1) A British… Read Full Bio ↴There are several artists using this name, chronologically:
1) A British rock band (1967 - 1973)
2) A disco group signed to New York Salsoul Records (1970's-1980's)
3) A Spanish indie pop band (1991 - 1993)
1) Family was British rock band from Leicester, England, active between 1967-1973. Their music has been described as a masterful blend of Blues-Rock, Prog-Rock, Art Rock and Psychedelia.
Family's debut single "Scene Through The Eye Of A Lens/Gypsy Woman" was released by Liberty in the autumn of 1967. While the single received praise from critics, it received very little airplay, due to its rather complex, uncommercial nature. Family's debut album, Music in a Doll's House, was released in July 1968 and it was produced by Traffic's Dave Mason and Jimmy Miller on a 4-track machine at Olympic Studios, London. The band's line-up: Roger Chapman (vocals/harmonica/tenor saxophone), Charlie Whitney (guitars/vocals), Rick Grech (bass/violin/cello/vocals), Rob Townsend (drums/percussion), and Jim King saxophone/flute/harmonica/vocals). Bandleader Tubby Hayes and his brass section played on "Old Songs New Songs". An extraordinarily ambitious album, 'Music In A Doll's House' marked an audacious beginning of what was a rather mixed career for Family. Many of the sounds conjured up in the studio had never been heard before - more incredible given that the album was created on a 4-track. The band's ability clearly transcended the available technology. Chapman's unusual vibrating delivery did not appeal to everyone, but it's a remarkable voice all the same. The musicianship and the unusual arrangements on this album found favour with fans who regarded it as a rather surreal musical feast. Music In A Doll's House is a truly innovative album and years ahead of it's time. The album charted respectably in the UK (reaching No. 35 in the UK album charts) and received considerable airplay from well-known British radio personality John Peel. It did not chart in the US. Interestingly, Mike Batt got his first big break in record production on this album by arranging "Mellowing Grey".
Family's 1969 follow-up, Family Entertainment, toned down the psychedelics of their previous offering, and featured their first UK hit "The Weaver's Answer." For the 1970 release A Song For Me, they developed a more aggressive sound, gaining them a larger European following. That year they played at several major rock festivals including the Isle Of Wight music festival and Holland's Kralingen Festival. Both of which were included in the documentary films Message To Love and Stomping Ground. The next release, Anyway, featured a side of a live performance of new material at Fairfield Hall in Croydon, England, as well as a side of new studio recordings.
The bar was raised in 1971 with Fearless, but the band's biggest success was yet to come, in 1972's Bandstand, featuring hits "Burlesque" and "My Friend the Sun". This was followed by the underrated but enjoyable It's Only a Movie, where the band's sound was augmented by Tony Ashton of Ashton Gardner and Dyke on piano.
Family disbanded in 1973 and former members went on to play in the bands King Crimson, the Streetwalkers and Stud.
2) Family were a disco group who formed in the 1970's and released the single 'Music (Listen To The Music)', on the Salsoul label which was later re-released on the Suss'd 2007 compilation 'Deep Disco Culture Vol. 2'.
3) Family was a Spanish indie band active 1991-1993 formed by Javier Aramburu and Iñaki Gametxogoikoetxea. They released just one album in 1993 titled Un soplo en el corazón," a tribute to the film by Louis Malle. In 2003 Spanish magazine Rockdelux released an album with the same songs played by other Spanish bands to celebrate 10 years from probably one of the best Spanish albums of 90's.
Leroy
Family Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Leroy was a cat, always knew just where he sat
In his rise up to riches and fame
The chick that he'd choose, would have dollars to lose
And a love, lotsa love in her heart for his name
One girl that he'd seen was the Campus Queen
She had looks and her Daddy had lotsa loot
He had looks, he had nerve, boy was he cute
He craved a FLAT TOP WINNER, WITH A 2 SPOT DIMMER
And a roof that rolled back for the sun
Then add a V-8 HOOD, LOTSA CHROME ON THE HUB
SPEED that says 160 and some, ah that's fast
With his charm and his poise, he out classed all the boys
In the race for her hand he secured
He met her Mum face to face, now she adored all his grace
His place at their table was assured
"My boy" said her Pa, "Now what you need is a car, call me Dad
Gee whizz, you're my son"
Get a 2 toned flyer, with white walled tyres, and a gas tank
You make sure it's got plenty of gun
(REPEAT CHORUS x 3)
The lyrics to Leroy by Family featuring Roger Chapman tell a story of a man named Leroy who is on the rise to fame and fortune. He is always on the lookout for a woman who has a lot of money and a lot of love in her heart for him. He sets his sights on the Campus Queen, a woman who is beautiful and comes from a wealthy family. In his heartless game, he uses his charm and poise to outclass all the other boys who are also interested in her. His plan works, and he secures a place at the table with her and her family.
Leroy spends his time dreaming about the perfect car that he wants to own. He wants a flat top winner with a 2 spot dimmer, a roof that rolls back for the sun, and lot of chrome on the hub. He also wants speed that says 160 and some. He wants a car that will turn heads and show off his success.
The song paints a picture of a man who is driven by ambition and materialism. He is willing to do whatever it takes to get what he wants, including using people and manipulating situations. The lyrics also show how Leroy's love for material possessions takes center stage and how he is more concerned with his status and image than with anything else.
Line by Line Meaning
Leroy... and his Campus Queen, what she means, what she means
Leroy is with his girlfriend, the Campus Queen, and we wonder what significance she holds in his life.
Leroy was a cat, always knew just where he sat In his rise up to riches and fame
Leroy was confident and strategic in his pursuit of success and fame.
The chick that he'd choose, would have dollars to lose And a love, lotsa love in her heart for his name
He only pursued women with money to spend and who were infatuated with his celebrity.
One girl that he'd seen was the Campus Queen She had looks and her Daddy had lotsa loot So he made her his aim, in his heartless game He had looks, he had nerve, boy was he cute
Leroy specifically targeted the attractive Campus Queen because of her wealthy background and he knew his good looks and confidence would charm her into being his girlfriend.
He craved a FLAT TOP WINNER, WITH A 2 SPOT DIMMER And a roof that rolled back for the sun Then add a V-8 HOOD, LOTSA CHROME ON THE HUB SPEED that says 160 and some, ah that's fast
Leroy wanted a luxurious car with a convertible roof, fancy features, and a high-speed engine to match his image.
With his charm and his poise, he out classed all the boys In the race for her hand he secured
Leroy's charisma and confidence gave him an edge over other men in his pursuit of the Campus Queen.
He met her Mum face to face, now she adored all his grace His place at their table was assured
Leroy successfully won over the Campus Queen's mother with his charm and secured his place in their family.
"My boy" said her Pa, "Now what you need is a car, call me Dad Gee whizz, you're my son" Get a 2 toned flyer, with white walled tyres, and a gas tank You make sure it's got plenty of gun
The Campus Queen's father, impressed with Leroy's success, offered to buy him a fancy car, with Leroy making sure it has a powerful engine.
(REPEAT CHORUS x 3)
The chorus is repeated three times, emphasizing the focus on Leroy's materialistic desires and his superficial relationship with the Campus Queen.
Contributed by Tyler M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@FreedomsPrisoner
Before the formula for puerile music was discovered and milked to death there were groups like this that made music for the joy of the feeling in making it. Long live Family and all those others who were never sucked dry and killed by the tics and parasites of capitalism. And so long to all you executives who made your fortunes on the backs of the young and Naive. Your names will never be remembered.
@markrago4839
FreedomsPrisoner Perhaps thank money and capitalism for motivating lots of good artists. Many made heartfelt music and money. Only someone who is independently wealthy can just sit around playing music for no compensation
@Tattoogus1
O Melhor álbum da melhor BANDA do Mundo! Poderia ficar triste por muitos aqui do BRASIL não conhecerem, mas por outro lado acho bom, em ser uma BANDA para BONS OUVINTES que sabem o que é QUALIDADE. ROGER CHAPMAN um Vocal magnífico e toda a banda são formidáveis. John "Charlie" Whitney (guitarra) Jim King (saxofone e vocal), Ric Grech (baixo, violino e vocal) e Rob Townsend (bateria), são monstruosos no que fazem.
@pedal4ever
not a great band, but this song is an all-time classic. This, and Buffet Tea for Two. Excellent!
@UngOrh
How about The weaver's answer, Glove, It's only a movie, just to name a few.
@janettucker2062
family. wot can u say. one of my future groups of the 70s. roger Chapman absolutely brilliant x
@captainsoul1953
Movie was not Familys best work but its a very enjoyable record....this is my fave jim
@TimPavonear7
What would consider their best album? I remember a review rating this as their best since "Doll's House. "
@feefiefoefumyum
Finally....
@LazyCowTV
Family were a great band. Great songs, innovative, fantastic musicianship. This is my favourite album.