Black Slate formed in 1974 in London, with members hailing from multiple countries. Keyboardist George Brightly and bassist Elroy Bailey were originally from London. Vocalist Keith Drummond, guitarist Chris Hanson, and drummer Desmond Mahoney came from Jamaica, and rhythm guitarist Cledwyn Rogers hailed from Anguilla. The group received their earliest work backing touring Jamaican acts, such as Delroy Wilson. In 1976, they hit the U.K.