The Kinks were an English rock band formed in Muswell Hill, North London, by brothers
Ray and Dave Davies in 1964. Categorised in the United States as a British Invasion
band, the Kinks are recognised as one of the most important and influential rock groups
of the era.
Their music was influenced by a wide range of genres, including rhythm and blues,
British music hall, folk and country. The Kinks first came to prominence in 1964 with
their third single, "You Really Got Me", written by Ray Davies. It became an
international hit, topping the charts in the United Kingdom and reaching the Top 10 in
the United States. Between the mid-1960s and early 1970s, the group released a string
of commercially and critically successful singles and LPs, and gained a reputation for
songs and concept albums reflecting English culture and lifestyle, fuelled by Ray
Davies' observational writing style.
Ray and Dave Davies in 1964. Categorised in the United States as a British Invasion
band, the Kinks are recognised as one of the most important and influential rock groups
of the era.
Their music was influenced by a wide range of genres, including rhythm and blues,
British music hall, folk and country. The Kinks first came to prominence in 1964 with
their third single, "You Really Got Me", written by Ray Davies. It became an
international hit, topping the charts in the United Kingdom and reaching the Top 10 in
the United States. Between the mid-
songs and concept albums reflecting English culture and lifestyle, fuelled by Ray
Davies' observational writing style.