New Colony 6

New Colony 6 is an American soft rock band whose height of popularity was from the mid-1960’s through the early 1970’s.

New Colony 6, also known as NC6, were formed in Chicago in 1965. Early band members included Ray Graffia (vocals), Chick James (drums), Pat McBride (harmonica), Craig Kemp (organ), Wally Kemp (bass), Gerry Van Kollenburg (guitar), and Ronnie Rice (vocals, keyboards, guitar).

NC6 scored their first major local hit in Chicago with “I Confess,” which was featured on their debut album “Breakthrough.”  Their sound was characterized as a “poppier Them (Van Morrison),” with their prominent organ, wobbly Leslie-fied guitar amplification, and rave-up tempos.  Like Paul Revere and the Raiders, they wore colonial outfits on stage.

NC6 are best known for their two Top 20 hits, Ronnie Rice’s “I Will Always Think About You” (#22 Hot 100) and “Things I’d Like to Say” (#16 Hot 100), both of which were released in 1968.  In Canada, they also hit the charts with “Love You So Much,” and “I Could Never Lie to You,” released in 1969.

The New Colony 6 charted 12 singles in their career and continue to perform to this day.