Coordinates	34°03′″N118°15′″N
Name	Tricky
Background	solo_singer
Birth name	Adrian Nicholas Matthews Thaws
Alias	Tricky Kid
Born	January 27, 1968
Origin	Knowle West, Bristol, England
Instrument	Vocals, keyboards, harmonica
Genre	Trip hop, alternative music
Occupation	Producer, mixer, musician
Label	Island Records, Domino Records
Associated acts	The Wild BunchMassive Attack
Url
Past members	}}

Tricky (born Adrian Nicholas Matthews Thaws, 27 January 1968) is an English musician and actor. As a producer and a musician, he is noted for a dark, rich and layered sound and a whispering sprechgesang lyrical style. Culturally, Tricky encourages an intertwining of societies, particularly in his musical fusion of rock and hip hop, high art and pop culture. His debut album ''Maxinquaye'' was nominated for the Mercury Prize and voted Album of the Year by ''NME'' Magazine.

Early life

Tricky was born in Knowle West, Bristol, England to a Jamaican father and a mixed-race Ghanaian-English mother. His father left the family before he was born and his mother, Maxine Quaye, committed suicide when he was only four. He named his solo album after her - ''Maxinquaye'' - and once said that though he hardly knew her, he feels like she's speaking through him with his words.

He spent his youth in the care of his grandmother, who often let him watch old horror movies instead of going to school. At 15 he began to write lyrics (''"I like to rock, I like to dance, I like pretty girls taking down their pants"'' ''MixMag'' 1996). At 17, he spent some time in prison because he bought forged £50 notes from a friend, who later informed the police. In an interview, Tricky said: ''"Prison was really good. I'm never going back"''.

Early career

Eventually he met DJ Milo and hung out with a sound system called The Wild Bunch, which by 1987 evolved into Massive Attack. He received the nickname 'Tricky Kid' and at 18 he became a member of the Fresh 4, a rap group built from The Wild Bunch. He also rapped on Massive Attack's acclaimed debut album ''Blue Lines'' (1991).

In 1991, before the release of Massive Attack's album ''Blue Lines'', he met Martina Topley-Bird. Some time later she came to his house, and mentioned to Tricky and Mark Stewart that she could sing. Martina was only fifteen years old, but her 'honey-coated vox' impressed them and they recorded a song called "Aftermath" (though The Face '95 mentions that the first song they recorded together was called "Shoebox"). Tricky showed "Aftermath" to Massive Attack, but they were not interested. So in 1993 he decided to press a few hundred vinyl copies of the song. He cut it directly off of the tape, so that the song is basically ''"just bassline and hiss"''. (''NME'' 1994). Finally, a white label got him a contract with Island Records and he started to record his first solo album.

Breakthrough

Tricky left Massive Attack to release his debut album, ''Maxinquaye''. The album was a massive success and Tricky was catapulted to international fame, something he was notably uncomfortable with. This was because the impact of his album truly set the stage for trip-hop within the United Kingdom. Tricky was able to do so much with his music by incorporating different musical genres in his sound, but ultimately making sure he made the overall product his own. In fact, the Maxinquaye album review by the Rolling Stone magazine read, "Tricky devoured everything from American hip-hop and soul to reggae and the more melancholic strains of 80s British rock." It is important to note that Tricky paid tribute to early hip-hop artists whose music was, and still is, influential in the hip-hop scene. He also incorporated commercial pop music into his music, and by combining early hip-hop and pop samples in his music, he found a way to appeal to both audiences, which rarely happens. As Hesmondhalgh and Melville wrote, "Tricky showed his debt to hip-hop aesthetics by reconstructualizing samples and slices of both the most respected black music (Public Enemy) and the tackiest pop (quoting David Cassidy’s “How Can I Be Sure?”)." Mixing all of these elements, Tricky created "a mercurial style of dance music that immediately finds it own fast feet."

Tricky failed to complete a number of lyrics for the Massive Attack album ''Protection'' and gave the band some of the lyrics he had written for ''Maxinquaye'' instead. Different versions of the same songs appear on both albums - called "Overcome" and "Hell is 'Round the Corner" on ''Maxinquaye'' and "Karmacoma" and "Eurochild" on ''Protection''. When Massive Attack were asked, in a radio interview on CFNY (Toronto), about why the lyrics were the same, they jokingly said that it was because he was lazy.

Tricky found it difficult to cope with the huge success of ''Maxinquaye'' and he subsequently eschewed the laidback soul sound of the first album to create an increasingly edgy and aggressive punk tinged music that echoed his personality as he became more erratic and unreliable.

In 1996, Neneh Cherry and Björk appeared as guests on his second album ''Nearly God''. The opening number was a cover of the Siouxsie and the Banshees pre-trip-hop song "Tattoo" that had previously inspired Tricky when he forged his style.

In 2001 Tricky appeared on the ''Thirteen Ghosts'' soundtrack with the song "Excess" which (briefly) features Alanis Morissette during two of the choruses. In 2002 that song also appeared on the ''Queen of the Damned'' soundtrack.

Idiosyncrasies and media controversies

By the time ''Pre-Millennium Tension'' was released, Tricky was increasingly irritated with the press, particularly articles written in ''The Face'' magazine. ''The Face'' had been an early champion of ''Maxinquaye'', but saw Tricky as more a duo than a solo project. ''The Face'' published an article claiming that vocalist Martina Topley-Bird had to single-handedly bring up the child that Tricky had fathered.

He has also been concerned with racial stereotyping of the media. In the documentary ''Naked & Famous'' he explained how photographers want him to frown angrily in photos, because that is how black artists are marketed. He points to a recent cover of ''The Big Issue'', where he has a more ambiguous, confused look on his face, as being more how he feels. In the song "Tricky Kid" from ''Pre-Millennium Tension'', he wrote "As long as you're humble/Let you be the king of jungle." (This lyric is a reference to Goldie and their spat over Björk.)

Throughout his work, Tricky blurs the normally clear sexual definitions found within hip hop. Despite the heavy influence he drew from American hip hop in his debut album, ''Maxinquaye'', he fights against typical sexual representations by, for example, dressing as a woman on the side sleeve of his album cover. As many of his tracks blend elements of varying types of music creating a difficult to define sound, so his lyrics create a more ambiguous and blurry take on sexuality.

Side projects and film career

Tricky has guest starred on a number of albums, including a notable appearance on Live's fifth studio album, ''V''. This appearance came as Tricky and Live's lead singer Ed Kowalczyk had developed a close friendship, with Kowalczyk contributing vocals to 'Evolution Revolution Love', a track on Tricky's album ''Blowback''.

Tricky has also acted in various films. He appeared in a significant supporting role in the 1997 Luc Besson film ''The Fifth Element'', playing the right-hand man "Right Arm" to evil businessman Mr. Zorg. He reportedly put off actor Gary Oldman (who played Zorg) because, while he had his back to the camera, he was eating a Twix bar, to Oldman's anger ("He's facking eatin' a Twix!"). "But Gary Oldman took me in, used to make me cups of tea and shit like that. He's got a real deep soul. Y'know, he permitted me to hang out with him and he's up there." He also appears briefly in both the 1997 John Woo directed ''Face/Off'' (his single "Christiansands" is also played during his brief cameo) as well as the 2004 Olivier Assayas film ''Clean'', playing himself, and had a large role in the music video for "Parabol/Parabola" by Tool.

In 2001 Tricky appeared in online advertising for the web series ''We Deliver'', about a marijuana delivery service in New York. Though he did not actually appear in any episodes, in the advertising it appears as if he is a customer of the service.

Recent work

Tricky's website last reports him busy at work with the musical acts signed to his Brown Punk record label. Several new solo works have been featured in television programs such as ''CSI: Crime Scene Investigation'', ''The L Word'' and ''Girlfriends'', and he contributed "Au Revoir Emmanuelle" to a compilation entitled ''Monsieur Gainsbourg Revisited''.

Tricky's 2008 studio album, ''Knowle West Boy,'' was released in the UK and Ireland in July 2008 and September 2008 in the U.S. The first single was "Council Estate". In an interview with ''The Skinny'' in July 2008, Tricky mentioned that it was the first time that he had decided to let someone co-produce an album with him, the person in question being Bernard Butler, ex-Suede guitarist. Less than enamoured by Butler's technical prowess, Tricky finished by totally re-recording all of the material.

On 8 December 2009, Tricky's 1995 debut album ''Maxinquaye'' was reissued with a bonus 13-track CD featuring B-sides, out-takes and 7 previously unreleased mixes including three new mixes of "Overcome", "Hell is Round the Corner", and "Black Steel".

On 10 December 2009, Daddy G. revealed that he met Tricky in Paris and asked him to work on a future Massive Attack project. Tricky agreed.

During an interview on 1 July 2010, Tricky stated that his new album, titled ''Mixed Race'', was scheduled for release on 27 September 2010. The first single from the album became available on 23 August. The album included contributions from Franky Riley, Terry Lynn, Bobby Gillespie, Hamadouche, Blackman, and Tricky's youngest brother Marlon Thaws.

On December 13, 2010 Tricky's tour bus was caught in a blizzard near Sarnia, Ontario, Canada (near the U.S./Canadian border). The band was scheduled to play Tuesday night in Minneapolis, but had to cancel because they didn't make it out on time. A local farmer, John Prins, came to their rescue. The farmer reported that "they were sitting in their tour bus for 30, 35 hours, without any food", and said, "They said they were surviving on Jack Daniels."

In early 2011, Tricky was booked to headline Blissfields Festival.

The new single from the "Mixed Race" album "Time To Dance" being released featuring remixes by Maya Jane Coles, Doorly and Fifi Rong internationally on 18 July 2011.

On 26 June 2011 Tricky appeared on stage during Beyonce's headline slot on the pyramid stage at Glastonbury for the track "Baby Boy".

Discography

Studio albums

''Maxinquaye'' (1995) #3 UK

''Nearly God'' (1996) #10 UK

''Pre-Millennium Tension'' (1996) #30 UK, #140 US

''Angels with Dirty Faces'' (1998) #23 UK, #84 US

''Juxtapose'' (1999) (with DJ Muggs and Dame Grease) #22 UK, #182 US

''Blowback'' (2001) #34 UK, #138 US

''Vulnerable'' (2003) #88 UK

''Knowle West Boy'' (2008) #63 UK, #147 US

''Mixed Race'' (2010) #118 UK

Compilation albums and others

''The Crow: City of Angels soundtrack'' (1996)

''Product of the Environment'' (1999)

''The Crow: Salvation soundtrack'' (2000)

''Queen of the Damned (soundtrack)'' (2002)

''A Ruff Guide'' (2002)

''Back to Mine'' (2003)

Singles and EPs

!Year	!Song	UK Singles Chart			!Album
	"Aftermath"
"Ponderosa"
	"Overcome"
"Black Steel"
''The Hell E.P.''
"Pumpkin"
"I Be The Prophet"	align="center"
	"Poems"
''Grassroots EP''	align="center"
''-''
"Christiansands"
	"Tricky Kid"
"Makes Me Wanna Die"
1998	"Money Greedy" / "Broken Homes"		''Angels with Dirty Faces''
1999	"For Real"		''Juxtapose''
2000	''Mission Accomplished EP''	align="center"
''-''
2001	"Evolution Revolution Love"	align="center"
2002	"You Don't Wanna"
	"Antimatter"
"How High"	align="center"
	"Council Estate"	align="center"
"Slow"	align="center"
2009	"Puppy Toy"	align="center"
2010	"Murder Weapon"	align="center"
2011	"Time to Dance"	align="center"

Collaborating artists

Agoria

Damon Albarn of Blur

Ambersunshower

Björk

Pete Briquette

Yoko Ono

Bernard Butler

Rob Cavallo

Neneh Cherry

Cath Coffey

Greg Cohen

Lisa Coleman

Elvis Costello

DMX

Pete Doherty

Carmen Ejogo

Flo

Nelly Furtado

Garbage

Alison Goldfrapp

Gravediggaz

Terry Hall

PJ Harvey

Chesney Hawkes

Scott Ian

Inner Circle

Afrika Islam

Grace Jones

Josh Klinghoffer

Ed Kowalczyk of Live

Cyndi Lauper

Live

Mad Dog

Massive Attack

Wendy Melvoin

Alanis Morissette

Mos Def

Alison Moyet

DJ Muggs

Paul Oakenfold

Tim Pierce

Red Hot Chili Peppers

Marc Ribot

Mark Saunders

Jane Scarpantoni

Émilie Simon

Sub Sub

Sunshine

Terranova

Mark Thwaite

Tool

Martina Topley-Bird

UB40

Keisha White

Zeb

Bobby Gillespie

Chuck D

Beyoncé

Alice Offley

References

http://www.dailymusicguide.com/Reviews/tricky-shepherds-bush-empire-26022009-1653.aspx

External links

Review of 'C'Mon Baby' by Tricky Meets South Rakkas Crew on the Daily Music Guide

Tricky at Brown Punk

Tricky at Hollywood Records

Tricky at Music Map

Tricky at Playground Weekender 2011

Very detailed Biography

Promotional site for "Knowle West Boy" album

Audio Samples at Last.fm

Tricky live in Chile

Tricky Facebook Fan Group

Category:Electronica musicians Category:English film actors Category:English rappers Category:English television actors Category:Trip hop musicians Category:Living people Category:Music from Bristol, England Category:People from Bristol Category:1968 births Category:Black British musicians Category:Black British actors

bg:Трики cs:Tricky da:Tricky de:Tricky es:Tricky fr:Tricky it:Tricky he:טריקי ka:ტრიკი (მუსიკოსი) lt:Tricky nl:Tricky ja:トリッキー no:Tricky pl:Tricky pt:Tricky ro:Tricky ru:Tricky simple:Tricky fi:Tricky sv:Adrian Thaws

Coordinates	34°03′″N118°15′″N
name	Run–D.M.C.
background	group_or_band
origin	Hollis, Queens, New York, U.S.
genre	Hip hop, rap rock, alternative hip hop
years active	1981–2002
label	Profile/Def Jam
associated acts	Salt-n-Pepa, Pete Rock, Aerosmith, Jason Nevins, Kid Rock
website	www.rundmc.com
past members	Jam-Master Jay(deceased)(1981-2002)Run(1981-2002)D.M.C.(1981-2002) }}

Run–D.M.C. (sometimes written Run D.M.C., Run–DMC, or Run DMC) was an American hip hop group from Hollis, in the Queens borough of New York City. Founded by Joseph "Run" Simmons, Darryl "D.M.C." McDaniels, and Jason "Jam-Master Jay" Mizell, the group is widely acknowledged as one of the most influential acts in the history of hip hop culture.

Run–D.M.C. were one of the most well-known hip hop acts in the 1980s, who along with LL Cool J, signified the advent of the new school of hip hop music. They were the first group in their genre to have a Gold record and be nominated for a Grammy Award. The group was among the first to show how important the MC/DJ relationship was. In 2004, ''Rolling Stone'' ranked them number 48 in their list of the greatest musical artists of all time.

In 2007, Run–D.M.C. was named "The Greatest Hip Hop Group of All Time" by MTV.com and "Greatest Hip Hop Artist of All Time" by VH1. On April 4, 2009, rapper Eminem inducted them into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. In doing so, Run–D.M.C. became only the second hip hop group in history to be inducted, after Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five.

The initials "DMC" are widely accepted to refer to Darryl McDaniels' initials. In the 1985 album ''King of Rock'''s title track, DMC says the initials have two meanings: "Devastating Mic Control" and "''D'' for never dirty, ''MC'' for mostly clean." He also makes a third reference "The 'D's for Doing it all of the time, the 'M's for the rhymes that all are Mine, The 'C's for Cool - cool as can be."

Career

Early years

The three members of Run–D.M.C. grew up in the neighborhood of Hollis, in the Queens borough of New York City, USA. As a teen, Simmons was recruited into hip-hop by his older brother, Russell, who was then an up and coming hip-hop promoter. Simmons appeared onstage as a DJ for rapper Kurtis Blow, who was managed by Russell. Performing as "DJ Run, Son of Kurtis Blow," the younger Simmons soon began trading rhymes with Kurtis Blow and beat-boxing for the audience. He would often come back to Hollis and play his taped performances for his friend Darryl McDaniels. Previously, McDaniels had been more focused on athletics than music, but soon began to DJ after purchasing a set of turntables. Simmons convinced McDaniels to start rapping, and though McDaniels would not perform in public, he soon began writing cool and fantastic rhymes and calling himself "Easy D."

Simmons and McDaniels (who, over time, had overcome his early stage fright) started hanging around Two-Fifths Park in Hollis in late 1980, hoping to rap for the local DJs that performed and competed there, and the most popular one known to frequent the park was Mizell, then known as "Jazzy Jase". Mizell was known for his flashy wardrobe and b-boy attitude, which led to minor legal troubles as a teen. Thereafter, he decided to pursue music full-time and began entertaining in the park soon after. Eventually, Simmons and McDaniels rapped in front of Mizell at the park, and the three became friends immediately. Following Russell's success managing Kurtis Blow, he helped Run record his first single, a song called "Street Kid." The song went unnoticed, but despite the single's failure, Run's enthusiasm for hip-hop was growing. Simmons soon wanted to record again—-this time with McDaniels, but Russell refused, citing a dislike for D's rhyming style. After they completed high school and started college in 1982, Simmons and McDaniels finally convinced Russell to let them record as a duo, and they recruited Mizell (who now called himself Jam-Master Jay) to be their official DJ. A year later, in 1983, Russell agreed to help them record a new single and land a record deal, but only after he changed McDaniels' stage name to 'DMC' and marketed the group as "Run–D.M.C.", a name which, incidentally, the group hated at first. DMC said later, “We wanted to be the Dynamic Two, the Treacherous Two — when we heard ''that'' shit, we was like, ‘We’re gonna be ruined!’ ”

After signing with Profile Records, Run–D.M.C. released their first single "It's Like That/Sucker MCs", in late 1983. The sound was a revolution in hip hop: aggressive, cocky rhymes over spare, minimal, hard-hitting beats. Previously, rap music had been chiefly funk and disco-influenced, but Run–D.M.C.'s sound, like their name, was unlike anything that had been heard in rap before. The single was well received, peaking at #15 on the R&B; charts. The trio performed the single on the New York Hot Tracks video show in 1983. Emboldened by their success, Run–D.M.C. recorded their eponymous debut and, released in 1984, ''Run–D.M.C.'' was an instant hit and, arguably, rap's first classic album. Hit singles such as "Jam-Master Jay" and "Hard Times" proved that the group were more than a one-hit wonder, and the landmark single "Rock Box" was a groundbreaking fusion of raw hip-hop and hard rock that would become a cornerstone of the group's sound and paved the way for the rap rock movement of the late 1990s.

Run–D.M.C.'s swift ascension to the forefront of rap with a new sound and style meant that old school hip hop artists were becoming outdated. Along with pushing rap into a new direction musically, Run–D.M.C. changed the entire aesthetic of hip hop music and culture. Old school rappers like Afrika Bambaataa and Melle Mel of Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five tended to dress in the flashy attire that was commonly attributed to rock and disco acts of the era: tight leather, chest-baring shirts, gloves and hats with rhinestones and spikes, leather boots, etc. Run–D.M.C. discarded the more glam aspects of early hip hop's look (which ironically, was later readopted in 1990 by more "pop" rappers MC Hammer and Vanilla Ice) and incorporated a more 'street' sense of style such as fedoras, leather jackets, and unlaced Adidas shoes. The group's look had been heavily influenced by Mizell's own personal style. When Russell Simmons saw Jay's flashy, yet street b-boy style, he insisted the entire group follow suit. Run said later: }} That embrace of the look and style of the street would define the next 25 years of hip hop fashion.

''King of Rock'', ''Raising Hell'' and mainstream success

After the success of their first album, Run–D.M.C. looked to branch out on their follow-up. They transitioned into an album that defines their fusion of hip-hop with rock with more varied beats and a sharper guitar. 1985's ''King of Rock'' saw the group furthering their rap-rock fusion on songs like "Can You Rock It Like This" and the title track; while "Roots, Rap, Reggae" was one of the first rap/dancehall hybrids. The music video for the single "King of Rock" was the first ever rap video to air on MTV and received heavy rotation from the channel. It featured Run and DMC wreaking havoc in a museum that resembles the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, (though the Hall of Fame museum would not officially open for another nine years.) The video was interpreted as a reaction to the rock establishment's dismissal of rap music, a dismissal that echoed pop and jazz performers' early distaste for rock a generation before. The song was the group's biggest hit at that point and the album was certified platinum.

Building on their ever-growing crossover appeal, Run–D.M.C. performed at the legendary Live Aid benefit shortly after ''King of Rock'' was released. They were the only rap act invited to perform.

In late 1985, Run–D.M.C. appeared as themselves in the classic hip hop film ''Krush Groove'', a fictionalized re-telling of Russell Simmons' rise as a hip-hop entrepreneur and his struggles to get his own label, Def Jam Recordings, off of the ground. The film featured a young Blair Underwood as Russell, along with appearances by old-school legend Kurtis Blow, The Fat Boys, teen pop act New Edition, LL Cool J, Prince protegee Sheila E., and hip hop's first successful white rap group the Beastie Boys, who were signed to Simmons' Def Jam label. The movie was a hit and further proof of hip hop's continued mainstream visibility.

Returning to the studio in 1986, the group teamed with producer Rick Rubin for their third album. Rubin had just produced teenage phenom LL Cool J's acclaimed debut album ''Radio''. Rubin wanted to change their sound to give them a more street credible sound. They also wanted to put out what they called a consistent album and have a single on the Billboard Hot 100. While at Chung King Studios, Def Jam’s unofficial hangout, the group turned bits and pieces they already had into songs for their new album. Wanting to better themselves, with the help of Rubin, they put out their third album titled Raising Hell which became the group's most successful album and one of the best-selling rap albums of all-time. After only being released a few months, the album was certified double-platinum and peaked at number three on the charts. Unlike before they went into the studio with nearly finished songs including “It’s Tricky” and “My Adidas”. “It’s Tricky” was released to let people know that rap is not as simple as people think it is.

They were almost done with the album, but Rubin thought that it needed an element that would appeal to rock fans as well. This spurred the lead single "Walk This Way", a cover of the classic hard rock song by Aerosmith. The original intention was to just rap over a sample of the song, but Rubin and Jay insisted on doing a complete cover version. Aerosmith's Steven Tyler and Joe Perry were called to join Run–D.M.C. in the studio to add vocals and lead guitar, respectively. The song and video became one of the biggest hits of the '80s, reaching number four on the Hot 100, and cemented Run–D.M.C.'s crossover status. It also resurrected Aerosmith's career. ''Raising Hell'' boasted four tracks that reached the top five on the Billboard Hot 100, with the single "My Adidas" leading to the group signing a $1.6 million endorsement deal with athletic apparel brand Adidas. Adidas formed a long-term relationship with Run–D.M.C. and hip hop.

The success of ''Raising Hell'' is often credited with kick-starting hip hop's golden age, (the period from roughly 1986 to 1994, when rap music's visibility, variety, and commercial viability exploded onto the national stage and became a global phenomenon) officially ending the 'old school' era, (though it can be argued that Run–D.M.C.'s debut was the 'beginning of the end' of the old school.) Their success directly paved the way for acts like LL Cool J and the Beastie Boys (who released their own multi-platinum debut, the Rubin-produced ''Licensed to Ill'', later in 1986) to have similar commercial success, confirming hip hop as a marketable, thriving musical genre.

The group toured in the wake of the album's success, but the Raising Hell Tour was marred by violence, particularly fights between rival street gangs in places like Los Angeles. Though Run–D.M.C.'s lyrics had been confrontational and aggressive, they typically denounced crime and ignorance, but the media began to blame the group for the incidents. In the wake of the violence, Run–D.M.C. would call for a day of peace between the gangs in L.A.

''Tougher Than Leather'', changing times

After spending 1987 on tour supporting ''Raising Hell'', Run–D.M.C. released 1988's ''Tougher Than Leather''. The album saw the group discarding much of its rap rock leanings for a grittier, more sample-heavy sound. In the two years since ''Raising Hell'', rap music had begun sampling classic funk and soul records and lyrics had become even more confrontational, complex and gritty. ''Tougher Than Leather'' reflected the shift, and, despite not selling as well as its predecessor, the album boasted several strong singles, including "Run's House", "Beats to the Rhyme", and "Mary Mary." Though at the time considered a somewhat disappointing follow-up to the blockbuster ''Raising Hell'', the album has grown in stature. In the 2000 liner notes for the album's re-release, Chuck D. of Public Enemy would call the album "...a spectacular performance against all odds and expectations."

Later in 1988, the group made their second film appearance in ''Tougher Than Leather'', a would-be crime caper that was directed by Rick Rubin and featured special guest performances by the Beastie Boys and Slick Rick. The film bombed at the box office, but strengthened the indirect relationship between Run–D.M.C. and the Def Jam label.

Though the group itself was never signed to the label, they were managed by Russell Simmons, produced by Rick Rubin (who was co-founder of Def Jam, along with Simmons), and often shared concert tour spotlight with acts on the label's roster. One of those acts was the political rap group Public Enemy, who had been signed to Def Jam since 1986. P.E. did not achieve their major commercial breakthrough, until they released 1988's seminal ''It Takes A Nation of Millions To Hold Us Back''. The success of the album, along with popular and acclaimed releases by burgeoning rap acts Eric B. & Rakim, N.W.A., Boogie Down Productions, and Big Daddy Kane challenged Run–D.M.C.'s reign at the top of hip hop. Public Enemy, in particular, became the most talked-about rap act, with front-man Chuck D. and hype man Flavor Flav becoming stars.

Amidst the changing times and sliding sales, Run–D.M.C. released ''Back from Hell'' in 1990. The album was the worst-reviewed of their career, as the group tried to re-create itself musically with ill-advised forays into New Jack Swing (a then-popular style of production that sonically merged hip hop and contemporary R&B;) and sometimes-preachy lyrical content. The two singles released, the anti-drug, anti-crime song "Pause" and street narrative "The Ave", had little success, and the group began to look outdated. Reeling from their first taste of failure, personal problems began to surface for the trio. McDaniels, who had been a heavy drinker in recent years, was losing control to alcoholism. Jay was involved in a life-threatening car accident and survived two gunshot wounds after an incident in 1990. In 1991, Simmons was charged with raping a college student in Ohio, though the charges were later dropped. He was also battling depression and would frequently mix poison with Coca Cola—his signature drink—later coined "The Jimmy Simmons".

With so much personal chaos and professional uncertainty, the members turned to faith to try and steady their lives. Both Simmons and McDaniels joined the church, with Run becoming especially devoted following his legal troubles and the toll it took on his finances. Needing to start from scratch, they just spent time enjoying themselves with one another.

After a three-year hiatus that seemingly saw rap music move on without them, the rejuvenated Run–D.M.C. returned in 1993 with ''Down With the King''. Building on the gritty sound of ''Tougher Than Leather'', and adding some subtle religious references, the album featured guest appearances and production by several hip hop notables (including Pete Rock & CL Smooth, Q-Tip of A Tribe Called Quest, and Jermaine Dupri). Buoyed by the title track and first single, the album entered the charts at #1 and number 7 on the pop charts, Run D.M.C. had returned to the airwaves.

Even though the album went platinum, the song proved to be their last hit. Jam-Master Jay also found success on his own; he had founded his own label JMJ Records, and discovered and produced the group Onyx, which had tremendous success in 1993 following the release of their hit single, "Slam." Later that same year, Run became an ordained minister, and in 1995 the iconic group appeared in ''The Show'', a Def Jam-produced documentary that featured several of hip hop's biggest acts discussing the lifestyle and sacrifices of the industry.

Later years, break-up

Over the next few years, the group did very little recording. Mizell produced and mentored up and coming artists, including; Onyx, and a young 50 Cent, who he eventually signed to the JMJ label. Simmons got divorced, re-married, and began to focus on his spiritual and philanthropic endeavors by becoming a reverend. He also wrote a book along side his brother Russell. McDaniels, also married, made an appearance on the Notorious B.I.G.'s 1997 double-album ''Life After Death'', and focused on raising his family.

Though the group continued to tour around the world, over a decade of living a rap superstar lifestyle was beginning to take a toll on McDaniels. He was beginning to tire of Run–D.M.C., and there was increased friction between him and Simmons, who was eager to return to recording. (Simmons had at this time adopted the moniker "Rev. Run" in light of his religious conversion.) While on tour in Europe in 1997, McDaniels ongoing battle with substance abuse led to a bout of severe depression, which spurred an addiction to prescription drugs. McDaniels' depression continued for years, so much so that he contemplated suicide.

In 1997, producer and remixer Jason Nevins remixed "It's Tricky" and "It's Like That". Nevins' remix of "It's Like That" hit number 1 in the United Kingdom, Germany, and many other European countries. A video was made for "It's Like That", although no new footage of Run–D.M.C. appeared in it. In 1999, Run–D.M.C. recorded the theme song for WWE wrestling stable D-Generation X entitled "The Kings". They also made an appearance in a rare version of the music video "Bodyrock" by Moby. Their version of "The Kings" was included on the album, ''WWF Aggression'' (2000).

Soon after, the group finally returned to the studio, but in an increasingly tense environment, as Simmons and McDaniels' differences had begun to show. In the wake of the exploding popularity of rap rock artists like KoRn, Limp Bizkit, and Kid Rock, Simmons wanted to return to the aggressive, hard rock-tinged sound that made the group famous. McDaniels — who had become a fan of thoughtful singer-songwriters like John Lennon, Harry Chapin, and Sarah McLachlan — wanted to go in a more introspective direction. Appearing on VH1's popular documentary series ''Behind The Music'' in early 2000, McDaniels confirmed that he was creatively frustrated and highlighted some songs that he was recording on his own. The continued friction led to McDaniels sitting out most of the group's recording sessions in protest.

Simmons, in defiance, recorded material anyway, inviting several guest stars such as Kid Rock, Jermaine Dupri, Stephan Jenkins of Third Eye Blind, Method Man, and fellow Queens MCs Nas and Prodigy of Mobb Deep to contribute to the project. The resultant album, Crown Royal, was delayed due to the personal problems, and when it was finally released in 2001, it featured only three appearances by DMC. Despite no major singles, the album initially sold well. However, many critics blasted the lack of DMC's involvement, and fans questioned whether this was a 'true' Run–D.M.C. album, only being released as one for contractual purposes. Some positive reviews were published: ''Entertainment Weekly'' noted that "on this hip-hop roast, new schoolers Nas and Fat Joe pay their respects with sparkling grooves....Run's rhymes are still limber."

After Crown Royal, the group embarked on a worldwide tour with their "Walk This Way" compatriots, Aerosmith. The tour was a rousing success, celebrating the collaboration between the two acts and acknowledging the innumerable amount of rap and rock acts that had been influenced by their seminal hit 15 years prior. Even though he had little to do with the album, McDaniels was relishing the stage; he had been suffering from an inoperable vocal disorder that had rendered his once-booming voice a strained mumble. Performing allowed McDaniels to come out of his depression and he appeared revitalized on the tour. There was even talk of Run–D.M.C. finally signing with the Def Jam label, which by then was no longer held by its original founders.

Simmons, however, had been growing increasingly tired of hip-hop. His family was growing, and he was assisting his brother with his Russell's Phat Farm clothing imprint, making Run–D.M.C. less of a priority. Aerosmith was beginning to discuss extending the successful tour, but while on the bus headed to another performance, Simmons announced that he was leaving and was not interested in returning. To the others' shock, Run was reported as having said, "Yo, tomorrow, we're gonna tell [Aerosmith] we ain't gonna do the tour. We're gonna go home. Y'all have to figure out what y'all are gonna do. Because I don't want to perform no more." Despite the protests of McDaniels, Mizell, and Tyler, Simmons was adamant. Their touring career at the time seemed over, and it was uncertain whether the trio would ever record again.

On October 30, 2002, Jam-Master Jay was shot and killed at his recording studio in Queens. The entire hip hop community went into shock following the news, and for his bandmates, it was devastating. McDaniels initially did not believe the news, thinking "They're saying [he was shot] because it's Jay's studio—it's not gonna be Jay and it's gonna be all good." The truth was slowly accepted by the two McDaniels and Simmons, who received the news from EPMD's DJ Scratch. Outside the studio where the murder occurred, fans and friends gathered and left Adidas sneakers, albums, and flowers for the legendary DJ. Mourners respected him as a family man who stayed out of trouble. The homicide has yet to be solved, echoing the unsolved murders of fellow hip hop titans The Notorious B.I.G. and 2Pac. In the aftermath, Run and DMC announced that the group was officially disbanding, and they retired the Run–D.M.C. moniker.

Biopic

Following the success of ''Notorious'', it has been announced that a Run–D.M.C. biopic is in production. The film is rumored to depict the life and story of the group beginning from their inception in Hollis, Queens, and leading up to the 2002 murder of Jam-Master Jay.

Post-breakup

In 2004, Run-DMC were one of the first acts honored on the first annual VH1 Hip Hop Honors, alongside legends like 2Pac and the Sugarhill Gang. The Beastie Boys paid tribute. Simmons did not attend the show; he was recording his first solo album, ''Distortion''. It was released in 2005 to strong reviews and moderate sales.

McDaniels also released a solo album, 'Checks Thugs and Rock N Roll', which was slightly less successful. He had recently discovered that he was adopted, which lead him to be the center of the VH1 program ''My Adoption Journey'', a documentary chronicling his re-connection with his biological family. McDaniels was also featured in the 2008 video game, ''Guitar Hero: Aerosmith'', making appearances in the songs "Walk this Way" and "King of Rock". He frequently contributed to VH1 programs such as the ''I Love The...'' series, and he released the song "Rock Show" featuring singer Stephan Jenkins.

Simmons also turned to television, starring in ''Run's House'', a reality show that followed his life as a father and husband. The show has become one of the most popular on MTV, and it made reality TV stars out of his daughters Vanessa and Angela.

In June 2007, McDaniels appeared with Aerosmith performing "Walk This Way" for their encore at the Hard Rock Calling festival in London, England. Simmons joined Kid Rock's 2008 Rock N Roll Revival Tour, performing "It's Like That", "It's Tricky", "You Be Illin'", "Run's House", "Here We Go", "King of Rock" and "Walk This Way" with Kid Rock. They also covered "For What It's Worth" at the end of the show.

In 2007, Mizell's wife, Terry, Simmons, and McDaniels also launched the J.A.M. Awards in Jay's memory. Jay's vision for social Justice, Arts and Music was promoted by many recording artists, including Snoop Dogg, LL Cool J, Raekwon, Jim Jones, M.O.P., Papoose, Everlast, DJ Muggs, Kid Capri, De La Soul, Mobb Deep, EPMD, Dead Prez, Biz Markie and Marley Marl. In October 2008, Mizell's one-time protege 50 Cent announced plans to produce a documentary about his fallen mentor.

In 2008 Run–D.M.C. was nominated for 2009 induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. On January 14, 2009, it was confirmed that Run–D.M.C. would be one of the five inductees to the Rock Hall. On April 3, 2009, Run–D.M.C. became the second rap act to be awarded the honor (after Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five, who were inducted in 2007). It was also announced that Simmons and McDaniels will perform with The Roots at their annual "picnic" show on June 5, 2010.

Legacy

Allmusic.com's Stephen Thomas Erlewine states that "...More than any other hip-hop group, Run-D.M.C. are responsible for the sound and style of the [hip-hop] music." Musically, they moved hip hop and rap music away from the funk and disco-oriented sound of its beginnings, into an altogether new and unique sonic imprint. Their sound is directly responsible for intentionally transforming rap music from dance-and club-oriented funk grooves like "Rapper's Delight" and "The Breaks" to an aggressive, less-danceable approach. Characterized by sparse, hard-hitting beats—as typified on hits like "It's Like That", and "Peter Piper"—this would form the foundation of hardcore hip hop (particularly hardcore East Coast hip hop).

As such, Run–D.M.C. is considered the originators of the style, and hardcore hip hop would dominate the next two decades of rap music, from the bombastic, noisy sound of Public Enemy and stripped minimalism of Boogie Down Productions to the thump of early Wu-Tang Clan and Nas. Their influence was not limited to the East Coast, however. L.A.'s N.W.A., on their landmark 1988 album ''Straight Outta Compton'', showed heavy influences from ''Tougher Than Leather''-era Run–D.M.C., and Chicano rap act Cypress Hill were definitely influenced by Run–D.M.C.'s fusion of rap and rock.

Early on, the group rarely sampled and rarely looped anything over their skeletal beats, and the funky minimalism of major producers, such as Timbaland and The Neptunes, is drawn from Run–D.M.C.'s fundamental sound. Rap rock fusion proved to be influential among rock artists, with '80s bands like Faith No More, Anthrax (whose collaboration with Public Enemy on "Bring the Noise" was directly influenced by "Walk This Way") and the Red Hot Chili Peppers adding elements of rap to alternative rock and heavy metal. Most notably, the rap rock genre became popular in the late 1990s, with bands like Rage Against the Machine, KoRn, Sublime, Limp Bizkit, Linkin Park and, most recently, Hollywood Undead gaining worldwide popularity by furthering Run–D.M.C.'s template of aggressive rhymes over hard rock riffs.

Aesthetically, they changed the way rappers presented themselves. Onstage, Old school rappers had previously performed in flashy attire and colorful costumes, typically had a live band and, in the case of acts like Whodini, had background dancers. Run–D.M.C. performed with only Run and DMC out front, and Jam-Master Jay on the turntables behind them, in what is now considered the 'classic' hip hop stage setup: two turntables and microphones. They embraced the look and style of the street by wearing jeans, lace-less Adidas sneakers, and their trademark black fedoras. The group shunned both the over-the-top wardrobe of previous rap stars like the Furious Five and Afrika Bambaataa, ''and'' the silk-shirted, jheri curled, ladies' man look of rappers like Kurtis Blow and Spoonie Gee. Followers of their style included LL Cool J and the Beastie Boys; seemingly overnight, rappers were wearing jeans and sneakers instead of rhinestones and leather outfits. From Adidas track suits and rope chains to baggy jeans and Timberland footwear, hip hop's look remained married to the styles of the street.

According to the ''Rolling Stone Encyclopedia of Rock & Roll'': Historically, the group achieved a number of notable firsts in hip hop music and are credited with being the act most responsible for pushing hip hop into mainstream popular music, initiating its musical and artistic evolution and enabling its growth as a global phenomenon. Run–D.M.C. is the first rap act to have reached a number of major accomplishments:

A #1 R&B; charting rap album

The second rap act to appear on ''American Bandstand'' (the Sugar Hill Gang appeared first on the program in 1981)

The first rap act to chart in the Top 40 of the Billboard Hot 100 more than once

The first rap artist with a Top 10 pop charting rap album

The first rap artist with gold, platinum, and multi-platinum albums

The first rap act to appear on the cover of ''Rolling Stone'' magazine

(one of) The first rap act(s) to receive a Grammy Award nomination

The first rap act to make a video appearance on MTV

The first rap act to perform at a major arena

Signed to a major product endorsement deal (Adidas)

The second rap act to be inducted into the Rock and roll hall of fame

Discography

''Run–D.M.C.'' (1984)

''King of Rock'' (1985)

''Raising Hell'' (1986)

''Tougher Than Leather'' (1988)

''Back from Hell'' (1990)

''Down with the King'' (1993)

''Crown Royal'' (2001)

Filmography

''Krush Groove'' (1984)

''Tougher Than Leather (film)'' (1988)

''Who's The Man (film)'' (1993)

See also

List of best-selling music artists

Notes

References

Appiah, Kwame Anthony and Gates, Henry Louis Jr. ''Arts and Letters: An A-to-Z Reference of Writers, Musicians, and Artists of the African American Experience''. Running Press: Philadelphia: 2004. ISBN 0-7624-2042-1

External links

Official website

Official website of DMC

Jam-Master Jay, 1965–2002 – Harry Allen reflects on the passing of JMJ and the impact of Run–D.M.C.

Category:Musicians from New York City Category:People from Queens Category:Def Jam Recordings artists Category:American hip hop groups Category:American rappers Category:Rap rock groups Category:Musical groups established in 1983 Category:Musical groups disestablished in 2002 Category:African American musical groups Category:Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees Category:Musical trios

ca:Run-DMC cs:Run-D.M.C. da:Run-D.M.C. de:Run-D.M.C. es:Run–D.M.C. fr:Run–D.M.C. fy:Run-D.M.C. ko:런 디엠씨 id:Run-D.M.C. it:Run DMC he:ראן די אם סי sw:Run-D.M.C. hu:Run–D.M.C. nl:Run-D.M.C. ja:Run-D.M.C. no:Run-D.M.C. pl:Run-D.M.C. pt:Run-D.M.C. ru:Run-D.M.C. sk:Run D.M.C fi:Run-D.M.C. sv:Run DMC tr:Run-DMC

Coordinates	34°03′″N118°15′″N
Name	Greater Than One
Alias	Tricky Disco, GTO, John + Julie, Church of Extacy, Signs of Chaos, T.D.5, Salami Brothers, Killout Squad, Technohead L.E.D..
Background	group_or_band
Origin	London, England
Genre	Industrial (early period) House Techno Psychedelic Hardcore technoTrance
Years active	1985–1995–1996-2000
Label	Kunst Kapital (1987) Wax Trax! Records (1988-89) Go Bang! Records (1990) Warp Records (1990-91) Mokum Records (1995)
Past members	Michael Wells (1985-2000) Lee Newman (1985-1995) }}

Greater Than One is an English electronic music band, founded by husband and wife Lee Newman and Michael Wells in 1985. They released many albums under this name, and also under the names Tricky Disco, GTO, John + Julie, Church of Extacy, Signs of Chaos, T.D.5, Salami Brothers, Killout Squad, Technohead and L.E.D.. Only a few of their singles were commercially successful. Since Newman’s death on 4 August 1995 from cancer, Wells continues to release music under some of these names, and also as The Man and S.O.L.O.

1985: Greater Than One

In 1985, Newman and Wells met at the Royal College of Art in London, formed Greater Than One, and released their first album ''Kill the Pedagogue'' on cassette. During the late 1980s they organised art installations and exhibitions accompanied by their own music: "When the whole audience were in, we started a soundtrack ... war sirens and searchlights. This was designed to disorientate the audience, throwing them into an unexpected nightmare. After the shock, Islamic chanting began which then changed to ''Song For England'', during which we came onstage wearing illuminous skull masks...". They formed their own label ''Kunst=Kapital'' and released four further albums under this alias between 1987 and 1990.

1990: First hits

Their first hit single was the trance record "Pure" as GTO on Chrysalis Records, a club hit around Europe, closely followed by "Tricky Disco" as Tricky Disco on Warp records, which peaked at number 14 in the UK Singles Chart in July 1990.

They used many aliases because, releasing so much material, they feared the press would not write about it all, if they knew it all came from the same band. As Newman said, “if you give them a Tricky Disco one week and then a John and Julie two weeks later and GTO a month later they’ll write about all of it”. Their aliases also allowed them to release different types of material on different record labels. The single "Double Happiness" as John and Julie appeared on XL Recordings; the 1993 ''Tip of the Iceberg'' album as GTO was released on REACT, and the 1995 album ''Headsex'' as Technohead appeared on Mokum Records.

1995: Technohead

''Headsex'' contained their biggest hit, "I Wanna Be a Hippy". It was accompanied by a video featuring three Gabbers, wearing "Party Animal" t-shirts and carrying inflatable hammers, chasing a hippy on a bicycle around a park. It reached number 1 in 12 different countries including Germany, Netherlands, Belgium and Switzerland, and number 6 in the UK in February 1996.

Two Technohead follow-up singles followed in 1996; "Happy Birthday" reached number 18 in April and the next single "Banana-na-na" peaked at number 64 in October.

Wells has recorded many singles and three more albums since, including two Tricky Disco singles in February 2007.

Discography (albums)

Greater Than One

''Lay Your Penis Down'' (1985)

''Kill the Pedagogue'' (1985)

''All the Masters Licked Me'' (1987)

''Trust'' (recorded 1987 as the first attempt of All the Masters Licked Me)

''Dance of the Cowards'' (1988)

''London'' (1989)

''G-Force'' (1989)

''Index EP'' (1991)

''Duty + Trust'' (1991 - recorded 1987/1988)

GTO

''Tip of the Iceberg'' (1993)

Church of Extacy

''Technohead'' (1993)

Technohead

''Headsex'' (1995)

''Wanna be a Hippy'' (1996)

''Banana-na-na - DumB DiddY DumB'' (1996)

Signs Ov Chaos

''Frankenscience'' (Urban Cyberpunk) (1996)

The Man

''Phunk Box'' (1997)

Signs of Chaos

''Departure'' (1998)

S.O.L.O.

''Out Is In'' (1999)

References

External links

Official site

Category:British techno music groups Category:Hardcore techno music groups

de:Greater Than One nl:Greater Than One pl:Technohead sv:Greater Than One th:เกรตเตอร์แดนวัน

Coordinates	34°03′″N118°15′″N
name	Jools Holland
background	solo_singer
birth name	Julian Miles Holland
birth date	January 24, 1958
birth place	Blackheath, London, England
instrument	Piano, keyboard, guitar
genre	Boogie-woogie, jazz, blues, R&B;
occupation	Musician, composer, television presenter, bandleader
years active	1974–present
associated acts	Squeeze Rhythm & Blues Orchestra
website	Official site }}

Julian Miles "Jools" Holland OBE, DL (born 24 January 1958) is an English pianist, bandleader, singer, composer, and television presenter. He was a founder of the band Squeeze (1974-1980 & 1985-1990) and his work has involved him with many artists including Sting, Eric Clapton, George Harrison, The Who, David Gilmour, Magazine and Bono.

Holland is a published author and appears on television shows besides his own and contributes to radio shows. In 2004, he collaborated with Tom Jones on an album of traditional R&B; music. He currently hosts ''Later... with Jools Holland'', a music-based show aired on BBC2, on which his annual show the Hootenanny, is based.

Life and career

His great grandfather came from Ireland.

Holland played as a session musician before finding fame, and his first studio session was with Wayne County & the Electric Chairs in 1976 on their track "F*ck Off."

Holland was a founding member of the British pop band Squeeze, formed in March 1974, in which he played keyboards until 1981 and helped the band to achieve millions of record sales, before pursuing his solo career.

Holland began issuing solo records in 1978, his first EP being ''Boogie Woogie '78''. He continued his solo career through the early 1980s, releasing an album and several singles between 1981 and 1984. He branched out into TV, co-presenting the Newcastle-based TV music show ''The Tube'' with Paula Yates. Holland achieved notoriety by inadvertently using the phrase "groovy fuckers" in a live, early evening TV trailer for the show, causing it to be suspended for six weeks. He referred to this in his sitcom "The Groovy Fellers" with Rowland Rivron.

thumb|right|Holland at the Tsunami Relief concert in Cardiff's Millennium Stadium, 22 January 2005In 1983 Holland played an extended piano solo on The The's re-recording of "Uncertain Smile" for the album ''Soul Mining''. In 1985, Squeeze (which had continued in Holland's absence through to 1982) unexpectedly regrouped including Jools Holland as their keyboard player. Holland remained in the band until 1990, at which point, he again departed Squeeze on amicable terms to resume his solo career as a musician and a TV host.

In 1987, Holland formed The ''Jools Holland Big Band'' which consisted of himself and Gilson Lavis from Squeeze. This gradually became his 18-piece Rhythm & Blues Orchestra.

Between 1988 and 1990 he performed and co-hosted along with David Sanborn during the two seasons of the music performance program Sunday Night on NBC late-night television. Since 1992 he has presented the eclectic music program ''Later... with Jools Holland'', plus an annual New Year's Eve "Hootenanny".

In 1996 Holland signed a record deal with Warner Bros. Records and his records are now marketed through Rhino Records.

Holland has a touring band, The Rhythm And Blues Orchestra, which often includes singers Sam Brown and Ruby Turner. In January 2005 Holland and his band performed with Eric Clapton as the headline act of the Tsunami Relief Cardiff. He also headlined the Skegness SO Festival in July 2010.

Personal

Holland lives in the Westcombe Park area of Blackheath in southeast London, where he had his studio, Helicon Mountain, built to his design, heavily inspired by Portmeirion, the setting for the 1960s TV series ''The Prisoner''. Holland owns costumes and props from the series and occasionally appears wearing the trademark brown-with-white-pipe blazer featured in the series. In 1987, Holland demonstrated his love of the series and starred in a spoof documentary, ''The Laughing Prisoner'', with Stephen Fry, Terence Alexander and Hugh Laurie. Much of it was shot on location in Portmeirion, with archive footage of Patrick McGoohan, and featuring musical numbers from Siouxsie and the Banshees, Magnum and XTC. Holland performed a number towards the end of the program. Holland is also a Millwall FC fan. His younger brother Christopher also plays organ in the Rhythm & Blues Orchestra as well as being a successful singer/songwriter in his own right.

Holland was an interviewer for The Beatles Anthology TV project, and appeared in the 1997 film ''Spiceworld'' as a musical director.

He received an OBE in 2003 in the Queen's Birthday Honours list, for services to the British music industry as a television presenter and musician. In September 2006 Holland was appointed a Deputy Lieutenant for Kent. He is also known for his charity work: in June 2006 he performed in Southend for HIV/AIDS charity Mildmay, and in early 2007 he performed at Wells and Rochester Cathedrals to raise money for maintaining cathedral buildings. He is also patron of the Drake Music Project and has raised many thousands of pounds for the charity.

Jools Holland was appointed an Honorary Fellow of Canterbury Christ Church University at a ceremony held at Canterbury Cathedral on 30 January 2009.

On 29 August 2005 Holland married Christabel McEwen, his girlfriend of 15 years (between 1983 and 1995 she had been married to Edward Lambton, 7th Earl of Durham, but they divorced). The wedding, at St James's Church, Cooling near Rochester, was attended by many celebrities, including Ringo Starr, Robbie Coltrane, Stephen Fry, Lenny Henry, Noel Gallagher, Dawn French and Jennifer Saunders.

Holland is also a patron for The Milton Rooms, a new Arts centre in Malton, North Yorkshire, along with Bill Nighy, Imelda Staunton and Kathy Burke.

Writing

His 2007 biography, ''Barefaced Lies and Boogie Woogie Boasts'' was BBC Radio 4 "Book of the Week" in the week beginning 8 October 2007 and was read by Holland. He is the author or joint author of four other books.

Discography

Albums that have charted and gained Certifications

Year	Album	Peak chart positions		!style="width:4em;font-size:75%"
1996	Jazz & Rock & Roll''
1998	''Best Of''				UK">Music recording sales certifications
!style="width:4em;font-size:75%"	!style="width:4em;font-size:75%"
1996	Jazz & Rock & Roll''
1998	''Best Of''				UK: Silver
2000	''Hop The Wag''				* UK: Silver
2001	''Small World Big Band''				* UK: 2× Platinum
2002	''SWBB Volume Two: More Friends''				* UK: Platinum
2003	''Jack O The Green (SWBB Friends 3)''				* UK: Silver
2005	''Swinging the Blues, Dancing the Ska''
2007	''Best of Friends''				* UK: Silver
2011	''Finding The Keys - The Best of''

Releases

1978 "Boogie Woogie '78" (EP)

1981 ''Jools Holland and His Millionaires''

1984 ''Jools Holland Meets Rock 'A' Boogie Billy'' (U.S. release only)

1990 ''World Of His Own''

1991 ''The Full Complement''

1992 "Together Again" (single with Sam Brown)

1992 ''The A-Z Geographer's Guide To The Piano''

1994 ''Solo Piano''

1994 ''Live Performance''

1996 " Jazz & Rock & Roll''

1997 ''Lift The Lid''

1998 ''Best Of''

1999 ''Sunset Over London''

2000 ''Hop The Wag''

2001 ''Small World Big Band''

2002 ''SWBB Volume Two: More Friends''

2003 ''Jack O The Green (SWBB Friends 3)''

2004 ''Tom Jones & Jools Holland''

2005 ''Beatroute''

2005 ''Swinging the Blues, Dancing the Ska''

2006 ''Moving Out To The Country''

2007 ''Best of Friends''

2008 ''The Collection''

2008 ''The Informer (With Ruby Turner)''

2008 ''"The Informer" (single with Ruby Turner)''

2009 ''"I Went By" (single with Louise Marshall)''

2010 ''Rockinghorse''

Film and television

1981 ''Urgh! A Music War''

1982 ''Police: Around the World''

1982 - 1987 ''The Tube'' (Host for 121 editions)

1983 ''Rebellious Jukebox'': Compere

1984 ''The Young Ones'': Punk (Episode entitled "Summer Holiday")

1985 ''Walking To New Orleans'' (Jools Holland in New Orleans)

1987 ''Eat the Rich'': Sun Reporter

1987 ''Filthy Rich & Catflap'': Strip Show Pianist (Episode #1.3)

1987 ''The Laughing Prisoner'': No. 7

1987 ''French and Saunders'' (Episode 1.5)

1988 ''Sunday Night'': Host (unknown episodes)

1989 ''Juke Box Jury'': Host (unknown episodes)

1989 ''The Groovy Fellers'' Himself, 6 episodes

1991 ''Mr Roadrunner'' (Jools Holland in Memphis)

1994 ''There's No Business'': Pianist

1994 - 1995 ''Don't Forget Your Toothbrush''

1995 ''The Beatles Anthology''

1997 ''Spice World'': Musical Director

1997 ''Name That Tune'': Host and Pianist

2003 ''Jool's History of the Piano'' : Presenter

2006 ''Top Gear: Star in a reasonably priced car.

2007 ''Fairport@Forty'': Interview

2009 ''Chop Shop Rover Concept: The Jet 1 Car'' : Customer

Current television programmes

1992–present ''Later... with Jools Holland''

1993–present ''Jools' Annual Hootenanny''

Books

''"Rolling Stones": A Life on the Road'', (with Dora Loewenstein), Viking/Allen Lane (1998), (ISBN 0-670-88051-5)

''Beat Route: Journeys Through Six Counties'', Weidenfeld & Nicholson (1998), (ISBN 0-575-06700-4)

''Ray Charles: Man and Music'', (with Michael Lydon), Payback Press (1999), (ISBN 0-86241-929-8)

''Hand That Changed Its Mind '', International Music Publications (2007), (ISBN 1-84328-645-9)

''Barefaced Lies and Boogie-woogie Boasts '', Michael Joseph Ltd (2007), (ISBN 0-7181-4915-7)

References

External links

Category:1958 births Category:Living people Category:Boogie-woogie pianists Category:English rock pianists Category:English television presenters Category:Officers of the Order of the British Empire Category:Bandleaders Category:Squeeze (band) members Category:I.R.S. Records artists Category:People from Blackheath, London Category:BBC Radio 2 presenters Category:Deputy Lieutenants of Kent Category:British people of Irish descent Category:English people of Irish descent

cy:Jools Holland de:Jools Holland es:Jools Holland fr:Jools Holland nl:Jools Holland pl:Jools Holland pt:Jools Holland fi:Jools Holland