| Mike Francis | |
|---|---|
| Birth name | Michele Francesco Puccioni |
| Born | April 26, 1961 Florence |
| Origin | Italy |
| Died | January 30, 2009 (aged 47) Rome |
| Genres | New Romantic, Blue-eyed soul, Italo disco |
| Years active | 1984–2009 |
| Labels | RCA Records |
Michele Francesco Puccioni (April 26, 1961 – January 30, 2009), better known under his stage name Mike Francis, was an Italian singer and composer, born in Florence. He was best known for his 1982 hit, "Survivor".
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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 also the song "Friends" from 1985, a duo with Amii Stewart.
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.[1]
Songs by Mystic Diversions featured on many high-profile chill-out or 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).
MYSTIC DIVERSIONS: Francesko (i.e. Francesco Puccioni), Mari-One (Mari-One Puccioni), Aidan Zammit; Live set additional musicians: Drums: Agostino Marangolo, Bass: Fabio Pignatelli, Guitars: Marco Rinalduzzi, Percussion and vocals: Giovanni Imparato, Vocals: Wendy Lewis & Laura Serra.[2]
His album Inspired followed the cover of Van Morrison's "Someone Like You", realized together with Blank & Jones for "Café del Mar 12". His website states: "From that moment many other songs were born, in a simple and spontaneous way, simply "inspired" ..."[3]
Francis died aged 47 on January 30, 2009 of lung cancer in Rome.[4] His last compilation album The Very Best Of Mike Francis (All Was Missing) was released just days before his death.