Danny King and The Dukes
BIRMINGHAM
Updated February, 2011
Danny King lead singer (left 1960)Allan Hancox guitar
Brian Hancox guitar
Clint Warwick bass guitar
Roger Sprason drums
Gerry Day lead singer (joined 1960)
Danny King was well known around Birmingham in the late 1950s and early 1960s as an accomplished rock 'n' roll singer. His backing bands would include members that went on to success in groups like The Moody Blues and The Move.
Danny's real name was Arthur Benwell. He became interested in rock 'n' roll during the late 1950s to an extent that he started collecting imported American rock and blues records to eventually amass one of the largest and much envied collections in Birmingham at that time. He formed his first band as 'Danny King and The Dukes' which included guitarists Alan and Brian Hancox as well as bassist Albert Eccles who would shortly change his name to Clint Warwick.
Danny King and The Dukes became much in demand for bookings around the West Midlands. In 1958 they were contracted for a season at Butlins Holiday Centre at Ayr in Scotland with this arrangement working out so well, they were able to return there the following summer. By 1960 however, Danny King had split from The Dukes who replaced him with singer Gerry Day, and became the frontman for another Birmingham group (see Danny King and The Royals). After a few years, Clint Warwick would leave Gerry Day and The Dukes to become one of the founding members of The Moody Blues.