Initially

The Staccatos formed in Ottawa, Ontario in 1963 around vocalist and local disc jockey Dean Hagopian, guitarist Vern Craig, bassist Brian Rading, and drummer/vocalist Rick Bell (Rick Belanger). The band first appeared on record with an early single on Allied Records, establishing themselves within Ottawa’s developing mid-1960s beat and pop-rock scene.

Hagopian left the group in 1964. Les Emmerson joined on vocals and guitar and quickly became the band’s principal songwriter, often collaborating with Vern Craig. This partnership gave the Staccatos a strong original identity at a time when many Canadian bands still relied heavily on covers.

Their profile expanded in 1965 when A&R manager Paul White brought “Small Town Girl” to Capitol Records (Canada). The single charted nationally and moved the band beyond a purely regional act. With financial backing from journalist Sandy Gardiner, the group followed with “Move(d) to California,” further strengthening their radio presence.

Capitol issued the band’s debut LP, Initially, in 1966. The album highlighted a body of Emmerson/Craig originals alongside select covers, reflecting the band’s blend of jangly guitar pop, tight harmony vocals, and energetic rhythm work. Around this period, Rick Bell’s brother Mike Bell joined as a second drummer and vocalist, giving the group an unusual two-drummer lineup.

In 1967 the single “Half Past Midnight,” written by Les Emmerson, became one of the Staccatos’ most successful national records. During this period the band began playing regularly in Toronto’s Yorkville Village while maintaining a steady schedule across Ontario and Quebec.

Around the same time, the Staccatos recorded a series of Coca-Cola radio jingles, which led to a corporate-sponsored collaboration. This resulted in the split LP A Wild Pair, recorded at Hallmark Studios and released on Jack Richardson’s Nimbus Records, pairing the Staccatos with The Guess Who. The album sold well in Canada and prompted Capitol in the United States to issue “Half Past Midnight,” though the group did not achieve sustained U.S. success.

In late 1968 keyboardist Ted Gerow joined the band. Shortly afterward, Vern Craig departed. By this point, the Staccatos had placed multiple singles on Canadian charts over several years, making them one of Ottawa’s most consistently successful mid-1960s rock acts.

Following Craig’s departure, the group adopted a new name drawn from an Emmerson song title: Five Man Electrical Band.

FIVE MAN ELECTRICAL BAND (1969–1973)
Under the new name, the band released the self-titled LP Five Man Electrical Band in 1969, which included the single “It Never Rains on Maple Lane.”

After waiting out their Capitol contract, the group briefly signed with MGM Records without notable commercial impact. They then moved to Lion Records, owned by songwriter Jimmy Webb and produced by Dallas Smith.

In 1971 they released Good-Byes & Butterflies, originally issued with controversial cover art that was later altered. The album produced the international hit “Signs,” which reached No. 3 in the United States and No. 4 in Canada, selling more than two million copies worldwide. The follow-up single “Absolutely Right” reached No. 3 in Canada and entered the U.S. Top 20.

The band went on to release Coming of Age (1972) and Sweet Paradise (1973) before tiring of the commercial cycle of touring and recording. Members subsequently pursued separate musical paths.

Aftermath and legacy
Les Emmerson later led the Emmerson Electrical Band, formed Blue Blood, and in the 1990s recorded as part of the trio Cooper, King & Emmerson.

In 1986, Five Man Electrical Band reunited for a benefit concert, which evolved into occasional Eastern Canadian performances in later years.

The song “Signs” regained international visibility in 1990 through a cover by Tesla, ensuring the band’s continued recognition beyond Canada.
-Robert Williston

Musicians
Dean Hagopian: vocals
Brian Rading: bass
Rick “Bell” Belanger: drums
Les Emmerson: vocals, guitar
Vern Craig: guitar

Songwriting
‘Take Your Time’ written by Holly-Petty
‘Bad Boy’ written by Marty Wilde
‘It’s A Long Way Home’ written by Craig-Emmerson
‘Something’s Got A Hold On Me’ written by Woods-James-Kirkland
‘Small Town Girl’ written by Craig-Emmerson
‘Move To California’ written by Craig-Emmerson
‘You Only Die Once’ written by Craig-Emmerson
‘Nightfall’ written by Craig-Emmerson
‘Poor Baby’ written by Craig-Emmerson
‘Million Kisses’ written by Craig-Emmerson
‘If This Is Love’ written by Craig-Emmerson
‘Do You Mind’ written by Craig-Emmerson

Production
Arranged by The Staccatos
A Dasanda Production
Manufactured by Capitol Records (Canada) Ltd.

Artwork
Cover photo by Bill Lingard, Photo-Features
Attire: Delfinos of Ottawa
Setting: Taarn Toronto, Ottawa, Ontario

Liner Notes
My name is Disc, and for the record, I’m looking for a home — not an ordinary home, but a place where my kind of music is always played. I am deeply attached to this music; it goes everywhere with me. I’ve even given it a name — the Staccato Sound — and it has given me everything I wanted for myself, though that may sound selfish.

So I decided to put myself up for sale. Don’t you think I’m good-looking? Isn’t this a sharp jacket I’m wearing? Dig the sleeve? I knew you would.

I’ve just been waiting for someone like you, with a little taste, to come along, pick me up, and play with me.

The nice thing about me is that I don’t have to be fed or clothed — just give me a needle at least once a day. You see, I’m a Staccato addict, and I don’t mind.

Their music keeps me alive. Of course, you would know this if you had heard them.

First, there is Vern. He is the rhythm guitarist and leader of the group, and nine of these songs were written by Vern and Les.

Which brings us to Les. He is one of the lead vocalists and also plays lead guitar.

Then there is Rick. He is the loudest — but that’s because he is the drummer. He is also the other lead singer.

And finally, there is Brian, the fourth member, who supplies the pulsating bass.

The Staccatos are all from Ottawa, but like me, they want to travel far. I suppose you could say they’ve made quite a groovy impression on me. I’m contented.

There’s only one thing I’d rather be than a disc — and that’s a Staccato. You can’t get any closer to them than that.

Fan Club:
The Staccatos National Fan Club
1266 Emperor Avenue
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada