Calvin Hayes, the British musician and co-founder of the 1980s pop band Johnny Hates Jazz, has died at the age of 63 after collapsing at his home in Washington, US, his wife Kathy confirmed.
Rise to Fame with Johnny Hates Jazz
Hayes, a keyboardist and drummer, joined Johnny Hates Jazz in 1986 alongside singer Clark Datchler and bassist Mike Nocito. The band achieved international fame with their 1987 single "Shattered Dreams," which reached the Top 10 in several countries. Their debut album Turn Back the Clock, released in 1988, topped the UK charts and produced four UK Top 20 singles: "Shattered Dreams," "I Don't Want to Be a Hero," "Turn Back the Clock," and "Heart of Gold." Between 1987 and 1988, the band made eight appearances on Top of the Pops.
Band Changes and Personal Tragedy
After initial success, Datchler left to pursue a solo career. Hayes and Nocito continued with new vocalist Phil Thornalley, but progress was halted when Hayes suffered a near-fatal car crash that left him in a body cast for almost a year.
Family and Other Work
Hayes was the son of legendary record producer Mickie Most, who worked with artists including Hot Chocolate. Throughout his career, Hayes played drums for Kim Wilde's promotional band. In a 1988 interview, Wilde described Hayes as "the greatest thing that has ever happened to me" when they began a relationship; they later separated but reportedly stayed in touch.
Later Years and Reunion
During the 1990s, Hayes stepped away from the music spotlight. Johnny Hates Jazz reunited for a series of nostalgia concerts across Europe and Southeast Asia in 2010.
