Originally known as Los Sonor, Mike Kogel (vocals), Antonio Martinez (guitar), Manolo ‘Manuel’ Fernandez (organ), Miguel Vicens Danus (bass) and Pablo ‘Gomez’ Samllehi (drums) were voted Spain’s top beat group following two Top 10 hits in their own country.
Kogel had previously recorded as Michael and The Firebirds, Mike Keller, and Mike and Joe and The Rebel Guys.
Los Bravos achieved international recognition in 1966 when Black Is Black, a song composed by two Englishmen, Tony Hayes and Steve Wadey, rose to #2 in the UK charts in the wake of heavy promotion on pirate radio.
The song’s compulsive hook line proved equally popular in the USA where it reached #4, but the quintet was sadly unable to repeat the success.
Despite a series of superior pop performances, including an effervescent reading of an Easybeats composition Bring A Little Lovin’.
I Don’t Care (1966) was the group’s last UK Top 20 entry.
Kogel later recorded as Mike Kennedy.
Mike Kogel
Vocals Antonio Martinez
Guitar Manolo ‘Manuel’ Fernandez
Organ Miguel Vicens Danus
Bass Pablo ‘Gomez’ Samllehi
Drums
