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, United States. His wife Kathy confirmed the news.
Early success with Johnny Hates Jazz
Hayes, a keyboardist and drummer, rose to prominence in 1986 when he co-founded Johnny Hates Jazz 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 multiple countries. Their debut album Turn Back the Clock, released in 1988, topped the UK charts and spawned 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, Johnny Hates Jazz made eight appearances on the BBC's Top of the Pops. Following initial success, Datchler left the band to pursue a solo career, and Hayes and Nocito continued with new vocalist Phil Thornalley. However, the band's progress was halted when Hayes was involved in a near-fatal car crash that left him in a body cast for almost a year.
Musical legacy and family ties
Hayes was the son of legendary record producer Mickie Most, who worked with artists such as 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 the pair began a relationship. They eventually parted ways but are believed to have stayed in touch.
During the 1990s, Hayes stepped away from the music spotlight. In 2010, Johnny Hates Jazz reunited for a series of nostalgia concerts across Europe and Southeast Asia.
Impact and remembrance
Calvin Hayes' death marks the loss of a key figure in the 1980s pop scene. His contributions to Johnny Hates Jazz and his work with other artists left a lasting impact. According to his wife Kathy, Hayes collapsed at their Washington home and was found deceased.
