The Tams are an American vocal soul group from Atlanta, Georgia, who enjoyed their greatest chart success in the 1960s, but continued to chart in the 1970s, and the 1980s. Two separate lineups of the group continue to perform and record. One lineup, called 'The Original Tams with R. L. Smith', features original member Robert Lee Smith, and the other lineup is under the leadership of Charles Pope, the brother of co-founder Joe Pope. The band formed in 1960, and took their name from the Tam o'shanter hats they wore on stage.
Links to Peel[]
The band had their only UK number 1 single in 1971 called "Hey Girl Don't Bother Me", which was a re-release from the 60's and a favourite of Peel. It is not known how often he played the song when it was released, due to limited number of tracklistings available from that period, but it was widely played on Radio 1 at a time when JP was beginning to show more interest in soul music. The DJ chose the song for his Peelenium for 1971.
Peelenium[]
- Peelenium 1971: Hey Girl Don't Bother Me
Shows Played[]
The Tams - Hey Girl Don't Bother Me
- 1999
- 11 November 1999: 'Hey Girl Don't Bother Me (7")' (Probe) Peelenium 1971