In the early 1960s, five U.S. Marines swapped military drills for recording studios—and made pop music history. Known as The Essex, this short-lived R&B vocal group is best remembered for their 1963 chart-topping hit “Easier Said Than Done.” With military uniforms on their backs and microphones in hand, they pulled off what few could imagine: achieving a #1 single while still on active duty.
| Group Name | The Essex |
|---|---|
| Origin | Camp LeJeune, North Carolina, USA |
| Genres | R&B, Pop |
| Years Active | 1962–1964 |
| Label | Roulette Records |
| Members | Anita Humes, Billy Hill, Walter Vickers, Rodney Taylor, Rudolph Johnson |
| Major Hit | “Easier Said Than Done” (1963, #1 Pop and R&B) |
| Other Notable Song | “A Walkin’ Miracle” (#12 Pop, #11 R&B) |
| Known For | Being a chart-topping R&B group made up of active U.S. Marines |
Formation at Camp LeJeune
The Essex came together in 1962 at Camp LeJeune, North Carolina, one of the largest U.S. Marine Corps bases. The original members were:
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Anita Humes (lead vocals)
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Billy Hill
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Walter Vickers
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Rodney Taylor
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Rudolph Johnson
Some of the members had previously been stationed in Okinawa, Japan, where Vickers and Taylor began singing together. Once transferred to Camp LeJeune, they expanded the group by recruiting fellow Marines. Anita Humes, known for her bold vocal presence, quickly took center stage.
Breakthrough with “Easier Said Than Done”
After recording a demo tape, The Essex submitted it to Roulette Records, which signed them in 1963. One of the first songs they recorded was “Easier Said Than Done,” written by Larry Huff and William Linton.
The recording took only 20 minutes and just a single take—yet it became a smash hit. By mid-1963, the track had reached:
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#1 on the Billboard Hot 100
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#1 on the Billboard R&B chart
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#41 on the UK Singles Chart
The single sold over one million copies and earned a gold disc. Its upbeat rhythm, catchy chorus, and Humes’ commanding delivery helped it stand out on the radio. Critics and fans alike were surprised to learn the performers were full-time Marines.
The Challenge of Dual Duty
Despite the overnight fame, the members of The Essex remained active-duty military personnel. That made touring, promotions, and studio time extremely difficult. For example, Rudolph Johnson was deployed to Okinawa shortly after “Easier Said Than Done” became a hit. His departure left the group a quartet and created logistical issues that would later plague their career.
Still, the band managed to return to the studio for a follow-up.
Follow-Up Success with “A Walkin’ Miracle”
Later in 1963, The Essex released “A Walkin’ Miracle.” Though not as massive as their debut, it was a solid hit:
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#12 on the Billboard Hot 100
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#11 on the R&B chart
The song, co-written by Adam Levy, Hugo Peretti, Luigi Creatore, and George David Weiss, showcased the group’s harmonious blend and continued to spotlight Humes’ vibrant lead vocals.
Decline and Disbandment
Unfortunately, the demands of military life caught up with the group. With members constantly rotated or reassigned, it became difficult to maintain any momentum.
Their next single, “She’s Got Everything,” stalled at #56 on the Billboard Hot 100. It would be their final charting single.
In 1964, after only two years together, The Essex officially disbanded.
After The Essex: Tragedy and Solo Attempts
Following the group’s breakup:
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Rodney Taylor was tragically killed in an attempted robbery in New York City in 1966. His funeral was attended by his former bandmates.
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Anita Humes attempted a solo career and stayed with Roulette Records briefly. Despite her talents, she didn’t achieve much solo success. She later faded from the music scene and passed away in 2010 at age 69.
Little is known about the other members after the group’s disbandment, as most returned to military or private life.
Legacy of The Essex
Although their time in the spotlight was brief, The Essex hold a special place in pop history:
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They were one of the few successful music acts formed entirely by active military members.
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Their breakout hit, “Easier Said Than Done,” remains a classic of early 1960s pop and R&B.
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The group helped demonstrate that musical talent could emerge from unexpected places—even military bases.
The song has since appeared on oldies compilations and continues to be played on nostalgic radio formats. Its charm endures through its simplicity, infectious rhythm, and Humes’ vibrant performance.
Fun Facts About The Essex
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The title of “Easier Said Than Done” was originally considered a filler or throwaway song by some at the label.
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Roulette Records, their label, was also home to other notable acts like Tommy James and the Shondells.
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Anita Humes was one of the few Black female lead singers of an interracial R&B group to top the Billboard Hot 100 at the time.
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The Essex were reportedly unable to tour extensively because of strict military regulations on active-duty soldiers participating in civilian entertainment.
Conclusion
The Essex showed that talent and timing—even under the most unlikely circumstances—can produce unforgettable results. Their music may not have filled a decade, but their impact was immediate and lasting. “Easier Said Than Done” remains a joyful slice of 1960s pop history, made all the more impressive by the uniforms its singers wore.