Trooper is a Canadian rock band that developed from a band formed by vocalist Ramon (Ra) McGuire and guitarist Brian Smith in 1965. By 1974 they had added drummer Tommy Stewart and bassist Harry Kalensky. After hearing Trooper play, Randy Bachman signed the band to his "Legend" label and produced the band's first album Trooper, containing the Canadian hits "Baby Woncha Please Come Home" and "Good 'Ol General Hand Grenade" in 1975.
After moving from Legend Records to MCA Records, Trooper added Frank Ludwig on keyboards. Their self-titled debut album was followed by Two for the Show(1976) which was certified Canadian Gold. This album contained the hits "Two for the Show" and "Santa Maria". "The Boys in the Bright White Sportscar", initially released on this album, later became a hit when it was re-released (with a few modifications) on the Hot Shots greatest hits package. Kalensky was replaced by Doni Underhill prior to the recording of Knock 'Em Dead Kid (1977) which was the groups first Canadian Platinum. This album contained the hits "We're Here For a Good Time (not a long time)" and "Oh, Pretty Lady". Thick as Thieves (which featured the group's only successful US single, "Raise A Little Hell") (1978) went double-platinum. This album also contained the hit "Round, Round We Go" (written by Frank Ludwig). Flying Colors (1979), which contained the hits "Three Dressed Up as a Nine" and "Janine" also attained double platinum status. Hot Shots (a "greatest hits" package) (1979) broke all Canadian sales records for Canadian sales of a Canadian album - reaching quadruple-platinum in the year it was released. Ludwig was replaced by Rob Deans, who performed on the album Untitled (1980) and Money Talks (1983) (on Flicker/RCA). The Last of the Gypsies (1989) and Ten (1991) - recorded for the band's self-owned "Great Pacific Records" label and distributed by Warner Music Canada - were the last two albums released by the band, but Trooper are still active as a touring band.
Trooper have won the Juno Award for Band of the Year.
In 1998, they guest starred on This Hour Has 22 Minutes's New Year's Special. However, their songs were played in numerous episodes of 22 Minutes throughout the 8th season (2000-01).
Discography
- Trooper (1976)
- Two for the Show (1976)
- Knock 'Em Dead Kid (1977)
- Thick as Thieves (1978)
- Flying Colours (1979)
- Hot Shots (1979)
- Untitled (1980)
- Money Talks (1982)
- The Last of the Gypsies (1989)
- Ten (1991)