Howard Jones - Episode 653

Steve Cooper talks with musician Howard Jones. Howard was one of the defining figures of mid-'80s synth pop. His music merged the technology-intensive sound of new wave with the cheery optimism of hippies and late-'60s pop. He racked up a string of hits in the mid- and late '80s before he retreated into being a cult figure in the '90s.  He released his first single, New Song, in England in the fall of 1983 and it became a big hit, peaking at number three. His second single, What Is Love, was released a few months later and it reached number two and his debut album was released in the spring of 1984 and quickly rose to number one in England. In 1985 he released Dream Into Action. The record became his most successful, reaching number ten and going platinum in the U.S. spawning the hit singles Things Can Only Get Better, Like to Get to Know You Well, Life in One Day and Look Mama. In the spring of 1986, he released Action Replay an EP of remixes that featured a new version of No One Is to Blame which became his biggest U.S. hit, peaking at number four. In 1989 his single Everlasting Love became a number one adult contemporary hit in America, reaching number 13 pop. Since then he has continued to release new music and constantly tours, whether it be his solo show or as part of the Retro Futura Tour.