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M. Maurice Hawkesworth

M. Maurice Hawkesworth
Birth name Michael Maurice Hawkesworth
Born (1960-02-23) February 23, 1960 (age 57)
South Bend, Indiana, United States
Occupation(s) Producer, songwriter, A&R
Years active 1988–present
Labels Mega Records, Iwave Records, Danish Records

M. Maurice Hawkesworth (born February 23, 1960 in South Bend, Indiana, United States) is an American producer, multimedia artist, songwriter and former A&R manager for the Danish record label Mega Records.

Hawkesworth moved to Europe in the mid-1980s. As an artist he exhibited his paintings at Den Fri's kunstnersefterårsudstillingen (Artist Censored Fall Exhibit) in 1988, 1989 and 1990. He produced several successful posters, one of which is featured in the Hoover Institution.

In August 1992, Hawkesworth co-ordinated the production of Ace of Base's debut album, Happy Nation (US version The Sign), together with John Ballard at Tuff Studio in Gothenburg, Sweden. The same month, he co-ordinated artist Leila K's, debut album with Denniz Pop which was launched with the single "Open Sesame". It was a Top 10 in seven countries. Hawkesworth also designed the cover and artwork for "Open Sesame", which featured his painting and photography.

Hawkesworth's A&R credits include discovering and signing Herbie Crichlow. Hawkesworth initiated the re-write of the Crichlow song, "Clap Your", which became the English boy band 5ive's debut hit, "Slam Dunk The Funk", which debuted at number 10 in the UK Singles Chart.

Other signings by Hawkesworth included the Norwegian Stella Getz, written and produced in part by Mikkel Eriksen, who would later become half of the production duo Stargate. Also signed was Solveig Sandnes, whose hit single "Marie" topped the sales charts in Japan. Hawkesworth co-wrote the song and coordinated the A&R bringing on board Tore Johansson, to produce the Solveig album, Analog.

As video commissioner, Hawkesworth helped place over 20 videos on pan European MTV, such as Ace of Base ("All That She Wants", "The Sign", "Lucky Love", "Don't Turn Around", "Life is a Flower"), Leila K ("Open Sesame", "Ca Plane pour Moi", "Slow Motion"), and Stella Getz ("Friends") amongst others.


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