Black is Black
Los Bravos
120 €
Estimated vinyl value [2026 Valuation]
Technical Identification Sheet
| RELEASE NUMBER (Discogs ID) | 2190088 |
| Excel File Row | 217 |
| Date Added to Archive | 27/09/2026, 14:03:32 |
| Pressing Year | 1966 |
| Pressing Type (Press) | 1ST |
| Country of Pressing | UK |
| Record Label | DECCA |
| Stereo / Mono | MONO |
| Catalogue Number | LK 4822 |
| Barcode | N/A |
| Matrix / Runout Side A | ARL-7417-1A B 1 KT ("INK SU RETRO COPERTINA""Mother 1""COVER STICKER"SPECIAL SALE MFG. OVERSTOCK""NO flipback") |
| Matrix / Runout Side B | ARL-7418-1A C 1 KT ("Mother 1") |
| Sleeve Condition | VG+ |
| Media Condition | M |
| Inner Sleeve Condition | NM |
| Genre | Funk / Soul |
| External Link | View Original Release ↗ |
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Story & Background
This 1ST pressing DECCA of "Black is Black" by Los Bravos holds a fascinating, almost legendary anecdote that defined its destiny. Although Mike Kennedy was the charismatic frontman of the Spanish band, it is said that the lead vocals on this iconic track were not entirely his on the original master. Due to his pronounced German accent and the need to ensure a perfectly Anglophone *sound* for the international market, an uncredited session singer was used for the more complex and crucial vocal parts. Many point to Jimmy Thomas or John "Bugs" Stuart as the hidden voices that provided that essential British touch for its global success. This strategic choice was instrumental in ensuring the single rapidly climbed the charts in UK and USA, consecrating it as a classic of the British Invasion, despite coming from an Iberian band. A vocal mystery that makes this 1ST pressing an even more intriguing piece for any collector attentive to the secrets of pop history.
Image Gallery
Official Tracklist
- A1 - Trapped (2:53)
- A2 - Baby, Baby (2:18)
- A3 - Make It Easy For Me (2:33)
- A4 - She Believes In Me (2:39)
- A5 - Will You Always Love Me (2:58)
- A6 - Black Is Black (2:38)
- B1 - Stop That Girl (2:23)
- B2 - Give Me A Chance (2:34)
- B3 - Cuttin' Out (2:57)
- B4 - Two Kinds Of Lovers (2:10)
- B5 - You Won't Get Far (2:15)
- B6 - Baby, Believe Me (2:14)
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