Formation and Early Rise to Fame The Staccatos, formed by Brian Le Gassick in 1961 while he was a student at Damelin College, quickly made a name for themselves in the South African music scene. In 1963, their victory in a competition earned them a recording contract with EMI and the title of the “Beatles of South Africa,” marking the beginning of a significant musical journey Image (Facebook) : The Staccatos & Steve Ashley Chart-Topping Success and National Acclaim The Stacc