What happened to 80s 19 singer Paul Hardcastle - from new music to family life
19.08.2023 - 17:05
/ ok.co.uk
If ever there was a true rags to riches story to epitomise the 1980s, there’s no better example than musician Paul Hardcastle who strangely started his life living with his parents in snoozy suburbia and selling hi-fis to spin a quick buck. Fast forward a few years to 1985 and that humble beginning would soon change for the better, as friends, neighbours and complete strangers from all around the world were soon flocking to his door in the hope of snagging an autograph.The reason of course, was Paul’s unexpected talent for music and ability to speak to the public through his insightful combination of lyrics and melody.
Rise to fame Starting his music career in 1981 when he became the keyboard player for British soul band Direct Drive, Paul also performed as part of a duo with Derek Green in First Light, prior to embarking on a solo career in 1982. His early singles proved promising, with his 1984 track Rain Forest even reaching a commendable 58th place on the Billboard Hot 100, while also bagging a coveted Grammy nomination the same year.
However it was his 1985 song 19 that truly propelled Paul to megastardom. Aged just 27 at the time, Paul penned the song in his parents’ living room in Leytonstone and even received the backing of Simon Fuller, the mogul who has managed everyone from S Club 7 to Annie Lennox and Amy Winehouse over the years.
The song topped the charts in 13 countries across the globe and before long, Paul could scarcely walk the streets without someone humming along the song’s addictive chorus: “N-n-n-n-nineteen, nineteen.” As well as carrying a catchy tune, the song also held a special poignance too, as it paid tribute to the soldiers who fought and died in the Vietnam war. Shockingly, 19 was the
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