British musician Calvin Hayes, best known as the co-founder of 1980s pop band Johnny Hates Jazz, has died at the age of 63 after reportedly collapsing at his home in Spokane, Washington, in the United States.
His wife, Kathy, confirmed his passing. Hayes co-founded Johnny Hates Jazz in 1986 alongside vocalist Clark Datchler and bassist Mike Nocito.
The group rose to international fame with their 1987 hit Shattered Dreams, which reached the Top 10 in several countries.
The band’s debut album, Turn Back the Clock, topped the UK charts in 1988 and produced several hit singles, including I Don’t Want to Be a Hero, Turn Back the Clock, and Heart of Gold.
At the height of their success, Johnny Hates Jazz made eight appearances on Top of the Pops.
After Datchler left the group to pursue a solo career, Hayes and Nocito continued with a new vocalist before Hayes suffered a near-fatal car accident that kept him in a body cast for almost a year.
The son of renowned record producer Mickie Most, Hayes also performed with Kim Wilde’s promotional band.
He later reunited with Johnny Hates Jazz for reunion concerts in 2010, leaving behind a lasting legacy in 1980s pop music.
