Strawbs

Strawbs (or The Strawbs) are an English rock band founded in 1964, led by Dave Cousins. Although the band started out as a bluegrass group they eventually moved on to other styles such as folk, folk rock, (briefly) glam rock and progressive rock. Members included Sandy Denny (who later went on to join Fairport Convention), Rick Wakeman (who was discovered whilst in the Strawbs, joined Yes and has had a lengthy solo career), Richard Hudson and John Ford (2) (who wrote "Part Of The Union" and then spun off as Hudson-Ford).

They are best known for their hit, "Part Of The Union", which reached number two in the UK charts in February 1973, as well as for "Lay Down" a number 12 UK hit from the same LP. Their album Hero And Heroine (1974) was voted one of the Top 50 prog records of all time by Rolling Stone magazine.