Philip Oakey was born on February 10, 1955, in England. He grew up in a working-class family and developed a love for music at a young age. Despite his parents' wishes for him to pursue a more traditional career, Oakey knew from an early age that he wanted to be a musician.
Oakey dropped out of school at the age of 18 and began working a variety of odd jobs to support himself. One of his early jobs was as a porter at Thornbury Annex Hospital in Sheffield. It was during this time that he began toying with the idea of forming a band.
In 1977, Oakey co-founded the band The Future, which would later evolve into The Human League. The group quickly gained a following in the burgeoning synthpop scene and Oakey's distinct voice and stage presence helped solidify their place as one of the most influential bands of the era.
By the early 1980s, The Human League had achieved international success, thanks in large part to their hit album "Dare," which sold over three million copies worldwide. Oakey's charismatic persona and unique sense of style made him a recognizable figure in the music industry.
One of the band's biggest hits, "Don't You Want Me," became an anthem for the 1980s and showcased Oakey's talent as a singer and songwriter. The song's use of the Linn LM-1 drum machine set it apart from other tracks of the time and solidified The Human League's reputation as innovators in the genre.
Oakey's personal life has been marked by both success and struggle. He was previously married but divorced in 1980, amid the band's rise to fame. Despite the challenges he faced in his personal life, Oakey remained dedicated to his music and continued to push the boundaries of what was possible in the industry.
Throughout his career, Oakey has collaborated with a number of influential artists and producers, including famed Italian record producer Giorgio Moroder. Their 1985 collaborative album, "Philip Oakey & Giorgio Moroder," showcased Oakey's versatility as a performer and further solidified his status as a pioneer in the music industry.
Today, Philip Oakey continues to perform with The Human League and remains a beloved figure in the music world. His legacy as a frontman and producer has had a lasting impact on the industry and continues to inspire musicians around the globe.
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