Black

Black was the stage name used by singer-songwriter and recording artist Colin Vearncombe (b.26 May 1962 – d. 2016). Originally a duo, formed by Vearncombe and Dave "Dix" Dickie, Black signed to WEA in 1984 touring with bands such as Thompson Twins and Wah! although were dropped by the label after their second single failed to make any breakthrough. The duo then split with just Vearncombe retaining the name.

It was during these initial solo years that he wrote the song Wonderful Life, which would go on to be one of his best known. Originally released in 1986 on an independent label, the single attracted the attention of A&M who signed Black to the label. the artist began releasing new material and the first chart hit came with the slow ballad Sweetest Smile which reached no.8 in the UK in July 1987. Wonderful Life was then re-released and also reached no.8, leading the way for the album of the same name which finally gave Vearncombe both critical and commercial success. The album reached no.3 in the UK, held back only by such greats as Michael Jackson and Chris Rea, and outselling artists such as Cliff Richard in its initial weeks of release.

Follow-up albums Comedy (1988) and the eponymous Black (1991) and singles were less successful, although a comeback from 2009 onwards gained critical success, with albums being made available as downloads promoted via several live acoustic performances around the UK.

Vearncombe tragically died after a car accident in Ireland on 26 January 2016, at the age of 53.