The Esquires

Inducted 17 March 2022

The Esquires began life in 1960 as the Tempests, an instrumental outfit.  Early on in their existence they recognised the need for a vocalist and recruited Bobby James after spotting him performing on Channel 7’s ‘Stairway to the Stars’.  In July, 1962 Bobby James & The Esquires were offered the prime residency at the Teensville Casual Club at the Palais Royal, on North Terrace in the City.  Together with James, the Esquires started the popular Teenscene dance in the Irish Hall in Carrington Street.  In mid-1964 The Esquires embraced the Beatles-sound.  Toward the end of the year, Bobby James & The Esquires achieved their ambition of releasing a record, ‘Don’t You Do That / Tossing and Turning’, becoming a local hit. 

In early 1965, Bobby James departed and popular Teensville performer Bobby Hunter was enlisted as the new vocalist.  In June of that year EMI released ‘Ecnad (The Backwards Dance)’ / ‘Theme From The Proud Ones’, two instrumentals recorded by the band.

The Esquires underwent many line-up changes over the years as they continued to entertain Adelaideans into the 90’s and beyond.  Inducted to the Hall of Fame from the band were Bevan Sharpe (drums) (posthumously), Billy Orr (lead guitar), Les Tanner (lead guitar, (Gary Mordaunt (saxophone), Brian Parker (bass guitar) (posthumously), Jim Probert (piano), Graham Bettany (bass guitar), Bruce Heaft (drums) and vocalists Bobby James and Bobby Hunter.