Mike Smith

Michael Robert Smith (30 April 1935 – 3 December 2011) was a British record producer and A&R manager. He was known for producing numerous hit records during the 1960s for artists including the Tremeloes, Billy Fury and Georgie Fame. He also notably turned down the chance to sign the Beatles for Decca Records in 1961. At the age of 16, he worked as a clerk with the British Electricity Authority, before joining the Royal Air Force as a ground electrician. Smith also joined the station band as a trombonist but said that he was "so bad they threw me out".

In December 1961, Brian Epstein, the manager for the then relatively unknown band the Beatles used his influence to invite Decca to audition the band after they had been rejected by a number of other labels. Smith travelled to The Cavern Club in Liverpool to watch them perform and impressed he invited them to a formal audition at Decca Studios on New Year's Day (though later Smith said "I should have trusted my instincts [in signing them] as I thought they were wonderful on stage"). Whilst the Beatles were nervous and had to use Decca's studio equipment, after Smith who had arrived late after an all-night party deemed their equipment substandard, the members and Epstein were confident after the session that they would get a contract with Decca. However, that same day, another group, Brian Poole and the Tremeloes were also auditioning with Decca to try to secure a contract. Smith wanted to sign both groups, but Rowe told him that they would only take one of the groups and left the decision up to Smith.

Whilst not reaching the level of success as the Beatles, the Tremeloes were still successful. Produced by Smith, the group had several top-ten UK hits, including the number-one "Do You Love Me", before the departure of Brian Poole in early 1966. During this period, Smith also produced hits for Fury, the Applejacks and Dave Berry. Following Poole's departure to start a solo career at CBS Records, the group continued. During a recording session with the Tremeloes, Smith found out he was earning less than the Tremeloes' van driver, so went to Rowe and asked to a raise. Rowe said he couldn't have one, nor a royalty, so Smith left Decca.