Legend

Legend is a British soul group from Southend-on-Sea, active from 1969 to 1972. It is Mickey Jupp’s soul band and grew out of an earlier Southend R&B group, The Orioles, which formed in the mid-1960s.

Background

The original Orioles line-up collapses in March 1966 when Mickey Jupp is sent to prison. After his release, he re-forms the group under the name Legend. The band is associated with Southend’s pub rock and R&B scene, but its recorded work is rooted in soul.

Recording history

Legend records three albums produced by Tony Visconti. Although the band receives little attention at the time, it becomes well regarded by other musicians. One of its best-known songs is “Cheque Book”, which is later covered by Dr. Feelgood and Paul Weller.

Members

The group includes Mickey Jupp, Bill Legend, John Bobin, Mo Witham, Bob Clouter, Barney James, Nigel Dunbar, Chris East and Steve Geere.