Paul Hardcastle

British Synth-Pop/Jazz-Fusion Artist

Paul Hardcastle is an English composer, musician, and producer, known for his synthesizer-heavy tracks with a focus on jazz, smooth jazz, and electronic music. He gained significant popularity in the mid-1980s with his hit single "19," which became a top-charting track in the UK and several other countries. The song features a strong narrative that reflects on the Vietnam War and the average age of the combat soldiers. Hardcastle's work often incorporates samples and spoken word segments to create thematic compositions. Throughout his career, he has released numerous albums and has been particularly successful in the smooth jazz genre, with his "Jazzmasters" series receiving critical acclaim. His ability to blend jazz elements with electronic music has made him a notable figure in both genres.