Simply Red

**Simply Red** is a British pop and soul band founded in 1985 by singer and songwriter Mick Hucknall. The band achieved worldwide fame in the late 1980s and early 1990s and made their mark on the music scene with their unmistakable mix of soul, pop and jazz. The breakthrough came with their debut album *Picture Book* (1985), which included the hit *Holding Back the Years*, which became an international success. Simply Red is known for Hucknall's distinctive, warm voice and the emotional depth of their songs, which often deal with love, longing and heartache.

The band's biggest commercial success came in 1991 with the album *Stars*, which was the best-selling album of the year in the UK. Hits such as *Something Got Me Started* and *Stars* characterised the band's signature sound, which is dominated by melodic horns, gentle rhythms and soulful vocals. Simply Red have sold over 50 million albums in their career and produced a string of international hits that have earned them a loyal fan base around the world.

After a brief break-up in 2010, the band returned in 2015 and continued their career with new albums and tours. Mick Hucknall remains the central face and driving creative force behind Simply Red. With timeless hits and an unmistakable voice, the band has a firm place in music history as one of the most successful acts in the soul-pop genre.