alterations through the band's active years. From 1964 to 1970, the core members—Shel Shapiro on guitar and vocals, Johnny Charlton on guitar and vocals, Bobby Posner on bass and vocals, and Mike Shepstone on drums and vocals—remained consistent, supporting their rise to prominence in the Italian music scene. The continuity of this lineup contributed to the band's cohesive sound, characterized by dual guitar interplay and vocal harmonies that defined their beat and pop rock style during peak success.

Discography

Studio Albums

The Rokes, primarily active in Italy, produced four original studio albums between 1965 and 1968, all released on the ARC label, an imprint of RCA Italiana. These records captured the band's evolution from beat and pop covers to more original material influenced by folk rock and emerging psychedelic elements, often featuring Italian adaptations of international hits alongside compositions by members like Shel Shapiro and external writers such as Sergio Bardotti. Their debut album, The Rokes, marked their entry into long-form recording following early singles success, with a tracklist heavy on covers like "" and "" that showcased their energetic beat style. Released in 1965 on ARC (SA 4), it was recorded at RCA's Studio D in during January and February sessions, establishing their sound rooted in influences adapted for Italian audiences. In 1966, the band followed with Volume 2° (ARC SA 8), expanding on their pop-rock foundation with tracks such as "Take a Look" and originals like "No, No, No," reflecting a maturing songwriting approach while incorporating subtle folk elements. This release, also issued internationally in regions like and under RCA Victor, highlighted hits from their rising popularity, including adaptations that later influenced global covers. Che mondo strano, released later in 1966 on ARC (SA 15), introduced more introspective and experimental tones, blending beat rhythms with arrangements in songs like the title track and a cover of Bob Dylan's "It's All Over Now, " as "Baby Blue." Available in mono format and exported to markets including the (RCA Victor FPM-185), it signaled the band's shift toward psychedelic influences amid Italy's evolving music scene. The final studio effort, a self-titled The Rokes in 1968 (ARC ALP 11006), embraced fuller psychedelic and pop experimentation with packaging and tracks like "Le Opere di Bartolomeo" and "Io Vivrò Senza Te," co-written by band members and Mogol. Issued in mono as their before disbandment, it featured sophisticated arrangements that underscored their artistic peak. Post-1970, RCA Italiana released a retrospective compilation titled These Were The Rokes in 1977, collecting key tracks from these albums exclusively for the Italian market, preserving their legacy amid the band's inactivity.

Singles and EPs

The Rokes issued a total of 21 singles on 7-inch vinyl between 1964 and 1969, predominantly for the Italian market through labels like ARC and RCA, with only a handful of releases in the UK and that garnered minimal commercial attention. These singles frequently consisted of Italian-language covers or adaptations of international hits, blending beat and styles to appeal to local audiences, and they formed the backbone of the band's chart success in . While exact chart data from the era is sparse in English-language sources, several achieved top positions on the Italian Hit Parade, reflecting the group's dominance in the mid-1960s beat scene. Key singles included their debut "Shake, Rattle and Roll" b/w "Quando eri con me" in 1964 on ARC, marking their entry into the Italian music scene with a cover of the Bill Haley classic. Breakthrough hits followed in 1966 with "Che colpa abbiamo noi" b/w "Piangi con me" on ARC, where the A-side—an adaptation of 's "Cheryl's Going Home"—peaked at number 3 in , and the B-side "Piangi con me" soared to number 2, selling over 2 million copies and becoming their signature song. Later that year, "È la pioggia che va" b/w "Finché c'è musica mi tengo su" also topped the Italian charts at number 1, another Mogol adaptation of a track that underscored their prowess in translating folk-rock into Italian pop.
YearTitle (A-Side / B-Side)Label (Catalog)Notes
1964Shake, Rattle and Roll / Quando eri con meARC (AN 4013)Debut single; cover of track.
1966Che colpa abbiamo noi / Piangi con meARC (AN 4081)#3 (A-side) and #2 (B-side) in ; over 2 million sales for B-side.
1966È la pioggia che va / Finché c'è musica mi tengo suARC (AN 4100)#1 in ; adaptation of Bob Lind's "Remember the Rain."
The band supplemented their singles with three EPs released between 1965 and 1967 on RCA Victor and ARC, bundling early hits like "C'è una strana espressione nei tuoi occhi" and "" alongside original tracks to capitalize on their growing fanbase in . These EPs, often in RPM format, served as affordable entry points for fans and helped consolidate their early catalog before full-length albums incorporated many of the singles.

Disbandment and Legacy

Breakup in 1970

The Rokes disbanded in the summer of 1970 after seven years of activity, amid a decline in Italy's scene as audience preferences shifted toward emerging genres like and singer-songwriters. The band's dissolution was not marked by any dramatic internal conflicts but rather represented a natural fade-out, reflecting broader changes in the Italian pop landscape where the initial wave of British Invasion-inspired groups waned by the late . Their final releases came in 1969, including singles that still charted modestly in , but these efforts could not sustain the momentum from their earlier hits. During their peak from to , the group had achieved significant commercial success, with sales driven by hits like "Piangi con me", which sold over 800,000 copies in and exceeded one million worldwide. Overall, The Rokes sold over five million records during their career, cementing their status as enduring icons of Italian pop music from the era. In the immediate aftermath of the breakup, there were no attempts at reunions or revivals, with the members parting ways quietly as the group's relevance diminished in the evolving music market; it would not be until 2000 that any form of the band reconvened for performances.

Post-Band Activities and Influence

Following the band's breakup, Shel Shapiro pursued a multifaceted career in music and entertainment. He released three solo studio albums in the early 1970s: Mi Chiamo David Shel Shapiro in 1970 on RCA, Affittasi in 1972 on Polydor, and Sawdust Circus in 1972 on Polydor. Shapiro continued releasing solo albums into the 2020s, including Quasi una leggenda in 2022, and performed live as recently as 2024. In 1977, Shapiro co-founded the Italian record label Spaghetti Records with Alessandro Colombini and Silvio Crippa, which operated through the 1980s and relaunched in 2010; the label released works by artists including Le Streghe. Shapiro also appeared in several films and television productions, including roles in Time for Loving (1983), Judas (2001), (2013), Cha cha cha (2013), (2015), and (2018), as well as TV series such as Vento di Ponente (2002), I Borgia (2005), Sweet India (2005), and (2007). Johnny Charlton remained in after the band's dissolution and transitioned into the . He opened Galleria Charlton in and established himself as a visual artist, with his works featured in auctions and galleries. Mike Shepstone and Bobby Posner, who had briefly returned to post-breakup, reformed as the duo The Rokes M&B in 2000 and have continued performing Rokes material regularly in . Their activities include live shows and recordings, with performances documented into the . The Rokes' legacy endures in Italian beat and pop rock, where they exemplified the Anglo-Italian fusion that popularized the genre during the 1960s. Their song "Piangi con me" (1966), adapted as "Let's Live for Today" by The Grass Roots, became a global hit, peaking at number 8 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1967 and selling over two million copies, thereby extending the band's influence internationally. The band's music has appeared in 1960s nostalgia compilations, preserving their role in the era's beat scene.

References

  1. https://www.discogs.com/artist/906120-The-Rokes
  2. https://archive.org/details/bookofgoldendisc00murr/page/228
  3. https://secondhandsongs.com/work/112463/all
  4. https://genius.com/The-grass-roots-lets-live-for-today-lyrics
  5. https://rateyourmusic.com/artist/the-rokes
  6. https://www.worldradiohistory.com/UK/Melody-Maker/60s/63/Melody-Maker-1963-02-23.pdf
  7. https://radiolondon.co.uk/kneesflashes/happenings/otwaypages/otwaycheryl/cherylrokes.html
  8. https://classicsongoftheday.com/lets-live-for-today-the-grass-roots-i-count-the-tears-the-drifters/
  9. https://www.discogs.com/it/release/1207304-The-Rokes-Che-Colpa-Abbiamo-Noi
  10. https://www.academia.edu/38126606/And_the_Bitt_Went_On
  11. https://secondhandsongs.com/performance/201078/all
  12. https://www.7inchrecords.com/Discography/BeatGroups/Rokes/rokes.asp
  13. https://www.last.fm/music/The%2BRokes
  14. https://musicbrainz.org/artist/4a553403-b008-40e9-9a86-a31bf89f264a
  15. https://www.allmusic.com/artist/the-rokes-mn0000306929
  16. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0227471/fullcredits/
  17. https://www.songfacts.com/facts/the-grass-roots/lets-live-for-today
  18. https://etd.ohiolink.edu/acprod/odb_etd/ws/send_file/send?accession=akron1289323378&disposition=inline
  19. https://www.musicvf.com/song.php?title=Let%27s+Live+for+Today+by+The+Grass+Roots&id=43078
  20. https://secondhandsongs.com/performance/12602
  21. https://secondhandsongs.com/artist/8326
  22. https://www.discogs.com/artist/379978-Shel-Shapiro
  23. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0788482/
  24. https://musicbrainz.org/artist/c8fa73d1-57da-4bae-9dfb-037788dd05d4
  25. https://rateyourmusic.com/artist/mike-shepstone
  26. https://rock.fandom.com/wiki/The_Rokes
  27. https://alchetron.com/The-Rokes
  28. https://www.facebook.com/groups/2572564476342403/posts/3919410034991167/
  29. https://www.oocities.org/fficco/rokbio.html
  30. https://www.music-graffiti.com/english_rokes_discografia.htm
  31. https://www.discogs.com/master/414312-The-Rokes-The-Rokes
  32. https://www.discogs.com/master/762890-The-Rokes-Volume-2
  33. https://www.discogs.com/master/565050-The-Rokes-Che-Mondo-Strano
  34. https://www.discogs.com/release/6372553-The-Rokes-The-Rokes
  35. https://www.discogs.com/master/1031763-The-Rokes-These-Were-The-Rokes
  36. https://www.discogs.com/artist/906120-The-Rokes?type=Releases&subtype=Singles-EPs&filter_anv=0
  37. https://www.wikiwand.com/en/articles/List_of_best-selling_singles_in_Italy
  38. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b1TofueGNQ8
  39. https://www.discogs.com/master/3209463-Shel-Shapiro-Mi-Chiamo-David-Shel-Shapiro
  40. https://www.discogs.com/master/1627334-Shel-Shapiro-Affittasi
  41. https://www.discogs.com/master/1652498-David-Shel-Shapiro-Sawdust-Circus
  42. https://open.spotify.com/artist/6OqmXMWlSiGG7KjtpqEvcV
  43. https://www.facebook.com/events/699611935418103/
  44. https://www.discogs.com/label/64304-Spaghetti-Records
  45. https://www.rottentomatoes.com/celebrity/shel_shapiro
  46. https://www.e-talenta.eu/members/profile/shel-shapiro
  47. https://www.mutualart.com/Artist/Johnny-Charlton/80D820DAE73BADAA
  48. https://www.capitoliumart.com/en/artist/charlton-johnny-1945/xar-13872
  49. http://www.walthamstowmemories.net/html/Bands/Deltas.html
  50. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PyGKzfNQky8
  51. https://crazyonclassicrock.com/2021/04/15/italian-rock-music-60s-and-70s/
Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.