Jive Bunny And The Mastermixers creator dies at 84
John Pickles, the founder of the novelty pop act Jive Bunny and The Mastermixers, has passed away at age 84. The group achieved significant UK chart success in the late 1980s by blending contemporary pop with classic hits using sampling technology.
Why it matters
Pickles was a notable figure in the music industry for pioneering the commercial use of sampling and synthesisers in novelty pop music.
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, Jive Bunny And The Mastermixers scored three UK number ones
The man behind the novelty pop act Jive Bunny and The Mastermixers has died aged 84, the company he founded has confirmed.
John Pickles formed Jive Bunny in Rotherham in 1989 and the act went on to have three UK number ones with Swing The Mood, That's What I Like and Let's Party.
Jive Bunny records typically used synthesisers and sampling to combine contemporary pop music with hits from the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s.
A statement from the Mastermix company described Pickles as "a true pioneer in the music industry", adding that he was "a leader, an entrepreneur, a businessman and an incredibly talented songwriter".
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