Crack of Dawn facts for kids

Crack of Dawn is a Canadian band from Toronto, Ontario. They formed in the mid-1970s and play R&B, funk, and soul music. This band is famous for being the first Black Canadian band to sign with a major record label. A major record label is a big company that helps musicians record and sell their music.

The Band's Story

Starting Out in Toronto

Crack of Dawn began in Toronto in the mid-1970s. The first members were Grant Gabriel, his sister Jackie Gabriel, Trevor Daley, Rupert Harvey, Mark Smith, Alvin Jones, and Carl Otway. The Gabriels were originally from Springhill, Nova Scotia.

Soon after, the Gabriel siblings left the band. Four new members joined: Harvey's brother Carl Harvey, lead singer Glen Ricketts, Jacek Sobotta, and Dwight Gabriel. Later, Andre King briefly replaced Mark Smith.

The band became well-known for their exciting live shows in Toronto's clubs. One day, while practicing in the Little Jamaica area, American producer Bob Gallo discovered them. After meeting with Gallo, the group signed a recording contract with Columbia Records in 1975. This was a big step for them!

First Album and Breakup

In 1976, Crack of Dawn released their first album, which was also called Crack of Dawn. This album had a hit song called "It's Alright (This Feeling)". It reached number 45 on Canada's RPM Singles Chart.

The band toured all over Canada to support their album. They also released three more songs: "The Key", "Keep the Faith", and "Boobie Ruby".

However, the band broke up the next year, in 1977. This happened because music executives at Columbia Records wanted Glen Ricketts to start a solo career. They also tried to change the band's musical style.

Starting Over and New Music

In 1980, Dwight Gabriel brought Crack of Dawn back together. This time, it was a four-person group. Three new members joined: James (Jay) McGee, George Flint, and Gary Steed. James McGee had previously made hip hop songs under the name Mr. Q.

A new album called Horizons was released in 1981 by TTR Records. But this album was only sold in the Netherlands. The band released one song from it, "If You Want to Groove", before breaking up again in 1982.

Reunion and Recent Years

Crack of Dawn reunited for a special concert in 2012 at Toronto's Harbourfront Centre. After this, the group started working on a new album.

The band's lineup for this new phase included some original members: Otway, the Harvey brothers, Daley, and Jones. New members also joined: Alexis Baro, Bela Hajmann, Charles Sinclair, and lead singer Michael Dunston. In 2017, the group released their album Spotlight through Ford Street Records.

Their Impact

Crack of Dawn holds a special place in music history. They were the first Black Canadian band to sign with a major record label, Columbia, in 1975.

After the band's first breakup, many members went on to have their own careers or join other groups. Rupert Harvey had a solo career using the name "Ojiji". He also helped start the reggae band Messenjah. Carl Harvey became the lead guitarist for the ska and reggae band Toots and the Maytals.

Glen Ricketts started a solo career in R&B music. He later moved to Jamaica and began singing reggae under the name "Glen Ricks". His son, Glenn Lewis, also became a successful neo soul singer in the early 2000s.

Albums Released

• Crack of Dawn (1976)
• Horizons (1981)
• Spotlight (2017)