Current:Home > FinanceSteve Harley, Cockney Rebel singer behind hit song 'Make Me Smile,' dies at 73-Angel Dreamer Wealth Society D1 Reviews & Insights
Steve Harley, Cockney Rebel singer behind hit song 'Make Me Smile,' dies at 73
View Date:2024-12-23 20:24:13
LONDON − Steve Harley, a British musician whose glam-rock band Cockney Rebel had an enduring hit with the song "Make Me Smile (Come Up and See Me)," has died. He was 73.
Harley's family said Sunday that he had "passed away peacefully at home, with his family by his side." Harley said late last year he was being treated for "a nasty cancer."
Born in London in 1951, Harley spent almost four years of his childhood hospitalized after contracting polio, periods during which he began reading and writing poetry. He worked as a trainee accountant and as journalist on local newspapers, and began his performing career at London folk clubs.
He formed Cockney Rebel, which released a debut album, “The Human Menagerie,” in 1973 before foundering over creative differences. With a new lineup and rebranded as Steve Harley and Cockney Rebel, the band released the 1975 album “The Best Years of Our Lives,” which contained Harley's biggest hit.
With its barbed lyrics – aimed at Harley's former bandmates – and infectiously catchy chorus, the Alan Parsons-produced "Make Me Smile" topped the U.K. singles chart. It went on to be covered scores of times and was used on countless soundtracks, including in the 1997 film "The Full Monty" and in ads for Carlsberg beer, department store Marks and Spencer and Viagra.
Harley also sang the title song of Andrew Lloyd Webber's musical "The Phantom of the Opera" alongside Sarah Brightman when it was released as a single in 1986. He was originally cast in the title role for the stage musical, but was replaced by Michael Crawford.
Ultravox frontman Midge Ure, who produced Harley's 1982 track "I Can't Even Touch You," called him a "true 'working musician.'"
"He toured until he could tour no more, playing his songs for fans old and new," Ure wrote on social media. "My thoughts go out to Dorothy and his family at this very sad time. Our songs live on longer than we ever can."
Harley is survived by his wife Dorothy, children Kerr and Greta and four grandchildren. The family said in a statement that they knew he would be "desperately missed by people all over the world."
veryGood! (282)
Related
- Suspect in deadly 2023 Atlanta shooting is deemed not competent to stand trial
- North Carolina appeals court blocks use of university’s digital ID for voting
- ‘Saturday Night Live’ launches 50th season with Jean Smart, Jelly Roll and maybe Maya as Kamala
- ‘Catastrophic’ Hurricane Helene Makes Landfall in Florida, Menaces the Southeast
- Mike Tyson employs two trainers who 'work like a dream team' as Jake Paul fight nears
- Bachelor Nation's Kaitlyn Bristowe Reveals Nipple Cover Wardrobe Malfunction Ahead of 2024 PCCAs
- Christine Sinclair to retire at end of NWSL season. Canadian soccer star ends career at 41
- Asheville has been largely cut off after Helene wrecked roads and knocked out power and cell service
- Rita Ora Says Liam Payne “Left Such a Mark on This World” in Emotional Tribute
- Colorado vs. UCF live updates: Buffaloes-Knights score, highlights, analysis and more
Ranking
- As Northeast wildfires keep igniting, is there a drought-buster in sight?
- Small plane crashes into Utah Lake Friday, officials working to recover bodies
- Friend says an ex-officer on trial in fatal beating of Tyre Nichols did his job ‘by the book’
- A rare condor hatched and raised by foster parents in captivity will soon get to live wild
- CFP bracket prediction: SEC adds a fifth team to field while a Big Ten unbeaten falls out
- Shohei Ohtani 50-50 home run ball: Auction starts with lawsuit looming
- Why Adam Devine Is Convinced Wife Chloe Bridges Likes Him More Now That He's a Dad
- CBS News says it will be up to Vance and Walz to fact-check each other in veep debate
Recommendation
-
Bitcoin has topped $87,000 for a new record high. What to know about crypto’s post-election rally
-
Helene leaves behind 'overwhelming' destruction in one small Florida town
-
A's leave Oakland a winner. They also leave plenty of tears and 57 years of memories.
-
Diddy lawyer says rapper is 'eager' to testify during trial, questions baby oil claims
-
Should Georgia bench Carson Beck with CFP at stake against Tennessee? That's not happening
-
Naomi Campbell Banned as Charity Trustee for 5 Years After Spending Funds on Hotels, Spas and Cigarettes
-
Helene wreaking havoc across Southeast; 33 dead; 4.5M in the dark: Live updates
-
Lululemon's Latest We Made Too Much Drops -- $29 Belt Bags, $49 Align Leggings & More Under $99 Finds