Michael Dunford

Michael Dunford (8 July 1944 – 20 November 2012) was an English rock guitarist and songwriter. He was best known for being the guitarist for Renaissance from 1970 until his death in 2012.

Early life Dunford was born in Surrey in 1944. His first job was selling clothing in a local shop, then later working at Heathrow Airport.

Career Dunford was in The Nashville Teens from 1962 to 1963, leaving shortly before they released their biggest hit "Tobacco Road".

Michael first left Renaissance in June 1972, missing out on their album Prologue, although he is credited for arranging the album.

He returned to Renaissance in 1974, completing what most fans regard as the classic five-piece line-up, which would remain together through five studio albums. Dunford would also appear on the albums Camera Camera (1981) and Time-Line (1983), both of which were recorded by a three-piece Renaissance following the departures of keyboardist John Tout and drummer Terry Sullivan.

In the 1980s, he formed Nevada with Haslam, and had a minor hit in 1983 with "In the Bleak Midwinter". Dunford co-wrote the theme song for the television show The Paper Lads with Renaissance bassist Jon Camp. They toured for four years, ending when the real Renaissance was reformed.

Death Dunford died on 20 November 2012, aged 68. He was said to have suffered a massive cerebral hemorrhage while dining at his home in Surrey. Out of the Mist/Illusion — Illusion — 1994 Blessing in Disguise — Annie Haslam — 1995 Face of Rock — Vouts — credited as drummer/percussionist — 1996 Livesongs: Third Body — Faith & Disease — 1996 Out with a Vout — Vouts — 1996 Sin Cigarros — Kenny Chambers — credited as drummer/percussionist — 1996 Motorbaby — Motorbaby — 1997 Ocean Gypsy — Michael Dunford's Renaissance — credited as composer and performer: Guitars, accordion, piano, keyboards, vocals — 1997 Live Under Brazilian Skies — Annie Haslam — 1998 Shadow of the Moon — Blackmore's Night — 1998 Melvyn Flynt — Da Hustler — Noreaga Track 7 contains a re-play of "Can You Understand", written by Dunford and Betty Thatcher — 1999 Pictures in — Nevada — 2000 The Dawn Of Ananda — Annie Haslam — 2000 Minstrels and Ballads — Blackmore's Night — 2001 Live Studio Concert Philadelphia 1997 — Annie Haslam — 2006 A Complete Collection 1969—1995 — Jane Relf credited as a composer and performer: Guitars — 2008 Green Fields — The Beverley Sisters — 2008