"Manfred Mann was first and foremost an R&B band, although it was their pop-tinged tunes that initially got them airtime on the radio. For their efforts, they ranked as one of the most popular British Invasion acts in both musical genres. They are known for their incorporation of jazz and blues as well as their polished appearance and presentation, which caught the eyes of music critics and future fans around the world. Their approach to the music world was immediately lauded as sophisticated, bright and new, a fresh, driving force in an industry that is constantly evolving.Manfred Mann auditioned with the record label EMI in May of 1963, just as the Beatles were making headway in the pop music world and the whispers of the British Invasion were becoming louder. The group's debut single ""Why Should We Not"" featured their skills on an instrumental level. Moody and bluesy, the effort struck a chord with fans who were just catching onto the idea of their work. What was perhaps their biggest breakthrough hit was ""5-4-3-2-1"" for the television rock 'n' roll showcase Ready, Steady, Go. The song was a commercial hit in England and soon stretched out beyond the borders, catching the attention of people around the world. Their follow-up singles also charted well, those being ""Do Wah Diddy Diddy"" and ""Sha La La."" The former reached the Top Ten on the U.S. charts.Their debut LP, The Five Faces of Manfred Mann, made it to the impressive number three spot on the British album chart. The album introduced them as truly one of the greatest blues-based British bands of the era. Some of the hit songs include ""Untie Me,"" ""Smokestack Lightning"" and ""Bring It to Jerome."" As the years wore on, Manfred Mann adopted more of pop music sound, one that held up better on the charts and withstood the test of time. They officially split up in 1969."