CHARLYS294

A. Little Hank - Mister Bang Bang Man
B. Little Hank - Try To Understand

CULT MOD AND NORTHERN SOUL 45

Little is known about Little Hank (pardon the pun) and his short lived music career that saw just two releases on John Richbourg’s Sound Stage 7 label out of Nashville, Tennessee. However, his song “Mister Bang Bang Man” became an instant hit on the Mod/Soul scene when it was given a British release on the London Monument imprint, 11th November, 1966. It was a particular favourite of Mod “Face” Peter Meaden (first manager of The Who) who later recorded it with Jimmy James & The Vagabonds for his New Wave label. Sadly it was never released but the original “Mister Bang Bang Man” remains an anthem on the UK rare soul scene.

Little Hank’s debut 45 “Try To Understand” was a USA only release in October 1965. In recent times it has grown in popularity on both the UK Northern Soul and L.A. Lowrider scenes and original copies now change hands for up to $200. At the time of release it was covered in the U.K. by Lulu & The Luvvers and in the U.S.A. by Cindy Malone who is perhaps best known for her role in the hit TV series Batman in which, rather ironically, she played the character of Lulu!