SHAZAM

During the '70s, a pair of different bands used the Hot Chocolate moniker: one was based in the UK (scoring a massive worldwide disco hit with "You Sexy Thing"), while the other was lesser-known and hailed from the US (Cleveland, OH, to be exact). Consisting of members Lou Ragland (vocals, guitar), George Pickett (bass), and Tony Roberson (drums), Hot Chocolate built a regional following by playing live shows, but only managed to issue a pair of singles (1970's "We Had True Love" b/w "Good for the Gander" and 1973's "Since You Said You'd Be Mine," the latter of which was credited solely to Ragland) and a seven-track self-titled debut album from 1971. When the trio found out that another band shared their name, they decided to rename themselves Seven Miles High. Although Hot Chocolate's debut sank without a trace upon its initial release, it has become a cult classic within record-collecting circles and for funk fans. ~ Greg Prato, Rovi