The Family Dogg were a British harmony pop act revolving around the talents of writer/singer/producers Steve Rowland, Albert Hammond and Mike Hazlewood. Rowland was an American actor who met Hammond in Spain. In 1966, they formed Family Dogg with Hazelwood and singer Christine Holmes (alias Kristine Sparkle), which competed for their time with hit productions for the likes of Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick & Tich and The Herd. Family Dogg debuted with a stunning cover of The Bee Gees The Storm for MGM in late 1967. Two singles followed on Fontana (which followed a solo single for the label by Steve Rowland) before the group landed at Bell Records in early 1969, where they immediately scored a UK # 6 hit with A Way Of Life. An album followed, named after their hit, boasting among the session players three-quarters of Led Zeppelin and Elton John! In 1972, a new-look Family Dogg (with vocalist Ireen Sheer) returned on Buddah Records. By this time, Rowland was producing the then-unknown singer-songwriter Rodriguez (recently immortalised in the documentary film Sugar Man). As a result, Family Dogg recorded half a dozen Rodriguez songs during this period including his exclusive composition ''Advice To Smokey"
Re: A Way Of Life Anthology 1967-1976 The Family Dogg
This would be the same Albert Hammond who covered the Kinks, Most Exclusive Residence For Sale when a member of a band called Los Cincos in Spain.
Then went back to US and had a hit with It Never Rains In California.
Is also the father of one of the members of The Strokes.