Jive Bunny Creator Dies At 84

John Pickles, the creator of Jive Bunny And The Mastermixers, has died at the age of 84. Pickles formed Jive Bunny in Rotherham in 1989 and went on to achieve significant success with the group, including three UK number ones with Swing The Mood, That's What I Like, and Let's Party.

The group's music typically combined contemporary pop with hits from the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s, using synthesisers and sampling. This innovative approach helped to bring different generations together and helped Jive Bunny And The Mastermixers score five UK top 10 hits, including their number ones.

Jive Bunny And The Mastermixers were made up of John Pickles, his son Andrew, and Doncaster DJ and producer Les Hemstock. The group also had a UK top 10 album called Jive Bunny The Album. The album covers and music videos featured a cartoon rabbit, with costumed actors making promotional appearances as the character.

Mastermix, the company founded by Pickles, described him as 'a true pioneer in the music industry'. The company said that Pickles was 'a leader, an entrepreneur, a businessman and an incredibly talented songwriter'. His legacy continues to be celebrated, with Mastermix releasing a new Jive Bunny production called 3, 6, 9 in December 2024.

## Why it matters The death of John Pickles marks the end of an era for a generation of music fans who grew up with Jive Bunny And The Mastermixers' unique sound. The group's music was a 'people's success story', according to DJ Steve White, who knew Pickles personally. The group's chart success was something that families could enjoy together, and their legacy continues to be felt in the music industry.

The impact of Pickles' innovative approach to music can still be seen today, with many artists continuing to experiment with sampling and synthesisers. As a pioneer in the music industry, Pickles' death is a significant loss, but his legacy will live on through the music of Jive Bunny And The Mastermixers.