Mick Hucknall

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Michael Hucknall

Background information
Birth name Michael James Hucknall
Born 8 June 1960 (1960-06-08) (age 49)
Denton, Lancashire, England
Genres Pop,
Soul,
R&B Punk
Occupations Singer, Musician
Instruments Vocals
Years active 1985–present
Associated acts Simply Red
(1985–present)
Website Simply Red Official Site

Michael Hucknall (born 8 June 1960) is a British singer and songwriter. He is the lead singer of the British band Simply Red, and is recognisable for his smooth, distinctive voice and wide vocal range, as well as his trademark fiery red curly hair.

Contents

[edit] Early life

Hucknall was born in Denton, Lancashire, as an only child. His mother left him when he was three; the upheaval caused by this event inspired him to write the song "Holding Back the Years". He was raised by his father, Reg, a barber in Stockport.[1] He attended Audenshaw School.[2]

[edit] Music career

Hucknall was among the people present at the Lesser Free Trade Hall in Manchester in June 1976 where the Sex Pistols were playing.[3] His interest in the music scene led to the launch of his career in the late 1970s, when he was part of the formation of the band Frantic Elevators.

The Frantic Elevators released four singles, including a version of "Holding Back The Years", which he later recorded with Simply Red.

As lead singer and core member of Simply Red, he has become the identifiable face of the band. His face, including his long curly red hair, was featured prominently on album artwork and in videos.

Hucknall is also one of the founders and financial backers of the successful reggae label Blood and Fire. He also manages the record label simplyred.com.

In October 2007, on David Jensen's show on the Gold network, he announced Simply Red would split in 2009.[4]

On 19 May 2008 Hucknall released his first solo album Tribute to Bobby, a tribute to the blues musician Bobby Bland[5]. Poverty, the first single from the album, was released on 19 May, with the second, Farther Up the Road scheduled for release on 14 July.[citation needed]

In June 2009, Mick took part in 'Songbook' as part of the Sky Arts series, whereby music artists reflect on their favourite compositions and their background history in music.[citation needed]

[edit] Politics and philanthropy

Hucknall is active in politics and is a prominent celebrity supporter of the UK Labour Party; he is a close friend of former British Prime Minister Tony Blair.[citation needed] In 1998 Hucknall was named in a list of the biggest private financial donors to the Labour Party (UK). [6] In 2003, Hucknall backed Tony Blair’s stance on Operation Iraqi Freedom, claiming he had “more respect for Blair than ever” and pointed out that British critics of the war were lucky to be living in a country where they could express their opinions. [7] However, he claimed in 2008 that his conscience prevented him from donating to the party again because of the war, although he would still vote for them. [8]

Following the Asian tsunami in 2004 Hucknall made a public statement of support of SOS Children's Villages.[citation needed]

Hucknall has commented that derogatory references to his red hair are a form of bigotry.[9]

[edit] Personal life

Hucknall and his partner Gabriella Wesberry had a daughter, Romy True Hucknall, in June 2007.[10]

Along with Johnny Depp, John Malkovich, and Sean Penn, Hucknall part-owned the Parisian restaurant-bar Man Ray.

He spends much time in Catania, Sicily, where he also produces esteemed wines under the label "Il Cantante" (The Singer).[11]

Hucknall was previously the owner of the La Tasca chain of Tapas restaurants. He came up with the name 'La Tasca' as he was told (incorrectly) by a close Spanish friend that it roughly translated to 'Soulful Redhead' however it actually means 'The Pub' in Catalan.

Hucknall is also an avid Manchester United supporter and allegedly attempted to buy the club.

[edit] Solo Discography

[edit] Albums

Year Album Chart Positions
UK
[12]
AUT
[12]
GER
[12]
IT
[12]
NL
[12]
SWI
[12]
2008 Tribute to Bobby
  • Released: 19 May, 2008
18 39 37 25 23 29

[edit] Singles

Year Single Album
2008 "Poverty"[citation needed] Tribute to Bobby
"Farther Up the Road"[citation needed]

[edit] References

[edit] External links