Simply Red is a British soul and pop band formed in Manchester in 1984. The band is led by singer and songwriter Mick Hucknall, who, by the time the band initially disbanded in 2010, was the only original member left. Hucknall is known for his distinctive soulful vocals and the band’s smooth blend of soul, pop, and jazz influences.
Simply Red achieved international success in the 1980s and 1990s, releasing five consecutive studio albums that reached the top 10 in the UK charts, including Stars (1987), A New Flame (1989), Stories (1991), Motorbike Album (1993), and Blue (1998). The band has sold over 50 million albums worldwide, making them one of the most successful British bands of all time.
Some of their most popular songs include “Holding Back the Years,” “Fairground Attraction,” “Stars,” “If You Don’t Know Me by Now,” “Angels,” “I’m in Love with a Girl You Never Knew,” and “Sunrise.”
Mick Hucknall has continued to perform as Simply Red since the band’s initial disbandment, and he has also released several solo albums. The band briefly reunited in 2015 for a series of concerts, and they are currently scheduled to tour again in 2024.
Here are some of Mick Hucknall’s most notable accomplishments:
- He has been nominated for 16 Grammy Awards, winning two for Best Pop Vocal Performance, Male for “Holding Back the Years” in 1988 and “If You Don’t Know Me by Now” in 1990.
- He has been nominated for 10 BRIT Awards, winning three for Best British Male Solo Artist in 1988, 1990, and 1991.
- He has been awarded an OBE (Officer of the Order of the British Empire) for services to music in 1993.
Mick Hucknall is one of the most successful and iconic British singers of all time. His soulful vocals and distinctive style have helped to make Simply Red one of the most popular bands of the past four decades.