The Federals

The Federals

The Federals is a group name used for more than one act, including a 50s doo-wop band, a Jamaican reggae group, and an indie rock act. The group listed here is associated with rock and indie, and also with rocksteady, ska and reggae.

Jamaican reggae group

The Federals form in Kingston, Jamaica, in the mid-1960s. The line-up includes Valman Smykle, A.J. Franklin, who is also known as Franklin Spence, and Scotty, born David Scott. Franklin and Scott both come from Westmoreland and later move to Kingston. By the end of 1967, the group is performing professionally.

While working at the Sombrero Club in Kingston, they are noticed by former singer Derrick Harriott, who becomes their producer and promoter. Under his guidance, The Federals score a hit with "Penny for Your Song", which establishes them as one of the leading new groups of the period and a significant live draw. They continue with singles including "By the River" and "Shocking Love", although these do not chart. Harriott also books them on a package tour called "Derrick Harriott's Musical Chariot".

Financial problems and disputes over payment affect the group, and in 1969 Smykle moves to New York. The Federals then stop performing until Scotty and Franklin are joined by Noel "Bunny" Brown, followed by Richard MacDonald. This revised line-up takes the name the Chosen Few, beginning a separate history.