It all began in 1961 with a group of guys from Leeds, Yorkshire, England who formed The Cherokees with band members, John Kirby Woollard, lead singer; Tez Stokes, lead guitar; David Bower, Rhythm guitar; Mick Sweeney, bass guitar; Jim Green, Drums.

This outfit attained a record contract with Decca and later Micky Most produced some minor hits "Seven Golden Daffodils" and "Dig a Little Deeper". The band changed the name to New York Public Library in 1966, with new drummer, Mick Ibbotson and released "Land Of A Thousand Dances" and "I ain’t Gonna Eat Out My Heart Anymore".

They worked at the The Starclub in Hamburg between 65-67 where they met and became close friends with The Knack from London (another history). In late 67 John Woollard and Mick Ibbotson left the band and reshuffle took place employing the services of two of The Knack.

Brian Morris (Later Brian Parrish) on Rickenbacker Twelve string guitar; Topper Clay, drums. This line-up toured the Universities and the London Clubs of the day, had two releases on MCA "Gotta Get Away" (recorded as a demo) and "Love Me Two Times". They recorded some great stuff again with Micky Most, "Come Away Melinda and "If I were a Carpenter", both very long and freaky, but unfortunately never released.

Brian Morris left in August 69 to pursue a solo career and Peter Morrison joined. This line-up recorded an album of Buddy Holly songs and contractual difficulties ensued. Without any say in the matter, the album was released as "Raw Holly" in 1970 in the US and Germany.

Brian Parrish sang lead vocal on the single "Raining in My Heart". The band went on to release "Wheiling Ty Loo" and "Boozy Queen" for B&C Records but not before recording an album in Boston Mass with close friend and engineer, Richard Berred Ouellette, which sank without trace.

The band split in 75 and Dave Bower, John Woollard and Peter Morrison formed a new band called "Little Big Man", recording an album in Sheffield Alabama, with Swampdogg. Another unreleased album for Polydor was recorded in 1975-76 and a single "Time & Tide" was released. After that little excursion Little Big Man split.

Dave Bower, John Woollard and Peter Morrison toured the folk clubs of Britain as BMW and playing all acoustic originals. Eventually Topper Clay came back from the original NYPL and a new NYPL started up again. Dave Bower emigrated to Canada and Tez Stokes opened a recording studio.

The new line-up for NYPL is: John Kirby Woollard, Vocals; Topper Clay, drums; Peter Morrison, guitar, vocals; Karl Rylander, acoustic guitar, vocals; Dave "Lofty" Reng, pedal steel; Bob Doughty, Bass.

This line-up has recorded two albums "Take Some Music" and "Keep a Clear Head" and is presently recording a third. We occasionally go out and test the stages of local venues in and around Farnham Surrey.

Peter Morrison has a solo album out called, "Profit a Man" and is presently recording a second. These records are subject to heart attacks and any other incurables. We’ll rock in the free world till we drop.