Born on October 20: Mark King (Level 42), groove at his fingertips

Born in 1958 on the Isle of Wight, England, Mark King is internationally recognised as one of the most innovative bassists of his generation.

Founder, singer, and rhythmic driving force of the band Level 42, he undeniably revolutionised the way electric bass is played thanks to his percussive slap technique, which has become his signature sound.

Coming from a modest background, Mark King discovered music at an early age. Starting out as a drummer, he developed a keen sense of rhythm that would mark the rest of his career. As a teenager, he abandoned sticks and drums to turn to the bass. On his new favorite instrument, he naturally applied his drumming technique and thus created the style that would become his trademark.

He gained his first experience with local bands before heading to London at the age of 19, where he worked for a while in a musical instrument store before quickly founding Level 42 with keyboardist Mike Lindup, guitarist Boon Gould, and his brother, drummer Phil Gould. The four pursued the ambitious goal of fusing funk, jazz, and pop in a style that was both sophisticated and accessible.

Their self-titled debut album in 1981 was an immediate success in their native country with tracks like "Love Games" and "Starchild." The band established itself as a benchmark in British jazz-funk, a very specific genre in which they didn't face much competition.

The mid-1980s marked the band's golden age, with a string of hits, including "Something About You" (1985), "Lessons in Love" (1986), and "Running in the Family" (1987). Mark King's playing, both technical and instinctive, was a real eye-opener and influenced a whole generation of musicians, Level 42's major asset.

After several changes within the band and the internal tensions that caused so much damage, Level 42 temporarily disbanded in the early 1990s. Mark King then embarked on a solo career that continued in the same vein, with albums such as "Influences" in 1984 and "One Man" in 1998.

Still led by our bassist-vocalist, the band reformed at late 1990s. Since then, the band has continued to tour the world, focusing primarily on reviving their heritage. Released 12 years after its predecessor, the 2008 album "Retroglide" continues this artistic continuity without, however, producing any new jazz-funk gems.

Always loyal to his native Isle of Wight, Mark King has long since accepted the honorary role of ambassador for local tourism.

(MH with Stéphane Soupart - Photo : © Etienne Tordoir)

Photo: Mark King with Level 42 during a TV recording in Brussels, Belgium, on March 2, 1987