Mike Hazelwood (singer)

Mike Hazelwood (born 1941, England — died 6 May 2001, Florence, Italy [http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=11:anfexqr5ld0e~T0 All Music Guide] ] ) was an English singer, composer and songwriter.

Biography

Educated at Hazelwick School, in Crawley, West Sussex, Hazelwood began his career as a DJ at the radio station, Radio Luxembourg in the early 1960s. In 1966 he founded the group, Family Dogg, together with Albert Hammond and Steve Rowland. In addition he often wrote songs in collaboration with Hammond, like "Little Arrows" for Leapy Lee, "Gimme Dat Ding" for The Pipkins, and "The Air That I Breathe" for Phil Everly of The Everly Brothers, for his 1973 solo album "Star Spangled Springer", later recorded by, and a hit for The Hollies.

Hazelwood's collaboration with Hammond, resulted in co-composed songs for the latter such as "It Never Rains in Southern California", and "The Free Electric Band".

Hazelwood and Hammond also wrote the international hit song "Make Me An Island" for the late Irish singer Joe Dolan in 1969, as well as it's follow-up singles "Teresa" and "You're Such a Good Looking Woman". The latter became a signature hit for Dolan, topping the Irish charts twice - in 1970 and again in 1997 when he re-recorded it with Dustin the Turkey.

On 6 May 2001, Hazelwood died from a heart attack, during his holidays in Florence, Italy.

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