Les Emmerson
Encyclopedia
Les Emmerson is the lead vocalist
and guitarist
for the band Five Man Electrical Band
. He also recorded as a solo artist, charting in Canada with "Cry Your Eyes Out".
He is best known for the song "Signs", which was a hit for the Five Man Electrical Band in 1970 and also a hit for the band Tesla
in 1990. Both versions of the song sold approximately 1.5 million copies at the time of each release. In 2006, the song was sampled by Fat Boy Slim in the platinum-selling song, "Don't Let The Man Get You Down". Particularly as a result of the Fat Boy Slim sampling, Emerson earns enough money from royalties on "Signs" that he can support an average lifestyle without working.
"Cry Your Eyes Out" was released as a solo single on the Lion label, while Emmerson remained active with Five Man Electrical Band. The song reached a peak of #18 on RPM Weekly's
Top Singles chart in September 1973.
Emmerson remains based in Ottawa as of mid-2009.
Lead vocalist
The lead vocalist is the member of a band who sings the main vocal portions of a song. They may also play one or more instruments. Lead vocalists are sometimes referred to as the frontman or frontwoman, and as such, are usually considered to be the "leader" of the groups they perform in, often the...
and guitarist
Guitarist
A guitarist is a musician who plays the guitar. Guitarists may play a variety of instruments such as classical guitars, acoustic guitars, electric guitars, and bass guitars. Some guitarists accompany themselves on the guitar while singing.- Versatility :The guitarist controls an extremely...
for the band Five Man Electrical Band
Five Man Electrical Band
The Five Man Electrical Band was a rock group from Canada's capital city of Ottawa, best known for their 1971 hit single "Signs"....
. He also recorded as a solo artist, charting in Canada with "Cry Your Eyes Out".
He is best known for the song "Signs", which was a hit for the Five Man Electrical Band in 1970 and also a hit for the band Tesla
Tesla (band)
Tesla is an American hard rock band formed in Sacramento, California in 1984. They have sold 14 million albums in the United States.-Formation and Mechanical Resonance :...
in 1990. Both versions of the song sold approximately 1.5 million copies at the time of each release. In 2006, the song was sampled by Fat Boy Slim in the platinum-selling song, "Don't Let The Man Get You Down". Particularly as a result of the Fat Boy Slim sampling, Emerson earns enough money from royalties on "Signs" that he can support an average lifestyle without working.
"Cry Your Eyes Out" was released as a solo single on the Lion label, while Emmerson remained active with Five Man Electrical Band. The song reached a peak of #18 on RPM Weekly's
RPM (magazine)
RPM was a Canadian music industry publication that featured song and album charts for Canada. The publication was founded by Walt Grealis in February 1964, supported through its existence by record label owner Stan Klees. RPM ceased publication in November 2000.RPM stood for "Records, Promotion,...
Top Singles chart in September 1973.
Emmerson remains based in Ottawa as of mid-2009.