Formerly of skiffle band Jubilee, John Smith signed a solo deal with Parlophone in the 1960s and released singles under the name of Bobby Dean. Being managed by Bill Wellings he ended up EMI's Top Six label doing cover songs. These were release in the UK and Germany and had some success. The Vogue record label released these songs under the original name but also as The Four Kings as on various 7 singles. Covers of the New Vaudeville Band's original Winchester Cathedral and The Royal Guardsmen hit Snoopy vs. The Red Baron charted for the band. By late 1967 John Smith left, moving to Australia where he continued his musical career.

In 1968 this left Bill Wellings with a band but no vocalist. He decided to continue use of the same name using multiple vocalists at PYE Studios in London (this was done without the consent or knowledge of John Smith). Much singing was done by the lead vocalist for a group called The Excheckers. Another vocalist to take part in these recordings was David Byron who did vocals on multiple tracks for two John Smith and the New Sound albums that followed under the original name. The albums Rockin' With John Smith and Rock & Roll Again With John Smith were both released in 1968 but it's not credited David's vocals are found on. These releases featured covers with photos featuring the original band but John Smith's face was cut out of those photos. No credits were listed for the musicians or the vocals on either album. Many of these tracks would have been recorded in the same sessions.