"Blues By Five" sounds like a name the Rolling Stones might've chosen in less imaginative and daring circumstances noted Bruce Eder in his All Music Guide, considering that they may be descended from the "Blues By Six" band that Charlie Watts exited, for a gig with Alexis Korner, in 1961.

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They were actually a seperate band from Harrow-on-the-Hill, Middlesex.

The nucleus of Blues by Five was born under the guise of The Men of Mystery all from Belmont School in Harrow, originally put together in 1960 by Ron Faulkner (aka "McQueen") on Lead Guitar, Ken Morgan on Rhythm Guitar, Jim Whitaker on Bass Guitar and Phil Wainman on Drums (1). They were later joined by singer Len Ashley.

The Men of Mystery played around the London area at various clubs, did well working American bases for agent Jack Fallon (Cana Variety), and then Toured Scotland and the North of England.

They backed Marty Wilde and Duffy Power at The Marquee. They supported Joe Brown at The State Kilburn.

On 17 September 1963, they also opened for The Rolling Stones at their local venue South Harrow British Legion Hall where they were later seen by producer Joe Meek and offered a recording test. Singer Len Ashley was offered an opportunity to record Eddie Cochran type numbers but he turned this down to stay with the band (Heinz later took on this role and recorded "Just like Eddie").

By 1963, Ron and Len were then joined by Dick Bryce on drums, Mick Wright on Bass, Bill Blisset on Keyboards and Noel Chartres McManus on Sax (2). This was the Birth of Blues by Five.

From spring to summer '64, they Toured Britain backing American singer Big Dee Irwin ("Swinging on a Star"), starred with The Hollies - Little & Large - Shane Fenton and Screaming Lord Sutch.

In November 1964, they took part of the Brenda Lee/Manfred Mann UK tour.

They had one single release on Decca in December 1964: the 'A' side was a powerful rendition of John Lee Hooker's R&B classic "Boom Boom", the B side was an original "I Cried" written by Rolling Stones Manager Andrew Loog Oldham and arranger Mike Leander. This is now a sought-after 45.

During 1965, they kept touring UK, supporting PJ Proby in April and The Spencer Davis Group in September 1965. The Band broke up late 1965 after a CSE tour of the Middle East with Michael Cox ("Angela Jones").

In the late 60’s / 70’s, Ron and Len formed a new band called Fascination with Terry Williams - Trumpet,Guitar,and Vocals - Ian Williams - Bass Guitar and Vocals - Steve Dunkley - Drums. It was a change in direction for them musically doing more vocal harmonies (Beach Boys etc).

Later the personnel changed bringing in Trevor Goarge - Keyboards,Vocals - Eddie Majwick - Bass Guitar they continued to do college gigs etc and were then joined by John Hamilton - Guitar - Keyboards - Vocals (Later ran EQ Studios)

They were joined briefly by Christopher Rainbow who later had hits with Give me what I cry for and Solid State Brain and also recorded Jingles for Tony Blackburn on Radio One. Later produced various bands Jon Anderson being one.

In the late 1970.s Ron and Len formed a recording band called TAN and released several singles and a Country Album on the White Dove Label. The personnel were Len Ashley - Vocals - Ron Faulkner - Guitar & Bass Guitar - John Hamilton - Keyboard & Backing Vocals - Terry Williams - Trumpet and Backing Vocals - Roger Rettig - Guitar and Pedal Steel Guitar (He was an original on Rutland Weekend TV - The Rutles and played with Fatso and various good country bands.

In 1992, Len Ashley and Ron Faulkner reformed Blues by Five with John Barry (JJ) on Lead Guitar and Vocals, John Abbot on Bass Guitar, Nigel Clegg on Drums. Blues by Five continued to play through the 1990's in Blues clubs and Pubs until they finally split with people going in different directions.

Ron and Len are still together writing and recording their own songs and Jingles when they get together.

Ron is now based in Spain and does the odd gig with local bands. Len joins him on his frequent visits.

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