White Plains: The Hit-Making British Pop Group

White Plains were a British pop group that emerged from the late 1960s studio session scene to become a major chart force in the early 1970s. The band, formed in England, scored a string of international hits, most notably their million-selling single "My Baby Loves Lovin'".

Early career

The group's origins trace back to 1969, formed by producer and songwriter Roger Cook and musician Roger Greenaway. Initially operating as a studio project, the core vocalists were former members of The Flower Pot Men, including Tony Burrows, who was already famous for fronting numerous hit-making studio groups.

Their early sound was crafted under the guidance of Cook and Greenaway's prolific songwriting and production team, leading to a recording contract with the Deram Records label, a subsidiary of Decca.

Breakthrough

The band's major breakthrough came swiftly in 1970 with the release of "My Baby Loves Lovin'". The infectious pop song became a global smash, reaching the Top 10 in the United Kingdom and soaring to number 13 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart. The single's massive success was certified gold in the United States for sales exceeding one million copies.

This hit established White Plains as a genuine chart act beyond their session roots, leading to the release of their self-titled debut album later that same year.

Key tracks

My Baby Loves Lovin' — This 1970 smash was their signature hit, achieving gold certification and defining their bright, melodic pop sound.

I've Got You on My Mind — A follow-up single from 1971 that continued their chart success in the UK, demonstrating their consistent hit-making formula.

When You Are a King — This 1973 release showed a slightly more dramatic, narrative side to the group's polished pop productions.

Step into a Dream — A later single that encapsulated their harmonious, easy-listening approach within the pop genre.

Following their initial peak, White Plains continued to release albums and singles throughout the early 1970s, including "When You Are a King" and "Home Loving Man". While they never quite replicated the colossal success of "My Baby Loves Lovin'", they remained a reliable presence on pop charts and radio playlists. The group's lineup featured several changes over the years, with various members coming and going while maintaining their characteristic vocal harmony sound.

Their music often featured the distinctive lead vocals of Tony Burrows, who simultaneously fronted other hit projects like Edison Lighthouse and The Pipkins. The band's final original singles were released in 1974, though their catalog of upbeat, melodic pop has endured on compilation albums and oldies radio formats.

Fans of the melodic, harmony-driven British pop of White Plains often enjoy the work of similar artists from the same era. The New Seekers shared a knack for crisp, chart-ready vocal pop anthems. The Brotherhood Of Man operated in a similar space of studio-crafted, harmonized pop hits. The Fortunes delivered a comparable blend of gentle rock and smooth vocal arrangements. Edison Lighthouse is a direct relation, famously sharing lead singer Tony Burrows during the same period.

The music of White Plains maintains a steady rotation on classic pop and 70s hits radio stations featured on this website. Their upbeat tracks are staples on formats dedicated to nostalgic hits, soft rock, and the classic pop genre, ensuring their cheerful sound continues to reach new generations of listeners.

You can hear the classic pop hits of White Plains regularly on the radio stations available through onairium.com. Tune in to discover their timeless melodies and harmonious sound on various stations that celebrate the best of 1970s chart music.