Level 42

Level 42 is an English jazz-funk band known for its distinctive blend of sophisticated pop, dance-rock, and new wave, consistently topping charts in the UK and achieving global recognition. After signing with Elite Records in 1980, Level 42 launched their career, releasing their self-titled debut album, ‘Level 42,’ in 1981, which quickly achieved success across Europe. The English jazz-funk band, known for its distinctive blend of sophisticated pop, dance-rock, and new wave, garnered early hits with ‘Love Games’ in 1981 and ‘The Chinese Way’ in 1982. Their musical evolution continued with the 1983 album ‘Standing in the Light,’ produced by Larry Dunn and Verdine White of Earth, Wind & Fire, marking a shift towards a more pop-oriented sound and yielding their first UK Top Ten hit, ‘The Sun Goes Down (Living It Up).’ The band’s commercial success accelerated with the 1984 album ‘True Colours,’ which featured the Top 20 UK hit ‘Hot Water.’ This was followed by the critically acclaimed 1985 album ‘World Machine,’ which included the UK Top 20 hits ‘Something About You’ and ‘Leaving Me Now.’ ‘Something About You’ further solidified their international presence by becoming their only US Top 10 hit in 1986.

In recognition of his significant contributions to music, Mark King, as the band’s frontman and bassist, received the prestigious Icon Award at the Silver Clef Awards in 2023, celebrating Level 42’s consistent chart success and global impact throughout their decades-long career.