Born Michael James Hucknall on June 8th 1960 in 'St Mary's' hospital Manchester to parents Reg and Maureen. If you believe that there are such things as fate and destiny then Mick (as he became known) Hucknall was born to be a great singer.

From being sung to sleep by his mother as a baby to being three years old performing his favourite Beatles records to captive audiences of family, friends and nursery teachers it was obvious Mick had a talent for performing. Whenever some one would listen Mick would sing, in school in the local pub, even at a wedding with a band. This desire to sing and perform, instilled in him when he was barely out of nappies (diapers) has never really left Mick Hucknall, which is something we should all be very thankful for. For with out this desire to perform, sing and entertain there may never have been a Simply Red.

The beginnings of Mick Hucknall's life were unsettled to say the least. By the age of three he had been moved at least three times and spent a short time living at his grandparents house. It was only when his mother finally walked out on him for good at the age of three that his life began to settle.

Mick's mother left him with his father (Reg) whom he now speaks of as one of the single biggest influences on his life. He lived with his father (until he finally moved out at the age of 21) and he was also looked after by a series of 'Auntie's' probably the most well known of them being Auntie Nellie (Spike.)

Mick speaks of his childhood as being a happy one, and it was only when he started Audenshaw Grammar at the age of 11 that this happy childhood became anything else.

He was bullied by the other boys at the school because of his red hair, he later said that they made him feel inadequate at a time when most kids just want to be like their friends. Some of the worst of these taunts included such things as 'Puppet Head' and 'Period head' (urgh). He became quite shy (something he still is believe it or not) and awkward and he no longer sang in public. But his passion for music still held strong an surrounding himself with a few close friends, one of whom being Neil Moss, with whom he later formed the Frantic Elevators' he began his musical education. They discussed the works of the Beatles over illicit pints of Manchester's finest in pubs they knew would not be frequented by anyone who knew them. (They also became rather skilled at pool). Mick listened to R & B, Soul, Blues, Jazz, Reggae, Rock, anything he could get his hands on. He took it in.

Once through the minefield of his grammar school years and with three O Levels to his name. Mick decided to study art. He went to college, where he became known as a rather off-the-wall character revelling in the relaxed atmosphere of the place. He obtained his A Levels and went on to complete a degree in 'Fine Art.'

It was around this time that Mick penned one of Simply Red's most famous songs. That song was 'Holding Back The Years'

It was also around this time that Mick and Neil formed the punk based band (although the influence was evident in the attitude rather than the music) the Frantic Elevators. The Frantic Elevators were a gig-ing band for around four years in all, finally splitting for all intents and purposes in 1982 when Mick quit after realising that if he wanted to make it as a singer then it really wasn't going to be with the Frantic Elevators.

He joined forces with Elliot Rashman who had first booked them when he had been entertainment's secretary a for Manchester Polytechnic. He became Mick's manager and together they set about forming a group which would bring them fame and fortune. That group became Simply Red.

Simply red were signed to Elektra UK in 1984 after what was alleged to be a fierce bidding war between the record companies.

The year after they released their first single 'Money's Too Tight To Mention' and a career that would span, so far 15 years, 7 albums and sales of around 40 million records world wide. The one constant through all of this is one man. Mick Hucknall.

This biography may or may not be accurate, I am writing from memory here. I will reread the two biographies 'Red Mick' and 'Simply Mick.' If there are any inconsistencies I will amend them. Obviously this is not a full biography, it is merely a snapshot. If you wish to know more then Suggest that you try to track down the two Unofficial biographies mentioned above.