Michael J. Mullins
| Michael J. Mullins | |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Mick Mullins |
| Born | 9 November 1953 |
| Origin | England |
| Genres | Pop music, R&B, Salsa music |
| Occupation(s) | Singer, composer |
| Instruments | Vocals |
| Years active | 1982–present |
| Labels | RCA Records, Ronco, WEA, Jive Records |
| Associated acts |
Modern Romance Cliff Richard The Alan Parsons Project Peter Howarth |
Michael J. Mullins (born Michael John Mullins, 9 November 1953) is an English lead vocalist, backing singer, and songwriter, best known as the lead singer of Salsa band Modern Romance (1982–85). Modern Romance achieved eight Top 40 singles and two hit albums. After the band called it quits in 1985, Mullins continued working within the music industry, most notably as a backing singer for Cliff Richard: he can be seen singing with Cliff Richard live on Top of the Pops, on the Christmas number one single, "Mistletoe and Wine" (1988). Mullins has since performed with Alan Parsons as part of The Alan Parsons Project.
Mullins began his music career as a backing vocalist and musician for Modern Romance. He is thanked on the sleeve of their debut album, Adventures in Clubland (1981), on which he provided vocals and guitar. During this time he also appeared with the band on episodes of Top of the Pops, and provided further vocals on their single, "By the Way (I'm Still in Love with You)" (1982). The lead singer for Modern Romance was, at the time, Geoff Deane, who had formed the band with David Jaymes, two remnants of punk rock band The Leighton Buzzards. Modern Romance had reached No. 1 in Venezuela with Adventures in Clubland – which also earned them a Gold Disc there – and had scored four UK hits, Mullins often lending his vocals and talents as a musician to their live TV appearances and studio work. However, in 1982, Deane would leave the band to pursue a solo career.
Following the departure of Geoff Deane in late 1982, the Jaymes/Deane era came to an end, and Mullins took over as Lead vocalist for Modern Romance. Their first single – in what would become known as the Jaymes/Mullins era – climbed the UK charts, reaching the top-five. "Best Years of our Life" – which peaked at No. 4 in the UK – would be the band's highest charting single. They quickly followed with the similar sounding single, "High Life", which climbed to the No. 8 position. Modern Romance were holding their own with bands such as Duran Duran and Spandau Ballet, and a myriad TV and magazine appearances followed. They were regulars on Top of the Pops and made an appearance at the Royal Variety Performance.
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