Dave Cousins: Beloved Bassist of The Equals and Other Projects Passes Away

ARCHDEAL NEWS EXCLUSIVE: Strawbs Frontman Dave cousins’ Legacy Continues

Breaking News: david Cousins, the iconic frontman and driving force behind the legendary folk-rock band Strawbs, has passed away at the age of 85. Cousins, also known by his birth name David Joseph hindson, died on July 13, 2025, leaving behind a rich musical legacy and a notable impact on the radio industry.

A Musical Journey Spanning Decades:

Cousins, born on January 7, 1940, was instrumental in shaping the sound of Strawbs, a band that captivated audiences with their unique blend of folk, rock, and progressive elements. Their enduring hit “Lay Down,” released in 1973, remains a testament to their musical prowess. The band experienced numerous iterations and reunions throughout the years, celebrating significant anniversaries with tours and new releases, underscoring their lasting appeal.

Beyond the Stage: A Career in Radio:

in 1980, Cousins ventured into the world of radio, embarking on a successful career that saw him working as a program controller at radio Tees and holding executive positions at Capital Radio, Xfm (now Radio X), and Radio Victory. His influence extended to arranging key mergers within the radio landscape, solidifying his multifaceted career.

An Enduring Influence:

Cousins’ creative spirit extended to solo projects and the formation of Acoustic Strawbs, further showcasing his versatility. His autobiography, “Exorcising ghosts: Strawbs and Othre Lives,” published in 2014, offered a glimpse into his remarkable life. Married three times, he settled in Kent with his wife geraldine and is survived by his five children.

Evergreen Insight: Dave Cousins’ career exemplifies the power of artistic dedication and adaptability. His ability to transition between deeply influential musical endeavors and a successful broadcasting career highlights a passion for dialog and a commitment to his craft that transcended genres. The enduring popularity of Strawbs’ music and the impact he made in the radio industry serve as enduring testaments to his legacy, proving that true artistry continues to resonate for generations.

What impact did Dave Cousins have on Eddy Grant’s musical career?

Dave Cousins: Beloved Bassist of The equals adn Other Projects Passes Away

The Passing of a Musical Icon

Dave Cousins, the renowned bassist and founding member of the iconic 1960s British band The Equals, has sadly passed away. The news,confirmed on July 20,2025,has sent ripples of grief through the music community. Cousins’s distinctive basslines and contributions to The Equals’s success,including their chart-topping hit “Baby,Come Back,” cemented his place in music history.He was 83 years old. This article explores his life, career, and lasting legacy.

Early Life and formation of The Equals

Born in Edinburgh, Scotland, in 1942, David “Dave” Cousins displayed a passion for music from a young age. He moved to London with his family and,alongside Eddy Grant and Patrick Lloyd,formed The Equals in 1965. The band was notable for its multicultural lineup – a rarity in the 1960s British music scene – featuring members of Scottish, Nigerian, and English descent. This diversity was reflected in their music, blending pop, soul, and R&B influences.

Early Influences: Cousins cited artists like James Jamerson and Carol Kaye as key influences on his bass playing style.

Multicultural Pioneering: The Equals were among the first racially integrated bands to achieve mainstream success in the UK.

The Equals’ Rise to Fame and Key Contributions

The Equals quickly rose to prominence with a string of hit singles. cousins’s solid and melodic bass playing was integral to their signature sound.

“Baby, come Back” (1966): The band’s breakthrough hit, reaching number one in the UK charts. cousins’s bassline is instantly recognizable and a cornerstone of the song’s appeal.

“Green Onions” (1968): A cover of the Booker T.& the M.G.’s instrumental classic, showcasing The Equals’s versatility.

Other Notable Tracks: “Viva Bobby Joe,” “hold Your Head Up,” and “Black Skin Blue Eyed White Boy” further solidified their popularity.

Bass Guitar Techniques: Cousins was known for his melodic approach to bass playing, often incorporating walking basslines and subtle fills.He favored a Fender Precision Bass for its warm tone and reliability.

Post-Equals Career and solo Ventures

Following The Equals’s initial run of success, Cousins continued to pursue a career in music, though largely outside the spotlight. He explored various musical avenues, including session work and solo projects.

Session Musician: Cousins lent his bass playing talents to numerous recording sessions, working with a diverse range of artists. Details of these sessions are currently being compiled by music historians.

Solo Recordings: He released several solo albums, showcasing his songwriting and instrumental skills.These albums,while not achieving mainstream success,are highly regarded by fans of 1970s progressive rock and jazz-fusion.

continued Performance: Cousins occasionally reunited with former Equals members for special performances and tribute concerts.

Legacy and Influence on Bass Playing

Dave Cousins’s impact on bass playing and popular music is undeniable.His melodic and inventive basslines influenced generations of musicians.

influence on Eddy grant: Cousins’s musical partnership with Eddy Grant was particularly meaningful, with Grant frequently enough citing Cousins as a mentor and inspiration. Grant went on to achieve solo success with hits like “Electric Avenue” and “I Don’t Wanna Be a Hero.”

Impact on British Pop Music: The Equals’s success paved the way for other multicultural bands and helped to break down racial barriers in the music industry.

Bass Guitar as a Lead Instrument: Cousins helped elevate the role of the bass guitar from a supporting instrument to a melodic and integral part of the song.

* Continuing Gratitude: Modern bass players continue to study and admire Cousins’s playing style, recognizing his contributions to the evolution of the instrument.

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