Mike Hugg

Michael John Hugg (born 11 August 1940) is a British musician who was a founding member of the 1960s group Manfred Mann, and co-founder of the psychedelic jazz-fusion group, Manfred Mann Chapter Three. He is known for his creativity in his music, and made jingles for advertisements.

Career Manfred Mann Hugg first thought about wanting a career in music when he was sixteen years old. Upon their signing with His Master's Voice, their producer, John Burgess, changed their name to Manfred Mann.

Prominent in the Swinging London scene of the 1960s, the group regularly appeared in the UK Singles Chart. Three of their most successful singles, "Do Wah Diddy Diddy", "Pretty Flamingo", and "Mighty Quinn", topped the UK charts. They were also the first southern-England-based group to top the US Billboard Hot 100 during the British Invasion. In 1973, his song "Each and Every Day" which he wrote for Manfred Mann became a Canadian top-ten single when covered by Keith Hampshire.

Solo career He and his brother composed "Mister, You're a Better Man Than I" which was recorded by the Yardbirds in 1965. Hugg also composed the majority of the songs for the 1968 Paramount film Up the Junction, as well as co-writing the theme from the BBC sitcom Whatever Happened to the Likely Lads with La Frenais, which was recorded by Hugg's session featuring Tony Rivers on lead vocals.

In 1972, he released his debut solo album, "Somewhere". The next year, "Stress & Strain" was made. In 1975, Hugg was a member of the group "Hug" who released one studio album titled "Neon Dreams". By the early 1980s, he was working with a Fairlight, one of the first computer musical instruments. Hugg formed the acoustic jazz trio PBD.

The Manfreds In 1991, Hugg formed The Manfreds with some of the original members of Manfred Mann, without Manfred Mann himself (which was why they were "The Manfreds" instead of being a reformed Manfred Mann) to celebrate the 50th birthday of Tom McGuinness and the release of a new Manfred Mann compilation album. For most of the bands run, it has included Jones, d'Abo, McGuinness, and Hugg. Hugg retired from touring in 2022, but is still turning up with them for private bookings and small gigs. According to Paul Jones, Hugg was the oldest member of Manfred Mann the Manfreds, and his decision to retire from touring was because he had been off from many concerts with "ear problems".

Discography

Solo 1972 Somewhere 1973 Stress & Strain

Manfred Mann Chapter Three 1969 Manfred Mann Chapter Three 1970 Manfred Mann Chapter Three Volume Two 1971 Manfred Mann Chapter Three Volume Three (unreleased)

Hug 1975 Neon Dream