Tony Hicks: The Guitarist Behind The Legendary "On Every Street"

Think of British guitarists who played with The Hollies and you'll probably think of just one name: Tony Hicks.

Tony Hicks is an English guitarist, singer, and songwriter best known as a founding member of the rock band The Hollies.

Hicks was born in Nelson, Lancashire, England, on December 15, 1945. He began playing guitar at the age of 11 and was soon playing in local bands. In 1962, he co-founded The Hollies with Allan Clarke, Graham Nash, Eric Haydock, and Don Rathbone.

The Hollies quickly became one of the most successful British bands of the 1960s, with hits such as "Just One Look", "Bus Stop", and "He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother". Hicks was a major contributor to the band's sound, with his distinctive guitar playing and songwriting. He co-wrote some of the band's biggest hits, including "On a Carousel", "Carrie Anne", and "Jennifer Eccles".

The Hollies continued to record and tour throughout the 1970s and 1980s, but their success began to wane in the 1990s. Hicks left the band in 2000 to pursue a solo career. He has since released several solo albums and toured extensively.

Hicks is considered one of the greatest guitarists of his generation. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of The Hollies in 2010.

Tony Hicks

Musical Style

Hicks is known for his distinctive guitar playing style, which is characterized by its clean, melodic sound and use of fingerpicking. He is also a skilled songwriter, and has written or co-written many of The Hollies' biggest hits.

Influences

Hicks has cited a wide range of influences on his music, including Buddy Holly, Hank Marvin, and Chet Atkins. He has also been influenced by folk and country music.

Legacy

Hicks is considered one of the most influential guitarists of his generation. He has been cited as an influence by many other guitarists, including Eric Clapton, Jimmy Page, and Keith Richards.

Tony Hicks and The Hollies

The Early Years

The Hollies were formed in 1962, and Hicks was a founding member. The band quickly became one of the most successful British bands of the 1960s, with hits such as "Just One Look", "Bus Stop", and "He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother".

The Later Years

The Hollies continued to record and tour throughout the 1970s and 1980s, but their success began to wane in the 1990s. Hicks left the band in 2000 to pursue a solo career.

Legacy

The Hollies were one of the most successful British bands of the 1960s. They had a string of hit singles and albums, and were one of the first British bands to break into the American market. Hicks was a major contributor to the band's success, and is considered one of the greatest guitarists of his generation.

Tony Hicks

Tony Hicks

Tony Hicks is an English guitarist, singer, and songwriter best known as a founding member of the rock band The Hollies. He is considered one of the greatest guitarists of his generation and has been cited as an influence by many other guitarists, including Eric Clapton, Jimmy Page, and Keith Richards.

• Musical Style: Clean, melodic sound and use of fingerpicking.
• Influences: Buddy Holly, Hank Marvin, Chet Atkins, folk, and country music.
• Legacy: Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of The Hollies in 2010.
• Key Collaborations: Allan Clarke, Graham Nash, Eric Haydock, Don Rathbone.
• Major Contributions: Co-wrote some of The Hollies' biggest hits, including "On a Carousel", "Carrie Anne", and "Jennifer Eccles".

Tony Hicks' distinctive guitar playing style and songwriting skills have made him one of the most influential guitarists of his generation. His clean, melodic sound and use of fingerpicking have been cited as an influence by many other guitarists, including Eric Clapton, Jimmy Page, and Keith Richards. Hicks has also been praised for his songwriting skills, having co-written some of The Hollies' biggest hits, including "On a Carousel", "Carrie Anne", and "Jennifer Eccles".

Musical Style

Tony Hicks is known for his distinctive guitar playing style, which is characterized by its clean, melodic sound and use of fingerpicking. This style is evident in many of The Hollies' biggest hits, such as "Just One Look", "Bus Stop", and "He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother".

Hicks' clean, melodic sound is achieved through his use of a Fender Stratocaster guitar and a Vox AC30 amplifier. He typically uses a light touch and a clean picking style, which results in a sound that is both clear and articulate.

Hicks' use of fingerpicking adds a distinctive rhythmic and melodic element to his playing. He often uses fingerpicking to create complex arpeggios and countermelodies, which add depth and interest to his songs.

Hicks' musical style has been praised by many other guitarists, including Eric Clapton, Jimmy Page, and Keith Richards. Clapton has said that Hicks is "one of the most underrated guitarists in the world", and Page has called him "a true master of the guitar".

Hicks' clean, melodic sound and use of fingerpicking have been a major influence on the development of rock and pop guitar playing. He is considered one of the greatest guitarists of his generation, and his style continues to inspire guitarists today.

Influences

Tony Hicks has cited a wide range of influences on his music, including Buddy Holly, Hank Marvin, Chet Atkins, folk, and country music. These influences are evident in his guitar playing, songwriting, and overall musical style.

Hicks was first inspired to play guitar after hearing Buddy Holly's song "Peggy Sue" on the radio. He was immediately drawn to Holly's clean, melodic sound and his use of fingerpicking. Hicks began to practice guitar every day, and he soon developed his own distinctive style, which was influenced by Holly's playing.

Another major influence on Hicks' playing was Hank Marvin of The Shadows. Marvin was known for his innovative use of the electric guitar, and his playing was characterized by its clean, melodic sound and use of reverb. Hicks was inspired by Marvin's playing, and he began to incorporate some of Marvin's techniques into his own playing.

Chet Atkins was another major influence on Hicks' playing. Atkins was a master of the fingerpicking guitar style, and his playing was known for its complexity and beauty. Hicks was inspired by Atkins' playing, and he began to develop his own fingerpicking style, which was influenced by Atkins' techniques.

In addition to these guitarists, Hicks was also influenced by folk and country music. He was drawn to the simplicity and beauty of folk music, and he began to incorporate some of these elements into his own songs. Hicks was also influenced by country music, and he began to use some of the chord progressions and melodies of country music in his own songs.

The influences of Buddy Holly, Hank Marvin, Chet Atkins, folk, and country music are all evident in Tony Hicks' guitar playing, songwriting, and overall musical style. These influences have helped to shape Hicks' unique sound, and they have made him one of the most influential guitarists of his generation.

Legacy

Tony Hicks' induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of The Hollies in 2010 is a testament to his significant contributions to the music industry. As a founding member of The Hollies, Hicks played a pivotal role in shaping the band's sound and songwriting, contributing to their string of hit singles and albums in the 1960s and 1970s.

Hicks' distinctive guitar playing style, characterized by its clean, melodic sound and use of fingerpicking, has been a major influence on countless guitarists. He has also been praised for his songwriting skills, having co-written some of The Hollies' biggest hits, including "On a Carousel", "Carrie Anne", and "Jennifer Eccles".

Hicks' induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is a recognition of his immense talent and contributions to rock and pop music. It is a fitting tribute to a musician who has inspired generations of guitarists and music lovers.

Key Collaborations

Tony Hicks' key collaborations with Allan Clarke, Graham Nash, Eric Haydock, and Don Rathbone were instrumental in the success of The Hollies. Each member brought their own unique talents and skills to the band, and together they created some of the most memorable and enduring songs of the 1960s and 1970s.

• Allan Clarke: Clarke was the lead vocalist and co-songwriter for The Hollies. He had a powerful and distinctive voice, and he was responsible for some of the band's biggest hits, including "Just One Look" and "Bus Stop".
• Graham Nash: Nash was the rhythm guitarist and co-songwriter for The Hollies. He was known for his beautiful harmonies and his introspective lyrics. Nash wrote or co-wrote some of The Hollies' most enduring songs, including "Carrie Anne" and "King Midas in Reverse".
• Eric Haydock: Haydock was the bass guitarist for The Hollies. He was a solid and reliable musician, and he provided the foundation for the band's sound. Haydock also contributed to the songwriting process, co-writing the song "Jennifer Eccles".
• Don Rathbone: Rathbone was the drummer for The Hollies. He was a powerful and dynamic drummer, and he helped to create the band's signature sound. Rathbone also contributed to the songwriting process, co-writing the song "On a Carousel".

Hicks' collaborations with these talented musicians were essential to the success of The Hollies. Each member played a vital role in the band's sound and songwriting, and together they created some of the most memorable and enduring songs of the 1960s and 1970s.

Major Contributions

Tony Hicks is a guitarist, singer, and songwriter best known as a founding member of the rock band The Hollies. He is considered one of the greatest guitarists of his generation and has been cited as an influence by many other guitarists, including Eric Clapton, Jimmy Page, and Keith Richards.

Hicks' major contributions to The Hollies include co-writing some of the band's biggest hits, including "On a Carousel", "Carrie Anne", and "Jennifer Eccles". These songs are all characterized by their catchy melodies, beautiful harmonies, and clever lyrics.

Hicks' songwriting skills are evident in his ability to write songs that are both commercially successful and critically acclaimed. His songs have been praised for their timeless appeal and their ability to connect with listeners on a personal level.

Hicks' major contributions to The Hollies have helped to make the band one of the most successful British bands of all time. Their songs have been covered by countless other artists, and they continue to be enjoyed by fans around the world.

FAQs about Tony Hicks

Tony Hicks is an English guitarist, singer, and songwriter best known as a founding member of the rock band The Hollies. He is considered one of the greatest guitarists of his generation and has been cited as an influence by many other guitarists, including Eric Clapton, Jimmy Page, and Keith Richards.

Question 1: What is Tony Hicks' musical style?

Tony Hicks is known for his distinctive guitar playing style, which is characterized by its clean, melodic sound and use of fingerpicking. He is also a skilled songwriter, and has written or co-written many of The Hollies' biggest hits.

Question 2: What are some of Tony Hicks' major contributions to The Hollies?

Hicks' major contributions to The Hollies include co-writing some of the band's biggest hits, including "On a Carousel", "Carrie Anne", and "Jennifer Eccles". These songs are all characterized by their catchy melodies, beautiful harmonies, and clever lyrics.

Tony Hicks is a highly accomplished guitarist and songwriter who has made significant contributions to British rock music. His distinctive guitar playing style and songwriting skills have made him one of the most influential guitarists of his generation.

Conclusion

Tony Hicks is one of the most influential guitarists of his generation. His distinctive guitar playing style and songwriting skills have helped to shape the sound of British rock music for over five decades.

Hicks' clean, melodic sound and use of fingerpicking have been a major influence on countless guitarists. He is also a skilled songwriter, having co-written some of The Hollies' biggest hits, including "On a Carousel", "Carrie Anne", and "Jennifer Eccles".

Hicks' contributions to British rock music are undeniable. He is a true pioneer of the genre, and his music continues to inspire and entertain fans around the world.