Mike Patto (born Michael Thomas McCarthy, 22 September 1942 – 4 March 1979)[1] was an English musician, who was primarily notable as lead singer for Spooky Tooth, Patto and Boxer.

Mike Patto
Birth nameMichael Thomas McCarthy
Also known asPatto
Born(1942-09-22)22 September 1942
Cirencester, England
Died4 March 1979(1979-03-04) (aged 36)
GenresProgressive rock, pop
OccupationSinger
Years active1962–1979
LabelsPye, Vertigo, Island, Deram

Background

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Patto was born in Cirencester, England, and first became vocalist and frontman for The Bo Street Runners, who won a TV band competition Ready Steady Win during 1964. He was a member of Timebox, his own band Patto, and Dick and the Firemen. In 1974, Patto joined Spooky Tooth as vocalist and keyboard player. He was also a founding member of the rock band Boxer.[1]

Career

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He was the lead singer of the group Chicago Line aka The Chicago Line Blues Band. Other musicians included Tim Hinkley on keyboards, Ivan Zagni on guitar, Mike Fellana on trumpet, Louis Cennamo on bass and Viv Prince on drums.[2] The group released a single, "Shimmy Shimmy Ko Ko Bop" bw "Jump Back" on Philips BF 1488 in May 1966.[3]

Death and legacy

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Patto died of lymphatic leukemia at the age of 36.[1][4] Jim Capaldi wrote the song "Bright Fighter"[5] about him. His son Mike McCarthy is also a musician.

References

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  1. ^ a b c Doc Rock. "The 1970s". The Dead Rock Stars Club. Retrieved 15 June 2013.
  2. ^ East Anglian Music Archive - CHICAGO LINE BLUES BAND
  3. ^ 45Cat - Chicago Line - Discography
  4. ^ "Patto". Alexgitlin.com. 3 March 1979. Retrieved 15 June 2013.
  5. ^ Originally the B-side to the 1981 single "Child in the Storm", where it is dedicated "For Patto" on the picture sleeve. The song was later included on the box set Dear Mr. Fantasy: The Jim Capaldi Story.
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