Edison Lighthouse is best known for their 1970 hit “Love Grows (Where My Rosemary Goes),” a sunny, infectious tune that became a classic of British bubblegum pop. Though the group started as a studio project, they quickly found fame both in the UK and the US. Despite early lineup changes and a brief time in the charts, Edison Lighthouse left a lasting mark on the pop music landscape of the early 1970s.
Today, the band’s name lives on in both the UK and the US through two separate lineups that continue to perform.
| Artist Name | Edison Lighthouse |
|---|---|
| Origin | United Kingdom |
| Genres | Pop, Bubblegum Pop |
| Years Active | 1970–present (multiple lineups) |
| Labels | Bell Records |
| Key Members (Original Lineup) | Tony Burrows (vocals), Stuart Edwards (guitar), David Taylor (bass), George Weyman (drums), Ray Dorey (guitar) |
| Signature Hit | “Love Grows (Where My Rosemary Goes)” |
| Other Charting Singles | “It’s Up to You Petula” |
| Website | edison-lighthouse.com |
Formation and Early Success
Edison Lighthouse was formed in London in 1970 by songwriters Tony Macaulay and Barry Mason. Originally, it was not a traditional band but a studio project designed to showcase pop songs. Macaulay had already written several hits for other artists, and he was looking for a new outlet. He recruited singer Tony Burrows to front the group.
Burrows was no stranger to success. He had already provided vocals for other studio bands, including Brotherhood of Man and White Plains. With a team of seasoned session musicians—Stuart Edwards (guitar), Ray Dorey (guitar), David Taylor (bass), and George Weyman (drums)—Edison Lighthouse recorded “Love Grows (Where My Rosemary Goes).”
Breakthrough Hit: “Love Grows (Where My Rosemary Goes)”
Released in January 1970, “Love Grows (Where My Rosemary Goes)” quickly became a massive hit. In the UK, it topped the charts for five weeks. In the US, it climbed to #5 on the Billboard Hot 100. The song earned gold certification in the US and sold over a million copies worldwide.
Its catchy melody, upbeat tempo, and cheerful lyrics made it a radio favorite. Though often labeled as bubblegum pop, the track had wide appeal across different age groups.
Interestingly, Tony Burrows was simultaneously singing lead for multiple bands, making appearances on UK television shows under different group names. In one notable week, he appeared on the same show representing Edison Lighthouse, White Plains, and Brotherhood of Man.
Departure of Tony Burrows and New Lineup
Soon after the success of “Love Grows,” Burrows left the group to focus on other projects. Producer Tony Macaulay needed a permanent performing band, so he brought in members from another band, Merlin Q. This new lineup included:
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Brian Huggins (vocals)
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Paul Vigrass (vocals, lead singer replacement for Burrows)
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Wally Scott (guitar)
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Andy Locke (guitar, vocals)
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David Kerr-Clemenson (bass)
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Eddie Richards (drums)
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Ken Reeves (vocals)
This iteration of Edison Lighthouse became a real touring group, performing in the UK, Europe, and other parts of the world.
Follow-up Singles and Decline
The group’s second single, “It’s Up to You Petula,” was released later in 1970. While it did not match the success of “Love Grows,” it still made the charts, reaching #49 in the UK and #72 in the US. This marked their last chart appearance in America.
Additional UK-only singles included:
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“What’s Happening?”
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“Take a Little Time”
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“Find Mr. Zebedee”
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“Reconsider My Belinda”
Though these tracks received some airplay, none replicated the success of their debut.
International Touring and Disbandment
Throughout the early 1970s, Edison Lighthouse continued to tour. They performed in Australia, New Zealand, Southeast Asia, and parts of Africa. Despite the global exposure, their popularity declined, and the group eventually disbanded after their final European tour.
Revival of the Edison Lighthouse Name
In 2001, American producer and musician Les Fradkin acquired the rights to use the Edison Lighthouse name in the US. Fradkin formed a new band under that name and began recording and releasing new material.
Meanwhile in the UK, Brian Huggins—who joined after Burrows’ departure—continued to front his version of Edison Lighthouse. His lineup has remained active, performing regularly on the oldies music circuit and at festivals across Europe.
Legacy
Edison Lighthouse may be considered a one-hit wonder by some, but their legacy is tied to a truly enduring hit. “Love Grows (Where My Rosemary Goes)” continues to appear in movie soundtracks, commercials, and nostalgic playlists. It was featured in the films Shallow Hal (2001) and Little Manhattan (2005), helping to introduce the song to newer audiences.
The group’s success also reflects a fascinating period in pop history when studio bands, powered by producers and session musicians, could achieve major chart success with a single well-crafted song.
Fun Fact
Tony Burrows holds a unique record: he sang lead on five different Top 10 UK hits with five different groups, all within a short span of time. These include Edison Lighthouse, White Plains, Brotherhood of Man, First Class, and The Pipkins.