The Beau Marks were formed in Montreal in 1958.

The group took their name from the Beaumark Missile that Canada was installing throughout the Canadian North to protect us from any Russian invasion.

Ray Hutchinson (Guitar,) Mike Robitaille (Guitar, Bass), Jerry Frechette (Piano) Gilles Tailleur (Drums).

The groups’ first release was ‘Clap your Hands’ in 1959 and the U.S. industry executives wanted to release the song under the name the Del-Tones as it sounded more American to them.

‘Clap your Hands’ can be found under the Del-Tone name, but the group stood up to the industry and insisted that the name Beau-Marks be used.

‘Clap your Hands’ became a hit in Canada, Australia and the U.S.

It hit number 45 on the Billboard 100 and number 40 on Cashbox.

‘Clap your Hands’ was released in France as ‘Frappe Tes Mains’ and in Quebec as ‘Tape Des Mains’.

The Beau-Marks appeared on American Bandstand which bolstered their record sales in the U.S. and they even appeared at Carnegie Hall in New York.

The group had five good years on the road before they retired in 1963.

The Beau-Marks, one of the many Canadian bands that pioneered the way for the Canadian Music industry to succeed as our own industry.

I have sent three of their recordings for your listening pleasure.

Enjoy