The band is also notable as having had Bruce Cockburn as a later member, and also for one of its hit songs, "It's a Dirty Shame", having been written by William Hawkins.
They became the opening act for some of the major performers of the day, including The Rolling Stones, The Beach Boys, the Dave Clark Five and Roy Orbison.
Norman gave up his claim to The Esquires name, but his departure from the group is said to have cost them their contract with Capitol Records.
[4] The Esquires switched to Columbia Records, issuing two singles (including "It's a Dirty Shame" by William Hawkins),[5] prior to breaking up in 1967.
[12][13] In 1987, the band reunited to commemorate its 25th anniversary, playing at a benefit concert for the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario.