Greyhound evolved from the Rudies, subsequently known as Freddie Notes And The Rudies. The band was formed by Danny Smith and Freddie Notes in the second half of the 60s. Working with Dandy Livingstone, then known as Dandy, they had a hit in 1969 with "Night Train". They enjoyed hits in the reggae charts including "Down On The Farm" and a version of Clarence Carter's "Patches". Their version of Bobby Bloom's "Montego Bay" was almost a crossover hit. While collectively known as the Rudies, they released Unity and Montego Bay, both of which were titled after their hit singles. In the early 70s Notes left the band and was replaced by Glenroy Oakley, and it was at this stage that the transformation took place. Trojan Records had several unsuccessful attempts at recording a live album, but the release of Trojan Reggae Party Volume One resolved this with musical backing provided by Greyhound. The group accompanied a host of top reggae artists at the show, as well as performing "You Made Me So Very Happy" and "Move On Up". In June 1971 the new line-up had a Top 10 hit with "Black And White". In January 1972, following successful touring, the group covered Andy Williams' number 1 hit "Moon River", and entered the UK Top 20. Their sound had by now been diluted and the addition of strings did nothing to enhance the recordings. The final hit, "I Am What I Am", a plea for recognition in a white-dominated society, peaked at number 20 in March of that same year. A combination of the Pioneers and Greyhound, known as the Uniques, released a cover version of Paul Simon's "Mother And Child Reunion", followed by "Lonely For Your Love". The singles did not reap the rewards they deserved and resulted in confusion within the group, which also featured Slim Smith, Lloyd Charmers and Jimmy Riley. The release of "Floating" did not match the success of the earlier recordings in either the reggae or national chart, although the later output had more of a reggae feel. Disillusioned with the lack of promotion, a change of labels ensued and despite national airplay the follow-up releases, "Wily", "Only Love Can Win" and "Dream Lover", failed to attain chart status. Shortly after the release of Mango Rock the group disbanded, and Sonny Binns joined the Cimarons while the others emerged as Dansak, who toured the UK in 1974 with Jimmy Cliff and Dave Barker.
