1960 – Alvin Lee and Leo Lyons find themselves playing together in the “Atomites”. This is with drummer Pete Evens and recruiting singer Ivan Jay and Roy Cooper– becoming “Ivan Jay and the Jaymen”.

1961 - Ivan Jaye and Roy Cooper exit the band, leaving the band a trio. They shorten their name to The Jaymen

1962 – The Jaymen become the “Jaycats” and then the “Jaybirds”. Pete Evens is replaced by Dave Quickmire.

1965 – Ric Lee, leader and drummer for a band called “The Mansfields,is persuaded to leave them and join The Jaybirds in August 1965.

1966 – The Jaybirds head for London to work a stint, as the backing band for “The Ivy League”.
This is also when keyboardist, Chick Churchill joined the band.

1967 - In November 1967 The Jaybirds officially become Ten Years After after signing with Chris Wright of Chrysalis Records.