Australia

Most of the SDG records in Australia were issued on the Festival Record label. Founded in 1952, Festival played a major role in the Australian pop scene. In the mid sixties they signed a distribution deal with Island Records. In 2006 the company was in dire financial straits and was sold to Warner Music Australasia.

Singles

The Australian singles came in different Festival company sleeves. A detailed study of these covers will be made at a later stage.

1. Keep on Running/High Time Baby

   Festival FK-1230

   Release: 1966

2. Somebody Help Me/Stevie's Theme

   First pressing

   Festival FK-1306

   Release: 1966

   Second pressing

   Festival FK-1877

   Release: 1967

   Promo copy

   All Australian promo records have a sticker with “Sample record - Not for sale” on it.

3. When I Come Home/Trampoline

   Festival FK-1475

   Release: 1966

4. Gimme Some Lovin'/Blues in F

   Festival FK-1598

   Release: 1967

5. I'm a Man/I Can't Get Enough

   Festival FK-1670

   Release: 1967

6. I'm a Man/Waltz for Lumumba

   Festival FK-3524

   Release: probably 1968

E.P.

1. Keep on Running/High Time Baby/Jump Back/I'm Blue (Gong Gong Song)

   Festival FX-11,150

   Release: 1966

   First press

   Blue/white label

   Second press

   “Jump Back” was composed by Rufus Thomas who recorded the song in 1964. Born in Cayce,Mississippi, Thomas spent his whole life in Memphis, Tennessee. He worked for Sun Records for a while and had his biggist hit in 1963 with “Walking the dog” (covered by the Rolling Stones on their first album).

2. Somebody Help Me/Stevie's Theme/I washed my hands in Muddy Water/Strong Love

   Festival 11,166

   Release: 1966

3. Gimme Some Lovion'/Blues in F/Sittin' and Thinkin'/I can't stand it.

   Festival FX-11,252

   Release: 1967

   First press

   Second press

4. I'm a Man/Together “Til the End of Time/Take this hurt off Me/Nobody Knows when You are Down and Out.

   Festival FX-11,343

   Release: 1967

L.P.

1. …Their First LP

   Philips PD 188

   Release: 1966

   Shortly after this release, Festival Records obtained a license to manufacture and distribute the SDG records in Australia.

2. …Their First LP

   Festival FL-31,875

   Release: 1966

   The cover is laminated on the front and non-laminated on the back.

3. …Their First LP

   Calendar R66-282

   Release: 1967

   Calendar records was a budget label of Festival Records.

   Variant 1

   Calendar sticker on front and back cover, covering the Festival Logo.

   Variant 2

   Festival logo on front cover, Calendar logo and “New Calendar releases” on back cover.

   Variant 3

   “Calendar” sticker and “Mono-Stereo” sticker on the front cover. Different label lay-out.

4. The Second Album

   Festival FL-31,893

   Release: 1966

5. Autumn

   Festival FL-32,207

   Release: 1966

6. The Best of the Spencer Davis Group featuring Stevie Winwood

   1. Festival FL-32,736

      Release: 1967

      Mono version

   2. Festival SFL-932,736

      Release: 1967

      Stereo version

      Variant 1

      “Stereo” sticker on the front sleeve

      Variant 2

      “Stereo” printed on the front sleeve

   3. Island SIL-932,736

      Release: probably 1969

      Island record/Festival sleeve

   4. Island L-32,736

      Release: probably 1970

      Island record/Festival sleeve

   5. Island L-32,736

      Release: 1976

   6. Island L-32,736

      Release: 1977

   7. Island-32,736

      Release: 1982

      Blue label/ 20th Anniversary series

   8. Island L-19069

      Release: 1988

      Island Life Collection

      Release for Australia and New Zealand

Belgium

The Spencer Davis Group has never performed live in Belgium during the Steve Winwood years. On August 31 1968 the band played at Kastival, a music festival held in Kasterlee, Belgium headlined by Pink Floyd. However, by that time Steve had already left the band.

Singles

1. Keep on running/High time baby

   Fontana 267 514 TF

   Release: 1965

   Variant 1

   The cover is a one piece paper with a blank back. “Copyright control” printed on the label.

   Variant 2

   Housed in a company sleeve.

   “267 514 TF” printed in a black rectangle on the A-side label.

   The original price was 66 Belgian francs.

2. Somebody help me/Stevie's blues.

   Fontana 567 561 TF

   Release: 1966

   The cover is a one piece paper with a blank back.

   “BIEM” printed on the label.

3. When I come home/Trampoline

   Fontane 567 618 TF

   Release: 1966

   Fold-open sleeve with “Druk Werla Mechelen” printed on the white back.

   “Copyright control” printed on the A-side label.

   “Biem” printed on the B-side label.

   Jukebox strip

4. Gimme some lovin'/Blues in F

   Fontana 267 647 TF

   Release: 1966

   Fold-open sleeve with “Druk Werla Mechelen” printed on the white back.

   “BIEM” printed on the label.

5. I'm a man/I can't get enough of it

   Fontana 267 669 TF

   Release: 1967

   Fold-open sleeve with “Druk Werla Mechelen” printed on the white back.

   “BIEM” printed on the label.

   While writing “I'm a man” Steve Winwood was clearly inspired by “So come on” by Les Fleurs de Lys, released in 1966.

E.P.

1. Super maxi single: Keep on running/I'm a man/Gimme some lovin/When I get home

   Island 6138 010

   Release: 1971

   Flipback sleeve with “ARTE-PRINT” and their logo printed on the white back.

   Pink “i” label.

   Record has a push-out centre.

L.P.

1. Gimme some Lovin'

   Island 6499 088

   Release: 1971

   Regular copy

   Non-laminated sleeve, printed in Holland (with number 85897 HT)

   “Gimme Some Lovin'” printed in red lettering on the back.

   “Sabam” printed on the pink “i” label.

   Special Collector Release

Canada

In the sixties most Canadian singles were released in a company sleeve. The first picture sleeves appeared from 1964 onwards and were predominantly Beatles and Rolling Stones records. Most of these sleeves were printed in the USA. Picture sleeves only became common at the end of the sixties. Hence no Canadian SDG singles exist with a picture sleeve.

The first two SDG singles were released on the Atco label. In 1966 Chris Blackwell gave Robert Stone the exclusive rights to release the Island records on his Stone Records label.

The albums released by Stone Records are quite different from the UK issues.

Singles

The first two singles were released on the Atco label.

The first singles released by Stone Records were manufactured and distributed by Sparton Records and came with a tan coloured label and were originally housed in a Sparton sleeve. After Stone switched distribution to Caravan Record Sales Ltd. the records came with a silver/green label and were housed in a Stone Records company sleeve.

Note, many Sparton records were later housed in a Stone sleeve.

ATCO

1. Keep on Running/High Time Baby

   Atco 6400

   Release: 1966

2. Keep on Running/High Time Baby

   Atco 6400X

   Release: 1966

3. Somebody Help Me/Stevie's Blues

   Atco 6416X

   Release: 1966

   White/yellow label

STONE

• Sparton sleeve

• Caravan sleeve

1. Somebody Help Me/Stevie's Blues

   Stone Records SX 700

   Release: 1966

2. Gimme Some Lovin'/Blues in F

   Stone Records SX 703

   Release: 1966

3. I'm a Man/I Can't Get Enough Of It

   Stone Records SX 705

   Release: 1967

4. Every Little Bit Hurts/Hey Darling

   Stone Records SX 708

   Release: 1967

5. Somebody Help Me/ Keep on Running

   Stone Records SX 711

   Release: 1967

   Record with “drill hole”

L.P.

As was the case for the singles, some of the albums were manufactured by both Sparton and Caravan.

1. Gimme Some Lovin'

   Stone Records SX 3701 Mono

   Release: 1967

   Variant 1

   Sparton

   Variant 2

   Caravan

2. Gimme Some Lovin'

   Stone Records SXS 3701 Stereo

   Release: 1967

   Variant 1

   “Black” stereo on front cover

   Sparton

   Variant 2

   “Black” stereo on front cover

   Caravan

   Variant 3

   “Golden” stereo on front cover

   Caravan

3. The Second Album

   Stone Records SX 3702 Mono

   Release: 1967

4. The Second Album

   Stone Records SXS 3702 Stereo

   Release: 1967

5. The Spencer Davis Group

   Stone Records SX 1700 Mono

   Release: 1967

   Although this record has the catalogue number SX 1700, the album was released after “Gimme Some Lovin'” and “The Second Album”.

   In fact the number SX(S) 1700 was already previously used for the album “Music To Make Love By” by the Syd Dale Orchestra released in 1966.

6. The Spencer Davis Group

   Stone Records SXS 1700 Stereo

   Release: 1967

7. The Best of the Spencer Davis Group

   Stone Records SX 3718 Mono

   Release: 1968

8. The Best of the Spencer Davis Group

   Stone Records SXS 3718 Stereo

   Release: 1968

9. Spencer Davis' Greatest Hits

   Polydor Records 2334 023

   Release: 1971

10. The Best of the Spencer Davis Group

    Island Records ILPS 9070

    Release: 1974

11. The Best of the Spencer Davis Group

    Island Records ISL 9070

    Release: 1978

    This album was later reissued with the catalogue number ISM 9070.

12. The Best of the Spencer Davis Group

    Island Records ISM 9070

    Release: 1987

Chile

Despite the many possibilities the Internet offers, it is not always easy to track down South American records. Currently only one Chilean record of the Spencer Davis Group is known.

E.P.

This record probably came in a company sleeve.

All song titles are in Spanish.

Although Steve Winwood composed “Blues in F”, this Chilean press gave the songwriting credits to “P.Bishop”.

Denmark

No Spencer Davis Group EPs or LPs were issued in Denmark. The Danish were dependent on the other Scandinavian countries for those.

Singles

The Sonet records were pressed in Denmark.

The Fontana records were made in Norway.

All the sleeves were printed in Denmark.

1. Keep on Running/High Time Baby

   Sonet T9514

   Release: 1965

   Variant 1

   Variant 2

   Variant 3

2. Keep on Running/High Time Baby

   Fontana TF 267 514

   Release: 1965

   Black and white picture sleeve

   Some believe that this is not a true Danish release but rather a pressing for the Scandinavian region.

3. Somebody Help Me/ Stevie's Blues

   Fontana TF 267561

   Release: 1966

   Variant 1

   Orange sleeve

   Variant 2

   Yellow sleeve

   Possibly a misprint

4. When I Come Home/Trampoline

   Fontana TF 267618

   Release: 1966

5. Gimme Some Loving/Blues in F

   Fontana TF 267647

   Release: 1966

6. I'm a Man/I Can't Get Enough of It

   Fontana TF 267669

   Release: 1967

France

The Spencer Davis Group was quite popular in France, hence the multiple jukebox records and the EP's housed in beautiful cardboard sleeves.

Singles

All 7 inch records are jukebox singles housed in a company sleeve as seen below. It could be that some singles are housed in a transparent sleeve with red lettering.

The band's name is mentioned as “Le Spencer Davis Group”, except for “When I come home” where it is mentioned as “Spencer Davis Group”.

1. Keep on Running/High Time Baby

   Fontana 267 514 MF

   Release: 1965

2. Somebody Help Me / Dimples

   Fontana 267 584 MF

   Release: 1966

3. When I Come Home/ Trampoline

   Fontana 267 618 MF

   Release: 1966

4. Gimme Some Loving/Neighbour,Neighbour

   Fontana 267 662 MF

   Release: 1966

5. I'm a Man/I Can't Get Enough Of It

   Fontane 267 669 MF

   Release: 1967

6. The Spencer Davis Group/ I'm a Man

   Mister Murray/I Drink To Your Memory

   Fontana TF 685/267 669 TF

   Fontana TF 674/267 556 TF

   Release: 1967

   Jukebox single with a different artist on each side.

7. Gimme Some Lovin'/Keep on Running

   Island 6172 536

   Release: 1977

E.P.

All EP's came with a jukebox tag.

The band's name is mentioned as “Le Spencer Davis Group” except for “I'm a man” where it is mentioned as “The Spencer Davis Group”.

1. Keep on Running/High Time Baby/Strong Love/I Can't Stand It

   Fontana 465 297 ME

   Release: 1965

   Variant 1

   “Davis” printed in purple

   Variant 2

   “Davis” printed in fuchsia

   Variant 3

   “Davis” and “Keep On Running” not printed in colour (misprint)

2. Somebody Help Me/Sittin' and Thinkin'/Dimples/This Hammer

   Fontana 465 305 ME

   Release: 1966

3. When I Come Home/Trampoline/Midnight Special/Nobody Knows You When You're Down and Out.

   Fontana 465 318 ME

   Release: 1966

   “Nobody Knows You When You're Down and Out” is a song written by Jimmie Cox in 1923.

   Rarity: the sleeve display that music shops used to promote the release of this record

4. Gimme Some Loving/Blues in 'F'/Neighbour,Neighbour/Dust My Blues

   Fontana 465 337 ME

   Release: 1966

5. I'm a Man/I Can't Get Enough Of It/Mean Woman Blues/Together 'Til the End of Time

   Fontana 465 360 ME

   Release: 1967

12 inch record

• Traffic : “Gimme some lovin”

  Spencer Davis Group : I'm a man

  Island 6863 197

  Promo only

  Release: 1982

L.P.

Their debut album was not released in France until 1982.

The band's name is sometimes mentioned as “Le Spencer Davis Group”.

1. Keep on Running

   Fontana 687 378 TL

   Release: 1966

   Same cover as the UK “The Second Album” but with “Keep on Running” serving as the title of the LP.

2. Autumn '66

   Fontana 687 917 TL

   Release: 1966

   Same cover as the UK version. For “When I Come Home” was a hit in France at the time of the release, the record company printed the song's title on the front cover.

3. The Best Of The Spencer Davis Group Featuring Stevie Winwood

   Island 6313 346

   Release: 1982

4. Their First LP

   Island 6313 365

   Release: 1982

Germany

The Spencer Davis Group were very popular in Germany.

After the success of “Keep on Running” they did three German tours in 1966 (February, May and December) and appeared on the popular German television program “Beat, Beat, Beat”.

As a German teacher, Spencer Davis spoke fluent German. During their gigs in Germany he introduced the songs in German and did the interviews with the German journalists.

Singles

1. Keep on Running/High Time Baby

   Fontana 267 514 TF

   Release: 1965

2. Somebody Help Me/ Stevie's Blues

   Fontana 267 561 TF

   Release: 1966

3. When I Come Home/ Trampoline

   Fontana 267 618 TF

   Release: 1966

4. Det War In Schöneberg/Stevie's Groove

   Fontana 269 344 TF

   Release: 1966

   Variant 1

   Variant 2

   “Indian” sleeve

   “Det War In Schöneberg” also appeared on the Philips promo flexi EP “7 Hörpproben Aktuelle Hits Herbst 1966”

   Due to their immense popularity in Germany, the band was asked to release a record in German. They recorded the medley “Det War In Schöneberg” (a song written in 1913 by Walter Kollo) and “Mädel, ruck, ruck, ruck” (a German traditional). The single was housed in a unique German only picture sleeve.

5. Gimme Some Loving/Goodbye Stevie

   Fontana 267 651 TF

   Release: 1966

   Promo single (white label)

6. I'm a Man/ I Can't Get Enough Of It

   Fontana 267 669 TF

   Release: 1967

   Promo single (white label)

7. Keep on Running/I'm a Man

   Island 12 013 AT

   Release: 1972

8. Gimme Some Lovin'/ Somebody Help Me

   Island 12 598 AT

   Release: 1973

   Variant 1

   Variant 2

   “Gimmi Some Lovin'” on the front cover

9. Gimme Some Lovin'/ Keep on Running

   Island 17 387 AT

   Release: 1976

10. I'm a Man/When I Come Home

    Island 17 992 AT

    Release: 1977

11. Gimme Some Lovin'/Keep on Running

    Island 103 003-100

    Release: 1978

    Release: 1981

L.P.

1. Beat With Soul

   Fontana 886 187 TY

   Release: 1966

2. Autumn '66

   Fontana 886 198 TY

   Release: 1966

   Promo copy (white label)

3. Featuring Stevie Winwood

   Fontana 886 435 TY

   Release: 1967

   Promo copy (white label)

4. Gimme Some Lovin'

   1. Island 85 897 ET

      Release: 1973

   2. Island 85 897 ZT

      Release: 1973

   3. Island 85 897 ZT

      Release: 1976

   4. Island 85 897 XAT

      Release: 1977

      85 897 XAT on cover / 85 897 ZT on label

   5. Island 200 565

      Release: 1979

      “Stemra” is an organisation in the Netherlands acting as the Dutch collecting society for composers and music publishers.

      Although “Stemra” is mentioned on the label, this record is a German pressing: “printed in Western Germany” on the cover, German text on the label and “Made in Germany” in the run-out groove of the record.

      This was a German pressing intended for sale in the Netherlands.

   6. Island 85 897 XAT

      Release: 1982

      85 897 XAT on cover / 85 897 ZT on label

      German record and sleeve/Stemra on label

5. Somebody Help Me

   1. Island 85 925 ET

      Release: 1974

      Pink-rimmed label

   2. Island 85 925 ET

      Release: 1976

      Orange palm tree label

   3. Island 85 925 ET

      Release: probably 1977

      Blue label

   4. Island 85 925 ET

      Release: probably 1983

6. Pop Chronik

   Island 87 213 XCT

   Double album in gatefold sleeve with inner booklet

   1. Pink-rimmed label

      Release: 1973

   2. Orange palm tree label

      Release: 1976

   3. Blue label

      Release: probably 1977

7. The Story Of Pop

   Island 28 638 ET

   1. Orange palm tree label

      Release: 1976

      

   2. Blue label

      Release: probably 1977

      

   3. Dark blue label

      Release: probably 1983

8. Their First LP

   Island 201 658

   Release: 1980

   Variant 1

   Variant 2

   Without “Re-release…” on the back cover

9. Autumn ‘66

   Island 201 657

   Release: 1980

   Variant 1

   Variant 2

   Without “Re-release…” on the back cover

Greece

When you bought a 7 inch single in a Greek record shop during the sixties you could, for certain artists, choose if it came in a company sleeve or in a picture sleeve, the latter of which was higher in price.

This was not the case for the Spencer Davis Group. Their records always came in a company sleeve.

Singles

1. Keep on Running/High Time Baby

   Fontana 267 514 TF

   Release: 1965

   The only single to be released with a push-out centre.

2. Somebody Help Me/Strong Love

   Fontana 267 591 TF

   Release: 1966

3. Gimme Some Lovin/It Hurts Me So

   Fontana 267 617 TF

   Release: 1967

4. I'm a Man/I Can't Get Enough Of It

   Fontana 267 669 TF

   Release: 1967

5. Gimme Some Lovin/Gimme Some Lovin 1976

   Island 2J 006 98236

   Release: 1976

   This record came in a pink Island sleeve or a plain white sleeve.

L.P.

1. The Best Of The Spencer Davis Group Featuring Stevie Winwood

   Island 14c 062-61184

   Release: probably 1978

Hungary

The Hungarian 7 inch singles were released on the Qualiton label. Qualiton was a Hungarian state-owned corporation. The name was changed into Hungaroton during the mid-sixties, but there were still releases on the Qualiton label for many years after.

Singles

The Qualiton singles have “1967.FNyV.4.1854” printed on the back cover.

1. Keep on Running/High Time Baby

   Qualiton SP 390

   Release: 1967

   Seventies repress on the Pepita label (sublabel of Hungaroton) with the same catalogue number.

2. Gimme Some Lovin'/Sittin' and Thinkin'

   Qualiton SP 391

   Release: 1967

   The cover of both Qualiton singles is similar but there is a difference in the Qualiton logo.

3. Millie Small: Killer Joe

   The Spencer Davis Group: I'm Blue (Gong Gong Song)

   Qualiton SP 392

   Release: 1967

   Millie is backed by the Spencer Davis Group on the a-side, backing vocals provided by Millie on the b-side.

   I'm Blue (The Gong-Gong Song) was a song written by Ike Turner and first released in 1961 by The Ikettes (Ike & Tina Turner's backing trio).

   Millie Small was a Jamaican singer-songwriter who had a hit with “My Boy Lollipop”. In March 1964 she performed in Birmingham. After her apparence in “Thank Your Lucky Stars” at the ABC studios, her manager Chris Blackwell went to the local clubs looking for interesting artists. He saw The Rhythm and Blues Quartet perform and was blown away. He asked if he could be their manager. They changed their name into “The Spencer Davis Group” and the band's short but fruitful career took off.

Iran

During the Shah's pro-Western regime in the 1960s, it was permitted to release Western pop music in Iran.

The biggest record company in Iran was TOP 4, which released most of the music of The Beatles and The Rolling Stones, among others. Together with the smaller companies it also regularly released compilation EPs starring various artists.

Considering these were unofficial releases, one can ask the question whether the record companies in Europe were aware of these releases and whether any royalties were paid at all.

E.P.

The Spencer Davis Group appears on 3 compilation EPs.

1. The Spencer Davis Group: High Time Baby

   The Animals: Hit the Road Jack

   Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick & Tich: Hands Off

   Pepino Da Cliardi: Iraggazi del Chiaro de Luna

   Monogram EX-136

   Release: 1966

2. The Spencer Davis Group: When I Come Home

   The Troggs: Give It to Me

   The Blue Magoos: (We Ain't Got) Nothin' Yet

   The Seeds: Pushin' Too Hard

   TOP4 EX-4173

   Release: 1967

3. The Spencer Davis Group: I'm a Man

   The Tremeloes: Here Comes My Baby

   Oscar Toney Jr.: For Your Precious Love/Ain't That True Love

   Royal 433

   Release: 1967

   This record presumably came in a company sleeve.

Ireland

EPs and albums from The Spencer Davis Group were imported from the UK.

Only the 5 singles were manufactured in Ireland.

They have the same catalogue number as in the UK prededed by “E”.

Early copies could have been housed in a Fontana company sleeve, regular copies came in a plain white sleeve.

Singles

1. Keep On Running/High Time Baby

   Fontana ETF 632

   Release: 1965

   A B.P.R. production

2. Somebody Help Me/Stevie's Blues

   Fontana ETF 679

   Release: 1966

3. When I Come Home/Trampoline

   Fontana ETF 736

   Release: 1966

4. Gimme Some Loving/Blues in F

   Fontana ETF 762

   Release: 1966

5. I'm a Man/I Can't Get Enough Of It

   Fontana ETF 785

   Release: 1967

Israel

During the 1960s, the Israeli record market was dominated by folk artists. Rock was considered an underground genre so the market for rock artists was small. Hence, many bands released very few records in Israel.

E.P.

For these Israeli EPs the sleeve designs from France were used, including the French text.

1. Gimme Some Loving/Blues in F/Neighbour,Neighbour/Dust my Blues.

   Litratone LIT 74008

   Release: 1967

   Just like the French edition, “Blues in F” was incorrectly assigned to Paul Bishop. The song was composed by Steve Winwood.

   “Dust My blues” is a cover of “I Believe I'll Dust My Broom” recorded by Robert Johnson in 1936.

   The most famous version of this song is the 1956 Elmore James cover “Dust My Broom”.

2. Keep on Running/High Time Baby/Strong Love/I Can't Stand It

   Litratone LIT 74011

   Release: 1967

3. I'm a Man/I Can't Get Enough of It/Mean Woman Blues/Together Till the End of Time

   Litratone LIT 74012

   Release: 1967

L.P.

Italy

Unlike in most other European countries, no Spencer Davis Group EPs were released in Italy.

Singles

1. Keep on Running/Strong Love

   Fontana 267 559 TF

   Release: 1966

   Jukebox single

2. Somebody Help Me/ Stevie's Blues

   Fontana 267 561 TF

   Release: 1966

3. When I Come Home/ Trampoline

   Fontana 267 618 TF

   Release: 1966

   Jukebox single

4. Gimme Some Lovin/Blues in F

   Fontana 267 647 TF

   Release: 1966

   Jukebox single

5. I'm a Man/I Can't Get Enough of It

   Fontana 267 669 TF

   Release: 1967

   Jukebox single

6. When a Man Loves a Woman/Somebody Help Me

   Fontana 267 752 TF

   Release: 1967

   “When a Man Loves a Woman” was written by Calvin Lewis (bass player) and Arthur Wright (organ player) of Percy Sledge's band The Esquires. Although Percy Sledge partly co-wrote the song, he neglected to claim part of the songwriting credits.

   Percy Sledge had a number one hit in the USA with this song in 1966.

L.P.

1. Special

   Fontana 886 198 DY

   Release: 1967

2. The Second Album

   Fontana 886 420 DY

   Release: 1967

   The catalogue number on the back cover is incorrectly stated as 886 420 TY.

3. The Best of Stevie Winwood with the Spencer Davis Group

   Fontana International 858 028 FPY

   Release: 1967

4. The Best of the Spencer Davis Group featuring Stevie Winwood

   International LIR 22.015

   Release: 1968

5. The Best of the Spencer Davis Group featuring Stevie Winwood

   Island ORL 8014

   Release: 1976

   Release: probably 1977

6. The Best of the Spencer Davis Group featuring Stevie Winwood

   Island ORL 19070

   Release: 1987

   Variant 1

   Variant 2

7. Autumn'66

   Island ORL 8571

   Release: 1980

   Release 1982

8. Autumn'66

   Island ORL 201657 Island Life Collection

   Release: 1987

9. Georgia on My Mind

   Bootleg

   Unofficial release.

   Live recording from Finnish TV in 1966 and live recording from the BBC in 1968 (without Steve Winwood).

   Although there is no mention of it on the cover or the record, it is believed that this record was originally made in Italy at the end of the eighties or the beginning of the nineties.

Japan

During the sixties, European and American records were produced rather quickly and were released in large quantities. To reduce costs, most record labels often pressed new records on old recycled vinyl.

In Japan, the records of Western artists were pressed in smaller editions . Greater care was taken in pressing records and high audio standards were the norm. In order to achieve this, Japanese records were pressed on fresh vinyl.

Singles

All singles have a beautiful picture sleeve with the lyrics (both in Japanese and English) on the back side of the sleeve. The records are housed in a plastic bag and an inner paper sleeve to protect the vinyl. The first single is a mono version, the others are in stereo.

1. Keep on Running/High Time Baby

   Philips FL-1219

   Release: 1966

2. Somebody Help Me/Stevie's Blues

   Philips SFL-1069

   Release: 1966

3. Gimme Some Loving/Blues in F

   Philips SFL-1091

   Release: 1967

4. I'm a Man/I Can't Get Enough of It

   Philips SFL-1102

   Release: 1967

E.P.

As with the singles, the EPs were housed in a plastic bag and had the lyrics inserted.

The speed of the EPs is 33 1/3 rpm.

1. Gimme Some Loving/When a Man Loves a Woman/Keep on Running/Somebody Help Me

   Philips SFL-3173

   Release: 1967

2. Various artists EP

   1. Pop Gear

      The Four Pennies: Juliet

      The Spencer Davis Group: My Babe

      Susan Maughan: Make Him Mine

      The Blue Sounds Inc.: Twistin' Wilhelm Tell

      Philips SFL-3093

      Release: 1966

      “My Babe” is a song written by blues legend Willie Dixon. The original recording by Little Walter dates from 1955.

   2. Beat Scene Best 4

      The Walker Brothers: The Sun Ain't Gonna Shine Anymore

      Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick & Tich: Hold Tight

      The Spencer Davis Group: Somebody Help Me

      The Mindbenders: A Groovy Kind of Love

      Philips SFL-3155

      Release: 1967

L.P.

Typical for the Japanese albums are the Obi strips and the lyrics inserts.

1. The Spencer Davis Group

   Philips SFL-7333

   Release: 1967

2. The Best of the Spencer Davis Group featuring Stevie Winwood

   Island ICL(m)-12

   Release 1972

   Pink rimmed label and red Obi

3. The Best of the Spencer Davis Group featuring Stevie Winwood

   Island ILS-80781

   Release: 1976

   There exists a promo copy (white label) of this record.

Malaysia

Malaysia is known as a hotbed of bootlegs and illegal records. Up until the late sixties, no major record labels had recording or pressing facilities in Malaysia. The country was completely dependent on imports from Singapore. Hence the many unofficial releases. No official records of the Spencer Davis Group were released in Malaysia. The only known release is an unofficial record on the Glycos label.

E.P.

It is often claimed that the Glycos record was manufactured in Singapore. Probably due to the fact that Shirley Nair was a Singaporian artist. However, her official records were released in Singapore on the Philips label.

So although the record was probably distributed in both countries, this should be a Malaysian release.

The Netherlands

Although the country's official name is The Netherlands, Dutch records are marked “Made in Holland”. Holland is a region made up by 2 of the country's 12 provinces: North and South Holland. These provinces have had a big influence and played an import role within the country throughout the centuries.

Under Napoleon, the United Netherlands were renamed the Kingdom of Holland. When the country became independent again, they reverted back to the name The Netherlands.

Given that the region of Holland was the largest contributor to the country's economy and prosperity, Holland became the common name for the entire country abroad and was promoted that way as well.

Singles

1. Strong Love/Every Little Bit Hurts

   Fontana 267 475 TF

   Release: 1965

   “Every Little Bit Hurts” is a composition by Ed Cobb who also wrote “Tainted Love”.

   The song was a hit for Brenda Holloway in the USA in 1964.

   “One strong love” on label

   Fold-out sleeve

2. Keep on Running/High Time Baby

   Fontana 267 514 TF

   Release: 1966

   Fold-out sleeve

3. Somebody Help Me/Stevie's Blues

   Fontana 267 561 TF

   Release: 1966

   Fold-out sleeve

4. Sittin' and Thinkin'/Dimples

   Fontana 267 354 TF

   Release: 1966

   This record has the oldest catalogue number (267354 TF) but was released in 1966 just after the single “Somebody Help Me”.

5. When I Come Home/Trampoline

   Fontana 267 618 TF

   Release: 1966

   There also exists an edition of this record on the Philips label with the same release number, although it is not entirely certain this is a Dutch record. A possible explanation could be that this record was intended for the former Dutch overseas colonies.

   

6. Georgia on My Mind/Nobody Knows You When You're Down and Out

   Fontana 267 644 TF

   Release: 1966

   Fold-out sleeve

   “Nobody Knows You When You're Down and Out” is a composition by Jimmie Cox from 1923. The song was a part of his vaudeville act. Cox died before he could record the song. The members of The Spencer Davis Group knew the song as a blues standard.

7. Gimme Some Lovin/Blues in F

   Fontana 267 647 TF

   Release: 1966

8. I'm a Man/I Can't Get Enough Of It

   Fontana 267 699 TF

   Release: 1967

9. Gimme Some Lovin'/Keep on Running

   Island 103 003-100

   Release: 1978

E.P.

1. Somebody Help me/My Babe/Sittin' and Thinkin'/Look Away

   Fontana TE 465 306

   Release: 1966

2. I'm a Man/I Can't Get Enough Of It/Georgia on My Mind/Nobody Knows You When You're Down and Out

   Fontana TE 465 368

   Release: 1967

3. Maxigold-Twee-in-één single

   Keep on Running/I'm a Man/Gimme Some Lovin'/When I Come Home

   Island 11 000 AT

   Release: 1971

   Promo copy

   “Niet voor de verkoop”, which is Dutch for “Not for sale”, on label

4. Somebody Help Me/Nobody Knows You When You're Down and Out/High Time Baby/Stevie's Blues

   Island 110007 AT

   Release: 1972

VARIOUS ARTISTS E.P.

FOUR HITS - 5

L.P.

1. Autumn'66

   1. Fontana 886 198 TY

      Release: 1966

   2. Fontana 687 397 TL

      Release: 1966

      The frame next to the face of Spencer Davis is empty. A copy of this record has appeared on the internet with the text "their 3rd LP" in that frame, possibly via a sticker. It is not certain whether this is an authentic version or not.

2. The Second Album

   Fontana 886 420 TY

   Release: probably 1966

3. Sittin' and Thinkin'

   Fontana 701 575 WPY

   Release: 1967

   “Fontana Special” was a budget line of the Fontana label, which started in 1967 and ended by 1972. The name “Fontana Special” was adapted depending on the country of issue: for example “Fontane Spécial” in France, “Fontana Spezial” in Germany and “Fontana Especial” in Spain.

4. The Best Of Stevie Winwood With The Spencer Davis Group

   Fontana 858 028 FPY

   Release: 1967

   “Fontana International” was another budget line from Fontana Records. In contrast to the Fontana Special series, these records were distibuted throughout Europe as a whole and not on a national base.

5. Gimme Some Lovin'

   1. Island 85897 HT

      Release: 1971

      Variant 1

      “Gimme Some Lovin'” in red lettering on the back cover

      Variant 2

      “Gimme Some Lovin'” in black lettering

   2. Island 88 186 XAT

      Release: 1974

      Island 88168 XAT

      Release: 1976

      Island 88168 XAT

      Release: 1977

6. Somebody Help Me

   Island 85 925 HT

   Release: 1974

   There is only 1 known Dutch version of this record, unlike in the case of Germany.

New-Zealand

Just like in Australia and the UK, the singles were released in a company sleeve. However, it is claimed that there could exist a picture sleeve for the “Keep on Running” single.

All singles came with a solid centre.

Singles

Fontana company sleeve

1. Keep on Running/High Time Baby

   Fontana TF 267 514

   Release: 1966

2. Somebody Help Me/Stevie's Blues

   Fontana TF 267 561

   Release: 1966

3. When I Come Home/Trampoline

   Fontana TF 267 618

   Release: 1966

4. Gimme Some Loving/Blues in F

   Fontana TF 267 647

   Release: 1966

5. I'm a Man/I Can't Get Enough of It

   Fontana TF 267 669

   Release: 1967

   “NZBC” sticker on the label (New Zealand Broadcasting Corporation)

6. It's Gonna Work Out Fine/Searchin'

   Fontana 267 707

   Release: 1967

   “Searchin'” was a song composed by Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller. The original version was recorded by The Coasters in 1957.

   “It's Gonna Work Out Fine” is a composition by Rose Marie Mc Coy, Joe Seneca and James Michael Lee. The first release of this song was by Ike & Tina Turner in 1961.

7. I'm a Man/Waltz for Lumumba

   Festival FK 3524

   Release: 1967

   In 1970, Festival Records NZ Ltd. obtained the rights to manufacture and distribute Island Records in New Zealand.

   The Festival singles were housed in a Festival company sleeve.

E.P.

1. You Put the Hurt on Me/I'm Getting Better/I'll Drown in My Own Tears/Goodbye Stevie

   Fontana TE 465282

   Release: 1966

   The original recording of “I'm Getting Better” was by Jimmy Hughes in 1964. The song was composed by the American songwriter Ed Bruce.

2. Sittin' and Thinkin'/Dimples/Every Little Bit Hurts/Midnight Train

   Fontana TE 465317

   Release: 1966

   “Midnight Train” was written by Alvin Roy and Gerry Hicks. The first recording of this song was released by The Spencer Davis Group.

3. Greatest Hits

   I'm a Man/Gimme Some Loving/Keep on Running/When I Come Home

   Fontana TE 465390

   Release: 1967

L.P.

1. Their First LP

   Fontana TL687343

   Release: 1965

2. Keep on Running

   Fontana TL687362

   Release: 1966

3. Mean Woman Blues

   Fontana TL687397

   Release: 1966

4. Sittin' and Thinkin'

   Fontana 6460450

   Release: 1970

   Re-release of the first album in the Pyramid Series. This is a New Zealand series that re-released albums of different labels.

5. The Best of the Spencer Davis Group featuring Stevie Winwood.

   Festival SFL 932736

   Release: 1970

6. The Best of the Spencer Davis Group featuring Stevie Winwood.

   Island L-19069

   Release: 1988

   Island Life Collection

   Release for Australia and New Zealand

Portugal

The Portugese discography is limited to 2 EP's and 1 album.

E.P.

1. Gimme Some Loving/Blues in F'/Neighbour, Neighbour/Dust My Blues

   Fontana 465 337 ME

   Release: 1966

   “P” printed on the back cover.

   Push-out centre.

2. I'm a Man/Mean Woman Blues/I Can't Get Enough of It/Together 'Til the End of Time

   Fontana 465 360 ME

   Release: 1967

   Variant 1

   No “P” printed on the back cover.

   Push-out centre.

   Variant 2

   “P” printed on the back cover.

   No push-out centre.

L.P.

The Story of Pop Spencer Davis Group featuring Steve Winwood

Island 28638 P

Release: probably 1978

South-Africa

In this section, we cover both South African and Rhodesian singles. Since there is no specific designation listed on the labels, it is sometimes difficult to distinguish between the pressings of the two countries.

The albums are South African anyway.

Singles

Basically, South African singles have a round push-out centre. It is assumed that the pressings from Rhodesia were released with a triangle center. However, this does not mean that all pressings with a triangle center are from Rhodesia. After all, the three singles with a picture sleeve, assumed to be South African singles, also have a triangle center.

Except for the singles with a picture sleeve, all the singles were sold in a “Trutone” sleeve or a “Seven Single” sleeve.

“Trutone” was a South African Record company that was also a distributor for other labels, in this case for Fontana.

The “Seven Single” sleeve was a generic sleeve in which records from different record companies were released.

Trutone sleeves

Seven Single sleeve

1. Keep on Running/High Time Baby

   Fontana TF 741

   Release: 1966

   1. Round push-out center

   2. Triangle center

2. Somebody Help Me/Stevie's Blues

   Fontana TF 746

   Release: 1966

3. When I Come Home/Trampoline

   Fontana TF 762

   Release: 1966

4. Gimme Some Loving/Blues in F

   Fontana TF 773

   Release: 1966

   1. With picture sleeve

   2. With generic “Seven Single” sleeve

      The triangle center of this pressing is placed differently.

5. I'm a Man/I Can't Get Enough of It

   Fontana TF 782

   Release: 1967

   There is probably also an edition with a triangle center.

6. When a Man Loves a Woman/Neighbour,Neighbour

   Fontana TF 789

   Release: 1967

   1. Round center

   2. Triangle center

L.P.

The covers of the South African albums are of inferior quality: they are subject to discoloration and the laminate peels off easily.

1. Their First LP

   Fontana TL 603

   Release: 1965

2. The Second Album

   Fontana TL 615

   Release: 1966

3. Autumn '66

   Fontana TL 632

   Release: 1967

4. The Best of the Spencer Davis Group

   Fontana STL 242

   Release: 1969

Spain

There exists only one Spanish single that was released by the Spencer Davis Group during the sixties. The focus was put more on the release of EP's.

Singles

1. Gimme Some Loving/I'm a man

   Fontana 267 708 TF

   Release: 1967

2. Gimme Some Lovin/Keep on Running

   Island 11.449-A

   Release: 1978

E.P.

1. Corre,Corre (Keep On Running)/Strong Love /High Time Baby/I Can't Stand It

   Fontana 465 283 ME

   Release: 1966

2. Somebody Help Me/Stevie's Blues/Watch Your Step/This Hammer

   Fontana 465 313 TE

   Release: 1966

   “Watch Your Step” was written by Bobby Parker and Phil Belmonte. The orginal version of this song was released by Bobby Parker in 1961. There is an obvious similarity between the riff of this song and the intro to “I Feel Fine” by The Beatles.

3. Sittin' and Thinkin'/Jump Back/When I Come Home/Trampoline

   Fontana 465 334 TE

   “Jump Back” is misspelled as “Junp Back” on the back cover.

4. Dame Algo de Amor (Gimme Some Loving)/Blues in F/Mira a Lo Lejos (Look Away)/Por Favor, Haz Algo (Please Do Something)

   Fontana 465 351 TE

   Release: 1966

   “Look Away” was composed by Bert Russell and Norman Meade. The original recording of this song was by Garnet Nimms in 1964.

   “Please Do Something” is a cover of the song by Don Covay and the Goodtimers from 1965.

5. I'm a Man (Soy Un Hombre)/I Can't Get Enough Of It (No Puedo Conseguir Bastante)/Georgia on My Mind

   Fontana 465 373 TE

   Release: 1967

   “Georgia on My Mind” was a song recorded in 1930 by the Huagy Carmichael Orchestra. The song was composed by Huagy Carmichael and Stuart Gorrell.

6. Various Artists EP

   The Spencer Davis Group: Corre,Corre (Keep On Running)

   The Jets: Mister Kiss, Kiss, Bang, Bang

   The Walker Brothers: My Ship is Comin' In

   Johnny Hallyday: Cabellos Largos e Ideas Cortas (Cheveux longs et idées courtes)

   Fonogram FEC.20.037

   Release: 1966

   Exclusive release by the European Cultural Foundation.

L.P.

1. Lo Mejor de Spencer Davis Group Solista Stevie Winwood

   Island 63 39 018

   Release: 1970

2. The Best of the Spencer Davis Group Featuring Stevie Winwood

   Island 85.475-H

   Release: 1972

3. The Best of the Spencer Davis Group Featuring Stevie Winwood

   Island 85.897-H

   1. Release: probably 1978

   2. Release: probably 1982

   3. Island Life Collection

      Release: 1987

Sweden

The Swedish record market is a paradise for record collectors.

As with most British beat groups of the sixties, a whole series of Spencer Davis Group singles, EPs and LPs were released in Sweden.

Specific to the Swedish covers are the different colours used for the same single, sometimes a variation of the same colour.

Singles

The original singles were released on the Sonet or Fontana label. From 1967 onwards reissues were released with the pink Island label.

All singles come with a fold-open sleeve.

1. Keep on Running/High Time Baby

   Sonet T-9514

   Release: 1965

   Variant 1

   Variant 2

   Variant 3

   Variant 4

   Note the “Traffic” logo on the label

   “Keep on Running” is a song written by Jackie Edwards. The story goes that the band met Edwards in Chris Blackwell's office while he was playing the song on the piano. They wrote down the chords and worked the song out for themselves. The song became a number one hit in the UK, although it was originally intended as the B-side of their new single.

   “Keep on Running” was one of the first records that featured a fuzz pedal. A friend of Muff Winwood brought him a fuzzbox from the United States, mainly because of its name: the Big Muff.

2. This Hammer/Let Me Down Easy

   Sonet T-9523

   Release: 1966

   Different color variations

   Other color variations probably exist.

   “Let Me Down Easy” was written by Wrecia Holloway and James McDougal. The record was first released in 1965 by Bettye LaVette.

3. Somebody Help Me/Stevie's Blues

   Fontana TF 267 561

   Release: 1966

   UK Record in Swedish sleeve

4. When I Come Home/Trampoline

   Fontana 267 618 TF

   Release: 1966

5. Gimme Some Lovin/Blues in F

   Fontana 567 647 TF

   Release: 1966

6. I'm a Man/I Can't Get Enough of It

   Fontana TF 267 669

   Release: 1967

7. I'm a Man/Somebody Help Me

   Island WIP-5000

   Release: 1967

8. Gimme Some Lovin'/When I Come Home

   Island WIP-5001

   Release: 1967

E.P.

1. Sittin' and Thinkin'/Dimples/Searchin'/Jump Back

   Sonet SXP 6084

   Release: 1966

2. You Put The Hurt On Me/I'm Getting Better/I'll Drown In My Own Tears/Goodbye Stevie

   Sonet SXP 6085

   Release: 1966
3. Various Artists EP

   1. Spencer Davis Group: It Hurts Me So

      Ola & The Janglers: That's When

      Larry Finnegan: Baton Rouge

      James Brown: Dancin' Little Thing

      Jukebox JSEP-5554

      Release: 1966

      Variant 1

      Variant 2

   2. Spencer Davis Group: Goodbye Stevie

      The Hounds: Short Days, Long Nights

      Ola & The Janglers: Not In My Life

      The Jackpots: Funny How Love Can Be

      Jukebox JSEP-5566

      Release: 1966

      Variant 1

      Variant 2

   3. Spencer Davis Group: Back Into My Life Again

      Jean Wells: Puttin' The Best On The Outside

      Willie Johnson: Homburg

      Why Not: Strange Feelin'

      Jukebox JSEP-5569

      Release: 1967

   4. The Spencer Davis Group: Somebody Help Me

      Pendulum: Light My Fire

      Sue Miller: Those Were The Days

      The Jackpots: Lincoln City

      Jukebox JSEP-5581

      Release: 1967

L.P.

1. Their First LP

   Sonet SLP 1401

   Release: 1966

2. The Second Album

   Sonet SLP 1402

   First press

   Release: 1966

   Second press

   Release: 1967

3. Autumn ‘66

   Fontana 687 397 TL

   Release: 1966

4. Dimples

   Sonet GP-9916

   Release: 1967

5. The Best Of The Spencer Davis Group Featuring Stevie Winwood

   1. Island ILP-970

      Release: 1968

   2. Island GP-9992

      Release: 1971

   3. Island GP-9992

      Release: 1976

   4. Island GP-9992

      Release: probably 1978

6. Steve Winwood & The Spencer Davis Group

   Sonet GP-9942

   Release: 1968

Switzerland

As there were nearly no vinyl pressing plants in Switzerland, most records were imported from Germany, Holland, France and the UK during the sixties.

Therefore only a few singles of the Spencer Davis Group were made specifically for the Swiss market.

Singles

1. Keep on Running

   Fontana 267 514 TF

   Release: 1965

   Record manufactured in Holland for the Swiss market.

   Fold-open sleeve

2. Club editions

   These records were available via the Swiss mail-order record club Ex-Libris. Only club members could buy these records at a favorable price.

   1. Keep on Running/High Time Baby

      Fontana 267 614 TF

      Release: 1965

      “Club edition” on the label. Record manufactured in Holland. The cover is a one piece paper with a blank back.

   2. Somebody Help Me/Stevie's Blues

      Fontana 267 561 TF

      Release: 1966

      “Club edition” on the label and on the sleeve. Record manufactured in Germany. The cover is a one piece paper with a blank back.

   3. I'm a Man/ I Can't Get Enough of It

      Fontana 267 699 TF

      Release: 1966

      At some point the record club deemed it easier to import releases from other countries. In this case the Dutch release was used.

      A red sticker with “Club edition” was put on the cover.

Turkey

There are only two known Spencer Davis Group releases in Turkey. Both records were released in a company sleeve in 1967.

Singles

1. Gimme Some Loving/Neighbour, Neighbour

   Philips MF 267662

   Release: 1967

   Neighbor, Neighbor was a song composed by Alton J. Valier and was first recorded by Jimmy Hughes in 1964.

2. I'm a Man/I Can't Get Enough Of It

   Philips MF 267669

   Release: 1967

U.K.

Early on The Spencer Davis Group had the opportunity to sign a contract with Decca Records, but Chris Blackwell persuaded the band to sign to the Philips “Fontana” label. They made a publishing deal with Island, so the records have the caption “An Island Record Production”.

The band's first singles in the UK were faithful R&B cover versions. The band liked the blues, for its musical elements and how it sounded.

Singles

The UK singles came in different Fontana company sleeves. A detailed study of these covers will be made at a later stage.

The first pressings of the singles came with a three-prong centre. Later issues came with a four-prong centre or a solid centre.

The first pressings all have a “rough-textured” Fontana label. Some later pressings have a “smooth” label (this distinction is not retained is this discography).

1. Dimples/Sittin' and Thinkin'

   Fontana TF 471

   Release: 1964

   Dimples was written by John Lee Hooker and released in the United States in 1956.

   The single did not yield the success the band had hoped for.

   It was Hooker himself who had a hit in the UK with this song after his appearence on the television show “Ready Steady Go”.

2. I Can't Stand It/Midnight Train

   Fontana TF 499

   Release: 1964

   The promo singles had a sticker with “Sample Record Not for Sale” on the label.

   “I Can't Stand It “ is a song written by Smokey McAllister, originally recorded by the Soul Sisters in 1964.

3. Every Little Bit Hurts/It Hurts Me So

   Fontana TF 530

   Release: 1965

   “A B.P.R. Production” on the label. Chris Blackwell and his associate, Harry Robinson, had formed a production company with Chris Peers: BPR (Blackwell-Peers-Robinson).

   “Every Little Bit Hurts” is written by Ed Cob and was a hit for Brenda Holloway in the USA in 1964.

   “It Hurts Me So” is a composition by Steve Winwood, incorrectly assigned to S. Winward.

4. Strong Love/This Hammer

   Fontana TF 571

   Release: 1965

   “A B.P.R. production” on the label

   The original version of “Strong Love” was released in 1965 by The Malibus, a black soul group from Houston, Texas.

5. Keep on Running/High Time Baby

   Fontana TF 632

   Release: 1965

   “A B.P.R. production” on the label

   “An Island Record Production” on the label

6. Somebody Help Me/Stevie's Blues

   Fontana TF 679

   Release: 1966

7. When I Come Home/Trampoline

   Fontana TF 739

   Release: 1966

8. Gimme Some Loving/Blues in F

   Fontana TF 762

   Release: 1966

9. I'm a Man/I Can't Get Enough

   Fontana TF 785

   Release: 1967

10. Then!.. ...Now!

    A-side: the original version of Gimme Some Lovin'

    B-side: the 1976 version including a guitar solo

    Island WIP 6318

    Release: 1976

    DJ Copy

E.P.

1. You Put the Hurt on Me/I'm Getting Better/I'll Drown In My Own Tears/Goodbye Stevie

   Fontana TE 17444

   Release: 1965

   First issue: “Recording First Published 1965” on the label

   Second issue: “(P)1965” on the label

2. Every Little Bit Hurts/It Hurts Me So/I Can't Stand It/Midnight Train

   Fontana TE 17450

   Release: 1965

   First issue: “Recording First Published 1964” on the label

   Second issue: “(P)1964” on the label

3. Sittin' and Thinkin'/Dimples/Searchin'/Jump Back

   Fontana TE 17463

   Release: 1966

4. Keep on Running/Somebody Help Me/Gimme Some Lovin'/Every Little Bit Hurts

   Island IEP 10

   Release: 1978

   This record was repressed in the 1980s with a gray label.

   DJ Copy

5. Various Artists EP

   1. The Big Four (The Spencer Davis Group: Keep on Running/The Mindbenders: A Groovy Kind of Love/Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick & Tich: You Make It Move/The Pretty Things: Midnight To Six Man)

      Fontana TE 17469

      Release: 1966

   2. Island Disco Sampler (Spencer Davis Group: Keep on Running/Fania All-Stars: Viva Tirado/Free: Alright Now/John Cale: Darling I Need You)

      Island IEP 1

      Release: 1975

      Promo only

L.P.

1. Their First LP

   Fontana TL 5242

   Release: 1965

   First pressing

   Steve Winwood is incorrectly listed on the label as Steve Winward as composer of “Here Right Now” and “It Hurts Me So”.

   Second pressing

   Flipback sleeve

   Same mistake: Steve Winward instead of Steve Winwood.

2. The Second Album

   Fontana TL 5295

   Release: 1966

   First pressing

   “Recording First Published 1966” on the label and no Island logo on the back cover.

   Second pressing

   “(P)1966” on the label and Island logo on the back cover.

   Note: there are many second press sleeves circulating which contain a first press record. It is said there was a problem with the mold for the second press. While waiting for this problem to be solved, Fontana pressed an additional number of records from the original release mold. Nonetheless, these records were distributed in the second press sleeve.

3. Autumn '66

   Fontana TL 5359

   Release: 1966

   The famous picture on the front cover is by Vic Singh, who also shot the picture for the cover of Pink Floyd's album “The Piper at the Gates of Dawn”.

4. Every Little Bit Hurts

   Wing WL 1165

   Release: 1967

   Reissue of Their First LP on the Wing label.

   Wing Records was a record label subsidiary of Mercury Records.

5. The Best of The Spencer Davis Group featuring Stevie Winwood

   1. Island Mono ILP 970

      Pink “Eyeball” label

      Release: 1967

   2. Island Stereo ILPS 9070

      Pink “Eyeball” label

      Release: 1967

   3. Island Mono ILP 970

      Pink “i” label

      Release: 1969

   4. Island Stereo ILPS 9070

      Pink “i” label

      Release: 1969

   5. Island Stereo ILPS 9070

      Pink rimmed label

      Release: 1970

   6. Island Stereo ILPS 9070

      Orange palm tree label

      Release: 1976

   7. Island Stereo ILPS 9070

      Blue label

      Release: 1978

   8. Island Stereo ILPS 9070

      Coloured balls label

      Release: probably 1982

Uruguay

The covers of the records manufactured in Uruguay are similar to the Argentinian ones.

All titles are indicated in Spanish with a translation into English.

The speed of the EP is 33 1/3 rpm.

E.P.

L.P.

USA

Initially, the band did not have the success they were hoping for in the United States. “Keep on Running” reached n°76 in the Billboard 100 in 1966, “Somebody Help Me” did not appear in the Billboard 100 upon release – although it reached n°47 in 1967 when the record was reissued by United Artists – and “When I Come Home” was never released in the USA.

“Gimme Some Lovin'” was the band's big breakthrough.

The story goes that some American radio stations refused to play The Spencer Davis Group records for they were not sure that is was a “white” band.

Singles

The US singles came in different “Fontana” , “Atco” and “United Artists” company sleeves. A detailed study of these covers will be made at a later stage.

Fontana

Atco

United Artists

Silver Spotlight Series

1. Fontana

   I Can't Stand It/Midnight Train

   Fontana S-1960

   Release: 1964

2. ATCO

   Initially, Atco was licensed to distribute “Keep on Running” and “Somebody Help Me” in the USA, originally distributed by Island Records in the UK.

   The American issues are identical to the UK versions.

   1. Keep on Running/High Time Baby

      Atco 45-6400

      Release: 1966

      Variant 1

      Variant 2 (different label layout)

      Variant 3 (different label layout)

      Promo (white label)

      Promo (white label with different label layout)

   2. Somebody Help Me/Stevie's Blues

      Atco 45-6416

      Release: 1966

      Promo (white label)

3. UNITED ARTISTS

   United Artists was licensed to distribute the other The Spencer Davis Group singles in the USA.

   These records were remixed specially for the American market.

   1. Gimme Some Lovin'/Blues in F

      United Artists UA 50108

      Release: 1966

      Variant 1

      Variant 2

      “An Island Record Production” at the bottom of the label.

      Variant 3

      “Licensed by Island Records Ltd London” on the label.

      Promo (white label)

      Remix of the UK version: added percussion (Jim Capaldi), more keyboard and a “female chorus” (with the falsetto voice of Dave Mason).

   2. I'm a Man/I Can't Get Enough Of It

      United Artists UA 50144

      Release: 1967

      Variant 1

      Variant 2

      “Licensed by Island Records Ltd London” at the right side of the label.

      Promo (white label)

      Remix of the UK version only slightly edited

   3. Somebody Help Me/On The Green Light

      United Artists UA 50162

      Release: 1967

      Variant 1

      Variant 2

      (J.Edwards) under “Somebody Help Me”

      Remix of the UK version with more prominent keyboard by Steve Winwood.

      Promo (white label)

      Promo (white label with different label layout)

4. SILVER SPOTLIGHT SERIES

   1. Gimme Some Lovin'/Blues in F

      UA 1665

      Release: 1971

      Variant 1

      "Los Angeles" on the label

      Variant 2

      “New York” on the label

   2. I'm a Man/I Can't Get Enough of it

      UA 1668

      Release: 1971

      Variant 1

      “Los Angeles” on the label

      Variant 2

      “New York” on the label

   3. Keep on Running/Gimme Some Lovin'

      United Artists XW 115

      Release: 1973

   4. Somebody Help Me/I'm a Man

      United Artists XW 116

      Release: 1973

   5. Gimme Some Lovin'/Keep on Running

      Capitol Records X 115

      Release: 1981

   6. Somebody Help Me/I'm a Man

      Capitol Records X 116

      Release: 1981

      Capitol acquired the United Artists Records catalog early in 1979 and continued the Silver Spotlight Series from 1980 onwards.

5. Subsequent reissues were released by “American Pie” (a US mail-order business) and “Collectables” (an independent reissue label, founded in 1980)

   1. Spencer Davis Group: Gimme Some Lovin'

      Sugarloaf: Green-Eyed Lady

      American Pie 9107

      Release: 1991

   2. Gimme Some Lovin'/I'm a Man

      Collectables COL 6010

      Release: 1992

   3. Spencer Davis Group: Keep on Running

      Bloodrock: D.O.A.

      Collectables COL 6144

      Release: 1993

L.P.

The band's three UK albums were never released in the United States. After the success of the single “Gimme Some Lovin'”, United Artists preferred to release two compilation albums in 1967.

1. Gimme Some Lovin'

   United Artists UAL 3578

   Release: 1967 mono

   Promo (white label)

2. Gimme Some Lovin'

   United Artists UAS 6578

   Release: 1967 Stereo

   Capitol Record Club Edition

   ST-91127

   Release: 1967

   The Capitol Record Club was a mail-order division of Capitol Records. Initially, it only sold Capitol releases. After 1964 however the club started licensing popular releases from other labels as this release shows.

   Second pressing

   Release: 1968

3. I'm a Man

   United Artists UAL 3589

   Release: 1967 Mono

4. I'm a Man

   United Artists UAS 6589

   Release: 1967 Stereo

   Second pressing on the pink/orange label

   Release: 1968

5. Spencer Davis' Greatest Hits

   United Artists UAL 3641

   Release: 1968 Mono

   By 1967 stereo records were outselling mono records. By 1968 most American record companies had come to the conclusion that sales of mono records were decreasing and that is was no longer profitable to continue selling them.

   Spencer Davis' Greatest Hits was released around this period. It being mono, United Artists will most likely have pressed a limited amount of records, mainly intended for radio stations and some specific record stores.

6. Spencer Davis' Greatest Hits

   United Artists UAS 6641

   Release: 1968

   Second pressing on the pink/orange label

   Release: 1968

   Third pressing on the orange/black label

   Release: 1970

   Fourth pressing on the tan coloured label

   Release: 1971

7. Heavies

   United Artists UAS 6691

   Release: 1969

   Capitol Record Club Edition

   ST-91649

   Release: 1969

8. The Very Best Of

   United Artists LA 433 E

   Release: 1975 mono

   Variant 1

   Music rights of “Jay's Tune”: ASCAP

   Regular copy

   Record with cut-off sleeve

   Record manufacturers cut a corner of the jacket (or punched a hole in it) of unsold records returning from retailers. These records could then be resold to record retailers at a discount. In that case the records could not be send back to the ditributor for a refund. The cut-off also prevented retailers selling the record at the original price.

   Variant 2

   Music rights of “Jay's tune”: BMI

9. The Best Of

   Rhino RNLP 117

   Release: 1984

Venezuela

Singles of popular British bands like The Beatles were not released in Venezuela until 1965.

Therefore it is rather unlikely that The Spencer Davis Group 7 inch records were released in Venezuela at the height of their commercial succes in Europe.

The only known release in Venezuela is a compilation album released on Philips Records in 1968.

L.P.

Variant 1

Variant 2

“Special Sale” is printed on the back cover

Yugoslavia

As was the case in most communist countries, the music industry in Yugoslavia was controlled by the state.

Fontana Records licensed RTB (Radio-Televizija Beograd), a state-owned record label, to release The Spencer Davis Group records in Yugoslavia.

Single

Fold-open sleeve

E.P.

This EP contains 4 tracks of the Second Album. “You Must Believe Me” was written by Curtis Mayfield. The original recording was by The Impressions in 1964. “I Washed My Hands In Muddy Water” is a composition by Joseph T. Babcock and had already been a hit for Charlie Rich (1965) and Johnny Rivers (1966) before the song was released by The Spencer Davis Group.