So why is a group represented by a picture of a carwash?
The group was originally formed under the name Total Concept Unlimited by Kenny Copeland (vocals and trumpet) and Henry Garner (drums) while graduating from high school. They were hired as backing band by Edwin Starr They then became involved with ex-Motown producer and songwriter Norman Whitfield and signed with his Whitfield Records label. They was renamed Magic Wand and performed as backing musicians with several different artists such asYvonne Fair, the Undisputed Truth, and the Temptations.
During a tour stop in Miami, Undisputed Truth leader Joe Harris came upon a singer Gwen Dickey, a member of a local group called The Jewels. Dickey was flown to Los Angeles to audition for Whitfield. He gave her the stage name Rose Norwalt and she was added to Magic Wand who now prepared their debut album.
Film director Michael Schultz offered Whitfield the opportunity to score his next picture Car Wash. Whitfield saw the film as an opportunity to launch his new group and the music for the soundtrack was written as the picture was been filmed. The band's name was also changed to Rose Royce to reflect the movie's car theme, but also the name of the new singer.
On the back of the release of the film, the single Car Wash made the top 10 in the UK. Since the band were still in the US, the band were represented on the Top of the Pops countdown by the picture above of a car wash.
