The Kestrels, emerging from Bristol, England, carved a niche in the late 1950s and early 1960s as one of the era's most prolific vocal harmony quartets. Their music, a harmonious blend that paved the way for future generations, served as a cornerstone in the development of vocal techniques and styles later embraced by electronic and dance music artists. The group is historically significant for being the meeting ground for the legendary songwriting duo, Roger Cook and Roger Greenaway, whose compositions would later dominate the charts.
Their extensive work as backup vocalists for notable artists like Joe Brown, Billy Fury, and even Benny Hill, coupled with their regular television appearances, underscored their influence and versatility in the music scene of their time. Although not directly rooted in electronic music, The Kestrels' exploration of vocal harmonies and collaboration with influential songwriters contributed indirectly to the genre's evolution, inspiring the use of vocal layering and harmony in electronic tracks. Their legacy, marked by their contribution to the songwriting landscape and vocal performance technique, remains influential in the realms of electronic and dance music production.
