Herbie Goins & The Nightimers – No.1 In Your Heart
American singer Herbie Goins found himself in London after leaving the US armed forces in 1963. In 1964 he formed a band called the Nightimers & set about bringing soul music to the UK. Herbie’s first documented recordings that I can track were a guest spot as a featured vocalist on Alexis Korner’s “Live At The Cavern” LP from 64. The “No.1 In Your Heart” LP was the only full length the band released, although there is a 7″ EP & at least 2-3 45s as well. The album features tracks recorded both in 1966 & 1967, they are a mix of covers & originals. They are all really great soul & the album appears to have been released or re-released under a couple of different titles: “Soul Soul Soul” & “Soultime”. There seems to be some speculation as to whether or not the LP features John McLaughlin on guitar, because although he was the original guitarist in the Nightimers, he left the band in late 1966. One of his compositions “Cruisin'” still appears on the LP. I’m a pretty big fan of these UK soul bands & am especially fascinated by the ones that featured US singers (Geno Washington etc.). This album is among the most consistent artifiacts of the era I have heard with none of the embarassing tracks that you have to skip to make it an enjoyable listen. Herbie Goins may be based in Italy now. He is apparently still singing, but because all of the recent websites mentioning his name are written in Italian I really don’t know anything more specific. I wonder why he opted to stay in Europe & not return to the US? Check out the track “Coming Home To You” written by Goins & keyboardist Mike Carr.
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4 Comments
HI,
Herbie and the band did a gig at Bowes Lyon House in Stevenage in 1968 – it was filmed by the BBC. I was in the audience there. I also understand that Linda Lewis did vocals with him for a while but I don’t remember her being there that night
Herbie soing short UK tour 2008 – backed by Norman Beaker band – see Chris FARLOWE’S website (under tours) for details)
Herbie does indeed live in Rome (where I live) – and is still singing. There is an e mail contact on his web site – which also has an english version if you look.
Herbie and l were good friends back in the sixties l was introduced by Elkie Brooks who l worked with we had great times in all the clubs where all was free as he was held in high regard l would really like to get in contact again if he reads this