Clem Curtis is the angel-voiced centre of one of Britain's most successful and short-lived soul outfits. The Foundations's first hit 'Now That I Have Found You' romped to the top of the charts in 1967, making them as the first first multi-racial act to have a UK No.1. Despite a flurry of hits, Clem departed, and they eventually split in 1970. Fresh from his solo efforts, Clem returned to England and formed his own version of the band in '71, and continues to tour the band's formidable catalogue of hits around the globe.

So, looking back...
Clem: I think that over the last 30 odd years I enjoyed being in the Foundations, and stayed with them so long, or re-formed them when I came back. All in all, I've had an amazing time.

So why did you leave?
Clem: I felt that the other members weren't making any real effort. The first hit was 'Baby Now That I Have Found You' and then did 'Back On My Feet Again' then we did an album which they didn't play on at all. It was all session work and I did the vocals. And then after a while, no one wanted to rehearse or do anything. And I had found something that I really wanted to do. Luckily I had met Sammy Davis Jr at the time, and he had arranged to meet some people in America. By the time I had made that transition the Foundations had broke up. I think because they couldn't cut it at the time. So I reformed the Foundations.

Regrets? Have you had a few?
Clem: I think that the greatest thing I did was leave the band. I got to hang out with Wilson Pickett, Lloyd Price, Sam & Dave. It was a great time to be in America. When you watched American acts, you saw the charisma they had and the way they did things. It gave me an insight and made me decided what I wanted to do. I reformed the band in 1971 and have since been all over the world, with some of the best musicians in England. I worked very hard to put the Foundations where it is today, and I'm still hanging in there and doing great shows.
Do you keep in touch with the original members?
Clem: No. Over the years we haven't seen each other for a long time. I travel a lot. I do lots of functions and things so the band works fine as it is.

Where have you been lately?
Clem:Sunday I was down at Minehead doing a '70s festival with Edwin Starr. I go to America regularly. I did a show with the Four Tops the year before last. I go to Dubai quite a lot. I'm off to Holland in April and Germany in May. Next week I'm off to Skegness and Leicester. Before Christmas we tour of universities, and we have a couple coming up.

Not bad going for a man of your years...
Clem:If you want to know I'm 62. I keep going because I love what I do. I have a great bunch of musicians around me that have been with me for years. I love entertaining and sometimes I'm very disappointed that people like me who have had No.1 don't get the recognition that they should do. What excites me is when you go to a show and see mothers and grandmothers.