Kevin Rowland has always been candid about his inspirations, working them directly into his band's songs as a hallmark of quality. To create the early Dexy's Midnight Runners hit “Geno”, Rowland took the saturated deep soul brass of Geno Washington and added musical and lyrical nods to Jimmy Ruffin and Warren Zevon. He then absorbed Van Morrison's joyous fusion of R&B, jazz and Irish folk for the group's second incarnation.