Calvin Harris [1962 – 2026]
The music world is saddened by the news that Calvin Hayes, founding member of Johnny Hates Jazz, has died at the age of 63.
As the band’s keyboard player, songwriter and producer, Hayes played a pivotal role in shaping the sophisticated pop sound that made Johnny Hates Jazz one of the standout acts of the late 1980s. Their debut album, Turn Back The Clock, produced a string of memorable hits, including the worldwide smash “Shattered Dreams”, along with “I Don’t Want To Be A Hero” and the title track “Turn Back The Clock”. The band’s polished songwriting and timeless melodies earned them millions of fans across the globe.
The son of veteran songwriter and producer Mickie Most, Calvin Hayes enjoyed a successful career both as a musician and behind the scenes in the music industry, helping to create songs that have stood the test of time. His work with Johnny Hates Jazz remains an enduring part of the soundtrack to the 1980s.
Everyone at Eighties Archive extends their heartfelt condolences to Calvin Hayes’ family, friends and fans around the world. His contribution to one of the decade’s most distinctive pop bands will be remembered, and his music will continue to inspire and entertain for generations to come.
