Mick Hucknall

Mick Hucknall

Mick Hucknall is a British soul singer and the lead singer of Simply Red. He is born in 1960 and grows up in Denton, United Kingdom, after being born at St Mary’s Hospital in Manchester and spending a brief period in Bredbury with his father. His full name is Michael James Hucknall, and he is also known as Mick “Red” Hucknall.

Early life and formation

Hucknall is the son of Reg and Maureen Hucknall. His mother leaves the family when he is three, and he is raised by his father. He attends Audenshaw Grammar School for Boys. He later says that he is present at the Lesser Free Trade Hall in Manchester in June 1976, when the Sex Pistols play, and this helps shape his interest in music.

Frantic Elevators and Simply Red

In the late 1970s, Hucknall helps form Frantic Elevators. The group releases four singles, including a version of “Holding Back The Years”, which he later records again with Simply Red. He then becomes the lead singer and core member of Simply Red, and his long curly red hair and face become closely associated with the band’s albums and videos.

Other work and interests

Hucknall is one of the founders and financial backers of the reggae label Blood and Fire, and he also manages the record label simplyred.com. He is active in politics, is a prominent supporter of the UK Labour Party, and is a close friend of Tony Blair. After the Asian Tsunami, he makes a public statement backing SOS Children and asks fans to support the charity.

Personal life

During the 1980s and 1990s, Hucknall gains a reputation as a ladies’ man. Reports link him with Catherine Zeta-Jones, Helena Christensen, and other models, actresses and dancers in the UK. He and Gabriella Wesberry have a daughter, Romy True Hucknall, in 2007.