Black Sheep

About Black Sheep

Black Sheep, a group from the 1970's that played rock music, was based in Rochester, New York. Lou Gramm was the founder of Black Sheep and was joined by Lou's brother, Richard Gramm, and Bruce Turgon, who played the bass. Gramm was eventually invited to perform with Foreigner, having been asked by Mick Jones to join the group. Bruce Turgon joined Gramm in Foreigner in 1992. Gramm eventually started his own band, the Lou Gramm Band. From 2004 to 2006, the Lou Gramm Band included former Black Sheep member and guitarist, Don Mancuso, Richard Gramm, Ben Gramm, and Andy Knoll.nnBlack Sheep released Stick Around (EP) and an album, Black Sheep, in 1974. In 1975, Black Sheep released a self-titled album and in 1976, they released the album, Encouraging Words.nnBlack Sheep was the first American band ever to be signed to the Chrysalis label. Chrysalis released their first single, "Stick Around," in 1973. A little later on, Black Sheep signed with Capitol Records, who released their other two albums.nnBlack Sheep was hired to be the opening act for the group, KISS, in December 1975. Black Sheep's equipment truck was involved in an icy accident on Christmas Eve, 1975, on the New York State Thruway. This event suddenly ended Black Sheep's tour. They were unable to support their albums with live performances and the group lost its contract. Black Sheep was, all of a sudden, at its end.nnBlack Sheep's members went their separate ways. Lou Grammatico (shortened to Gramm) was lead vocalist on a number of Foreigner's hit songs. Black Sheep is largely remembered as the place Lou Gramm got this start. Before joining Black Sheep, Lou played in local Rochester bands. He also had a brief stint with a local band, Poor Heart.