The Simply Red frontman Mick Hucknall turns 64 today
In 1985, Mick Hucknall formed Simply Red, a band that blended soul, pop, and jazz influences and scored global hits including “Holding Back the Years” and “Stars”
The Simply Red frontman Mick Hucknall turns 64 today
The singer and songwriter Mick Hucknall, best known as the lead vocalist of the band Simply Red, was born Michael James Hucknall on June 8, 1960, in Manchester, England, where he also grew up facing a challenging childhood after his mother left the family when he was just three years old. Raised by his father, Reginald Hucknall, Mick found solace in music and began singing in local clubs and venues during his teenage years.
Hucknall attended Audenshaw School and later Manchester Polytechnic (now Manchester Metropolitan University), where he studied fine art. His passion for music, however, led him to pursue a career in the industry, forming the punk band The Frantic Elevators in the late 1970s. The band enjoyed moderate success, with their song “Holding Back the Years” gaining attention.
In 1985, Mick Hucknall formed Simply Red, a band that blended soul, pop, and jazz influences. Simply Red’s debut album, “Picture Book,” was released the same year and included the hit single “Holding Back the Years,” which topped the charts and became a global success. This marked the beginning of Hucknall’s rise to fame.
Simply Red continued to produce hit albums throughout the late 1980s and 1990s, including “Men and Women” (1987), “A New Flame” (1989), and “Stars” (1991). The band’s unique sound, combined with Hucknall’s soulful voice, garnered them a large international following.
One of Hucknall’s most notable works with Simply Red is the album “Stars,” released in 1991. The album was a massive commercial success, becoming the best-selling album in the UK for two consecutive years. It featured hit singles like “Something Got Me Started” and “Stars,” showcasing Hucknall’s vocal range and songwriting prowess.
Other significant albums include “Life” (1995), “Blue” (1998), and “Home” (2003). Throughout his career, Hucknall has been known for his ability to infuse emotional depth into his songs, making Simply Red’s music resonate with a broad audience.
In the 2000s, Simply Red continued to release new music and tour extensively. In 2010, Hucknall announced that Simply Red would be disbanding after their farewell tour. However, in 2015, he revived the band to celebrate their 30th anniversary, releasing the album “Big Love.”
In addition to his work with Simply Red, Hucknall pursued solo projects. He released his debut solo album, “Tribute to Bobby,” in 2008, a collection of cover songs paying homage to blues singer Bobby “Blue” Bland.
Mick Hucknall’s personal life has been relatively private. He married Gabriella Wesberry in 2010, and the couple has a daughter, Romy True Hucknall, born in 2007. Hucknall is known for his philanthropic efforts, including supporting various charities and environmental causes. Today, Simply Red continues to tour and release new music, with their latest albums, “Blue Eyed Soul,” released in 2019 and “Time,” released in 2023.
Look back at the 1992 music video for the Simply Red song “Stars”
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