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Mike PinderEnglish musician and composer
Date of Birth: 27.12.1941
Country:  Great Britain |
Content:
- Early Life and Inspiration
- Career with the Moody Blues
- Technological Innovations and Mellotron
- Post-Moody Blues Career
- Family and Personal Life
- Death
Early Life and Inspiration
Mike Pinder was born in Birmingham, England in 1941. From a young age, his fascination with space travel and rocketships earned him the nickname "Micky Moonbeam." These interests would become recurring themes in his songwriting throughout his career.
Career with the Moody Blues
In 1964, Pinder co-founded The Moody Blues alongside Ray Thomas, Denny Laine, Clint Warwick, and Graeme Edge. The band's breakthrough came with their cover of Bessie Banks' "Go Now," which topped the UK charts in 1965. Pinder's collaboration with Laine resulted in several hit songs, including "From the Bottom of My Heart" and "Everyday."
Technological Innovations and Mellotron
Pinder is credited with introducing the Mellotron, a keyboard that played pre-recorded tape loops, to rock music in the 1960s. He worked as an engineer at Streetly Electronics, which produced the first British models of the instrument.
Post-Moody Blues Career
After leaving the Moody Blues in 1978, Pinder worked as a consultant for Atari and focused on his own projects. He released several solo albums, including "Among the Stars" (1994) and "A Planet With One Mind" (1995). He also performed as a narrator on Moody Blues albums and developed new artists.
Family and Personal Life
Pinder was married twice. His first marriage to Donna Arkoff produced a son, Daniel. His second marriage to Tara Lee resulted in two sons, Matt and Michael Lee. All three sons are musicians.
Death
Mike Pinder passed away in California in 2024 at the age of 82. He had been battling dementia in his later years.
