The Casuals

The Casuals

The Casuals are a pop group associated with the 1960s, with links to both Britain and mainland Europe. They spend several years developing their sound in Europe, particularly in Italy, where they base themselves for a period before returning to Britain in 1967.

Career in the 1960s

In 1968, the group appear on the television talent series Opportunity Knocks. That exposure leads to their biggest commercial breakthrough. Their first and only major hit, Jesamine, reaches number two in the UK singles chart, behind Mary Hopkin’s Those Were the Days.

After Jesamine, The Casuals have a minor hit with Toy, and their album sells well. Their UK chart success then ends, despite later receiving Caroline, a song provided by Roy Wood, which does not return them to the charts.

Style and context

The Casuals are generally described as a 1960s pop act, and their chart history places them among the British groups that briefly achieve national success through television exposure and a small number of singles.