After joining Alexis Korner's Blues Incorporated in 1962, Graham Bond formed his own band the following year. This all-star line-up consisted of Bond (org, voc, mellotron, sax), bassist and singer Jack Bruce, drummer Ginger Baker (two future members of Cream!) and Dick Heckstall-Smith on tenor saxophone. They now performed under the name The Graham Bond Organisation. Their first concert as the Graham Bond Organisation in April 1964 at London’s 100 Club was followed over the years by numerous further appearances on the London club scene, as well as various single releases. After being dropped by Decca, the band was then signed to Columbia, where they became one of the first British clients of the Australian-born music entrepreneur and producer Robert Stigwood. Recording sessions for their debut album The Sound of '65 took place from mid-December 1964 to early February 1965. It was released that same month with a cover illustration by Ginger Baker.

The all-star quartet played a tight, organ-driven British rhythm & blues with a considerable jazz influence. Despite its commercial failure, this LP is still highly regarded by critics today. Chris Welch: “It may have been the greatest album of the sixties and one of the most exciting and influential of its time.” The rare original English mono vinyl edition with the „Columbia Blue Black“ labels is therefore on countless record collectors’ wish lists.