The Kinks are an English rock band formed in Muswell Hill, London, in 1964 by brothers; singer, songwriter and musician Ray (born 21 June, 1944) and guitarist, singer and songwriter Dave Davies (born February 3, 1947), and their original line-up was completed by bassist Pete Quaiife (born December 31, 1943 – died June 23, 2010) and drummer Mick Avory (born February 15, 1944). The Kinks enjoyed three UK Official Singles Chart Number 1s, the first with their debut hit You Really Got Me in 1964, and a string of acclaimed and influential hit albums such as 1968’s The Kinks Are the Village Green Preservation Society. The Kinks have sold over 50 million records worldwide and have been cited as a big influence on a number of bands, apparently inventing heavy metal as well as seen as a key reference point for many Britpop turns. The Kinks were awarded an Ivor Novello Award for Outstanding Service to British Music, and singer Ray Davies received a CBE in 2004, and was knighted in the 2017 New Year Honours for services to the arts.
