Fox

Fox is a British group active from 1974 to 1980. The best-known line-up includes Noosha Fox, Jim Frank, Jim Gannon, Peter Solley, Gary Taylor, Kenny Young and Herbie Armstrong. The group is associated with art pop, folk rock and pop rock.

History

Fox is led by Kenny Young, who is also known as the composer of Under the Boardwalk, and by Australian singer Noosha Fox, whose real name is Susan Traynor. Before the group is assembled, early demos of its material are recorded by vocalist Clodagh Rodgers. Fox’s first self-titled album appears in 1975 on GTO Records and includes the UK hits Only You Can and Imagine Me, Imagine You.

The follow-up album, Tails of Illusion, places Noosha Fox more in the background vocally, with most of the songs sung by Kenny Young. Roger Taylor of Queen adds backing vocals to one track on the album. On the next album, Blue Hotel, Noosha Fox returns to singing on all the songs, and the main hit from it is S-S-S-Single Bed. Noosha leaves the group after that release.

Fox later reforms briefly in 1980 and releases Electro-People, which is written as the theme music for The Kenny Everett Show. The band’s line-up includes Noosha Fox on vocals, Kenny Young on guitar and vocals, Herbie Armstrong on guitar and vocals, Jim Gannon on lead guitar and vocals, Pete Solley on keyboard and vocals, Gary Taylor on bass and vocals, and Jim Frank on drums, percussion and vocals.

After the group

After Fox splits up, Kenny Young and Herbie Armstrong work together in Yellow Dog. Armstrong also works with Van Morrison, and Solley later becomes a member of Whitesnake. Noosha Fox attempts a solo career but with limited success. Two compilations are issued later: Only You Can in 1996 and The Very Best of Fox in 1998.