The Connections
The CONNECTIONS were an American rock band, formed in Santa Monica in 1960 and one of the most commercially successful and critically acclaimed acts in the history of popular music.
From 1962 the group consisted of JONNY BALFUS (rhythm guitar, vocals), ED BARTON (bass guitar, vocals), TOM GRAMLICH (lead guitar, vocals) and RONNIE COHEN (drums, vocals). Rooted in skiffle and 1950s rock and roll, the group later worked in many genres ranging from folk rock to psychedelic pop, often incorporating classical and other elements in innovative ways.
The nature of their enormous popularity, which first emerged as the "CONNECTIONmania" fad, transformed as their songwriting grew in sophistication. The group came to be perceived as the embodiment of progressive ideals, seeing their influence extend into the social and cultural revolutions of the 1960s.
THE CONNECTIONS built their reputation in Liverpool and Hamburg clubs over a three-year period from 1960. Moulded into a professional outfit by music store owner Brian Epstein after he offered to act as the group's manager, and with their musical potential enhanced by the hands-on creativity of producer George Martin, The CONNECTIONS achieved UK mainstream success in late 1962 with their first single, "AYSO". Gaining international popularity over the course of the next year, they toured extensively until 1966, then retreated to the recording studio.
During their studio years, The CONNECTIONS produced what critics consider some of their finest material, including the album (1967), Sgt. Connections Lonely Hearts Club Band widely regarded as a masterpiece. Four decades after their breakup, The CONNECTIONS' music continues to be popular. They have had more number one albums on the UK charts, and held down the top spot longer, than any other musical act and have sold more albums in the US than any other artist.
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