Mickie Most

Mickie Most, born Michael Peter Hayes (June 20, 1938 - May 30, 2003), successful record producer notably with a string of Number 1 hit singles with his own RAK Records label and acts such as The Animals, Herman's Hermits, Donovan and Suzi Quatro.

Later career

Most was also a panellist on various television talent shows such as ITV's New Faces and presented Revolver, a program devoted to punk rock which was at odds with his "studio factory" approach to music. Most personally asked singer Kate Bush to appear as the series first guest on the pilot episode. In the 1980s, the band Johnny Hates Jazz, which featured Most's son Calvin Hayes, was also signed to RAK Records. RAK was eventually sold to EMI Records in 1983 but revived in 1988. Most was one of the first producers to own the rights to his own records and his RAK Studios, opened in 1976 in St John's Wood, remains active.

Related Topics:
ITV - New Faces - Kate Bush - 1980s - RAK Records - EMI Records - 1983 - 1988 - 1976

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In 1995, Most's fortune was estimated to be valued at £50 million and he appeared in the Sunday Times annual Rich List amongst the Top 500 in England. His house was claimed to be the largest private home in Britain worth an estimated £4 million. His production work diminished after he was diagnosed with cancer in 2000. On May 30, 2003 Most died of mesothelioma, a form of lung cancer, in his London home, and was later cremated at Golders Green crematorium in north London. He is survived by his wife Christina and their three children Calvin, Nathalie, and Crystalle.

Related Topics:
1995 - England - Britain - 2000 - May 30 - 2003 - Mesothelioma

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