Current:Home > NewsSteve Harley, Cockney Rebel singer behind hit song 'Make Me Smile,' dies at 73 -NextWave Wealth Hub
Steve Harley, Cockney Rebel singer behind hit song 'Make Me Smile,' dies at 73
View
Date:2025-04-16 05:13:41
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! (53818)
Related
- At site of suspected mass killings, Syrians recall horrors, hope for answers
- Highway back open after train carrying propane derails at Arizona-New Mexico state line
- Nicole Kidman Shares Insight Into Milestone Night Out With Keith Urban and Their Daughters
- An apple a day really can help keep the doctor away. Here's how.
- Israel lets Palestinians go back to northern Gaza for first time in over a year as cease
- Hurry, You Can Score 20% off Everything at BaubleBar, With Pieces Starting at Just $10
- Skipping updates on your phone? Which apps are listening? Check out these tech tips
- Which horses have won the Kentucky Derby? Complete list of winners by year since 1875
- Juan Soto to be introduced by Mets at Citi Field after striking record $765 million, 15
- Travis Kelce's NFL Future With Kansas City Chiefs Revealed
Ranking
- FACT FOCUS: Inspector general’s Jan. 6 report misrepresented as proof of FBI setup
- Psst! Everything at J.Crew Factory Is 50% off Right Now, Including Hundreds of Cute Springtime Finds
- Blue Ivy joins her mom Beyoncé in Disney's new 'Lion King' prequel titled 'Mufasa'
- They had the same name. The same childhood cancer. They lost touch – then reunited.
- Mets have visions of grandeur, and a dynasty, with Juan Soto as major catalyst
- Investors trying to take control of Norfolk Southern railroad pick up key support
- Billy Joel's ex-wife Christie Brinkley dances as he performs 'Uptown Girl': Watch
- Louisiana Supreme Court rules for new City of St. George
Recommendation
Taylor Swift makes surprise visit to Kansas City children’s hospital
GaxEx Exchange Breaks into the Global Top Ten, Illuminating the Crypto World this Winter: Exclusive Celebration for Crypto Enthusiasts Begins
Patrick Mahomes gave Logan Paul his Chiefs Super Bowl rings so he could attack Jey Uso
From the sidelines, some Christians in US strive to be peacemakers as Israel-Hamas war continues
A South Texas lawmaker’s 15
Anne Hathaway Shares She's 5 Years Sober
Why Bhad Bhabie Is Warning Against Facial Fillers After Dissolving Them
World Central Kitchen resuming Gaza operations weeks after deadly strike