Gentle Giant was born out of the ashes of Simon Dupree & Big Sound, a successful UK based rock and R&B outfit led by brothers Derek, Ray and Phil Shulman. Their biggest hit Kites is still remembered fondly even today. In 1970, the brothers Shulman founded Gentle Giant. Derek was the lead vocalist and played alto sax and bass, Ray sang and played bass and violin, and Phil handled the saxophone and added vocals. Kerry Minnear, the keyboardist, was recruited after graduating from Royal Academy of Music with a degree in composition. Gary Green became the guitarist despite his blues-based background. Their original lineup also featured Martin Smith on drums, then Malcom Mortimore and eventually John Weathers in 1972, who became the mainstay in their 10 years of existence. Phil departed in 1972, leaving the classic 5-piece line-up featured on these recordings.