Simply Red is a British soul and pop band that formed in Manchester, England, in 1984. The band's music is known for its smooth, soulful sound and the distinctive voice of its lead singer, Mick Hucknall. Simply Red achieved international fame and commercial success with a string of hit singles and albums in the late 1980s and throughout the 1990s.

Simply Red was formed by Mick Hucknall, who had previously been a member of the punk band The Frantic Elevators. The band's original lineup included Mick Hucknall, Fritz McIntyre, Chris Joyce, Tony Bowers, and Sylvan Richardson.

The band's debut album, "Picture Book," was released in 1985 and included hits like "Holding Back the Years" and "Money's Too Tight (To Mention).

Simply Red took a hiatus in the early 2000s, and Mick Hucknall pursued a solo career. The band reunited in the mid-2000s and continued to release new music.