Vanilla Fudge formed in 1965, originally as The Pigeons, before signing to Atlantic Records in 1967. They switched to Vanilla Fudge after label boss Ahmet Ertegun declared his dislike for the name. At this time, the line-up was Mark Stein (vocals, organ), Tim Bogert (bass, vocals), Vince Martell (guitar, vocals) and Carmine Appice (drums, vocals). This classic line-up recorded five albums between 1967 and ‘69 before going their separate ways in 1970. They recorded sporadically from 1984, but never regained their early success.
This month’s column focuses on the group’s initial period, taking inspiration from the albums Vanilla Fudge (1967), The Beat Goes On (1968), Renaissance (1968), Near The Beginning (1969) and Rock And Roll (1969). Although these featured some original material, the band was better known for extended arrangements…
