Mike Francis - History

History

Francis formed his first band at age 14 with schoolmates from l'Istituto di Studi Americano in Rome. He had his first hit with "Survivor" in 1982 and went on to record ten studio albums.

Among his best known works is the song "Friends" from 1985, a duet with Amii Stewart, which became a big hit in the UK and in the Philippines.

His album Inspired followed the cover of Van Morrison's "Someone Like You", together with Blank & Jones for the compilation album Café del Mar Vol. 12. His website states him as saying: "From that moment many other songs were born, in a simple and spontaneous way, simply "inspired"..."

Since 2000, assisted by his brother Mario (Mari-One) and by the Maltese multi-instrumentalist Aidan Zammit, he has given life to the group Mystic Diversions. Songs by Mystic Diversions have featured on many high-profile chill-out and lounge compilations. In addition to new, original song material, the group by Francesco Puccioni (Mike Francis) also did covers of famous 70s and 80s songs like "Float On" (by The Floaters), and "A Warm Summer Night" (by Chic). The band is composed of members Francesko (Francesco Puccioni), Mari-One (Mari-One Puccioni), and Aidan Zammit. Additional musicians for live sets consist of Agostino Marangolo (drums), Fabio Pignatelli (bass), Marco Rinalduzzi (guitars), Giovanni Imparato (percussion and vocals), and Wendy Lewis & Laura Serra (backing vocals).

Francis died aged 47 on January 30, 2009 of lung cancer in Rome. His last compilation album The Very Best Of Mike Francis (All Was Missing) was released just days before his death.