Londonbeat

Londonbeat is a London-based dance-pop and pop group active from 1988 to the present. The act forms around a multi-racial R&B and dance line-up and is associated with close vocal harmonies and instrumentally driven arrangements.

Formation and members

The group originally consists of Jimmy Helms, Jimmy Chambers, George Chandler and William Henshall. A later line-up also includes Myles Kayne, Charles Pierre and Jimmy Helms, alongside the other members listed in the group’s current roster.

Early career and breakthrough

Londonbeat’s career begins in the Netherlands, where There’s A Beat Going On reaches the Top 10. That success leads to increased attention for 9 A.M., which becomes a modest hit in the United Kingdom.

Notable songs

The group is best known for I’ve Been Thinking About You, which reaches number one on both the Hot 100 and the Hot Dance Music/Club Play charts in 1991. Their follow-up single A Better Love becomes a Hot 100 Top 20 hit, and Come Back returns them to number one on the dance chart while reaching number 62 on the Hot 100.

Eurovision and later activity

In 1995, Londonbeat enters the UK heats of the Eurovision Song Contest with I’m Just Your Puppet on a ... (String), but does not progress to the main contest. The single reaches number 55. In 2003, the group reunites with a new line-up and signs to the German label Coconut. An album titled Back in the Hi-Life follows, including new tracks alongside re-recordings of A Better Love and I’ve Been Thinkin About You.