For the beverage, see Hot chocolate.
Hot Chocolate was a British band of the 1960s, and 1970s, and 1980s formed by Errol Brown (a Briton who was born in Jamaica). They were originally named 'The Hot Chocolate Band' by Mavis Smith, who worked for the Apple Corps press office. This was quickly shortened to just Hot Chocolate.
Errol started their recording career making a reggae version of John Lennon's " Give Peace A Chance", but he was told he needed permission. Much to Errol's surprise, he was contacted by Apple Records, and discovered that John Lennon loved his version, and they subsequently signed to Apple Records. The connection was short-lived, as The Beatles were in their death throes, and the Apple connection soon fizzled out.
By then, the multi-racial group Hot Chocolate, with the help of ace record producer Mickie Most, began releasing tracks that became minor hits, such as "Love Is Life" in 1970. All Hot Chocolate's original releases were on the RAK record label, to whom they signed in 1970, and which was owned by Mickie Most. But as yet, Hot Chocolate did not have a very high profile as an act.
This was to change significantly, as the five piece, Brixton, London based, outfit started to become UK singles chart regulars. " Brother Louie", and " Emma" were more successful singles, and introduced their distinctive sound.
It was in the disco era of the mid-1970s onwards, that Hot Chocolate became such a big success, and when they became indelibly identified with 'funky disco'. A combination of high production standards, the growing confidence of the main songwriting team of Tony Wilson and Errol Brown, and tight harmonies, enabled them to secure further big hits, like " You Sexy Thing" and " Every 1's A Winner".
