Andrew Roachford facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Andrew Roachford
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Roachford performing with Mike + The Mechanics in 2011
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| Background information | |
| Born | 22 January 1965 London, England |
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| Years active | 1987–present |
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Andrew Roachford is a talented British singer and songwriter. He is best known as the leader of the band Roachford. They became famous in 1989 with their hit songs "Cuddly Toy" and "Family Man". Andrew has also had a very successful career as a solo artist.
In 2019, Andrew Roachford was given a special award called the Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE). This award recognized his great contributions to music.
Andrew Roachford's Early Life and Music Career
Andrew Roachford was born in London, England, on January 22, 1965. His parents came from the West Indies. In 1987, he formed his band, also called Roachford. The original band members were Andrew Roachford (who sang, played keyboards, and percussion), Chris Taylor (drums), Hawi Gondwe (guitars), and Derrick Taylor (bass guitar).
By 1988, the band was already touring and performing with other popular groups like Terence Trent D'Arby and the Christians. Soon after, they signed a big recording contract with Columbia. This deal was for seven albums! The band had many successful years throughout the 1990s. For ten years, they were Columbia's best-selling UK music act.
Andrew Roachford released his first solo album, Heart of the Matter, in 2003. His next album, Word of Mouth, came out in June 2005. This album was released under the band name Roachford.
In 2010, Andrew joined another famous band called Mike + The Mechanics. He joined along with Tim Howar. Andrew and Tim became the main singers for the band. They sang on the band's seventh album, The Road, which was released in 2011. They also sang on the eighth album, Let Me Fly, released in 2017.
Andrew Roachford worked with singer Beverley Knight on his album Twice In a Lifetime. This album was released in September 2020. It reached number 31 on the UK Albums Chart. This was a big achievement because it was the first Roachford album to be in the top 40 in 23 years! The last time was in 1997 with the album Feel.
Roachford's Music: Albums and Songs
Andrew Roachford and his band have released many albums and singles over the years. Their first album, Roachford, came out in 1988. It included their first big hits, "Cuddly Toy" and "Family Man". "Cuddly Toy" was re-released in 1989 and became a top 5 hit in the UK.
Other popular albums include Get Ready! (1991) and Permanent Shade of Blue (1994). Permanent Shade of Blue was very successful in Australia, reaching number 2 on the charts. It also featured popular songs like "Only to Be with You" and "Lay Your Love on Me".
His album Feel (1997) also did well, reaching number 19 in the UK. More recently, his 2020 album Twice in a Lifetime showed that his music is still loved by many fans. He also released Then and Now in December 2023.
Andrew Roachford has also collaborated with other artists on singles. For example, he worked with Mousse T. on "Pop Muzak" in 2004 and with Laurent Wolf on "Survive" in 2010.
