John Pickles, the creative force behind the 1980s pop act Jive Bunny, has died at the age of 84. His passing was announced on Wednesday, and tributes have since poured in, recognizing him as a "true pioneer in the music industry."
Pickles, who founded The Music Factory Entertainment Group, Mastermix, and Jive Bunny, led a group of friends from Doncaster and Rotherham to achieve chart success in 1989. The act's third single, "Let's Party," reached number one on the UK charts. Their debut release, "Swing The Mood," and another chart-topper, "That's What I Like," also found popularity.
Jive Bunny became notable for being the third act in UK chart history to reach number one with their first three singles, following in the footsteps of Gerry and the Pacemakers in 1964 and Frankie Goes to Hollywood in 1984. The act achieved this feat in the shortest amount of time.
"His creativity, vision and passion for music touched the lives and careers of so many people around the world. And for the most fortunate of us, he was Dad," read a message from his loved ones. Tributes on social media described Pickles as "incredibly talented."
Mastermix released a statement confirming his death, calling him "a leader, an entrepreneur, a businessman, and an incredibly talented songwriter."
Family friend Rupert Lawes remembered Pickles as "a true legend of the industry." Lawes, who worked for Music Factory in the early 1990s, described Pickles as "always such a lovely, genuine guy" and noted his significant contributions to the music and DJ industries.