John Pickles, who created the famous Jive Bunny music mixes, has died at the age of 84, the Mastermix company he founded has confirmed. Pickles established the novelty pop group Jive Bunny And The Mastermixers in Rotherham in 1989. The act went on to achieve three UK number ones with Swing The Mood, That’s What I Like and Let’s Party.
In a tribute, a statement from Mastermix described him as "a true pioneer in the music industry". The lineup of Jive Bunny And The Mastermixers consisted of Pickles, his son Andrew, who served as a director for Mastermix, alongside Doncaster DJ and producer Les Hemstock. Their tracks regularly featured synthesisers and sampling to merge contemporary pop music with songs from the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s.
The DJing company’s statement read: “It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of John Pickles, founder and creator of The Music Factory Entertainment Group, Mastermix and Jive Bunny. He was a true pioneer in the music industry, whose creativity, vision and passion for music touched the lives and careers of so many people around the world, and for the most fortunate of us, he was dad.” The group also had a UK top 10 album in Jive Bunny The Album and scored five UK top 10 hits including their number ones. Their album covers and music videos featured a cartoon rabbit, with costumed actors also making promotional appearances as the character.
Enjoy unlimited access to 100 million ad-free songs and podcasts with Amazon Music Sign up now for a 30-day free trial. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent. In December 2024, Mastermix released a new Jive Bunny production called 3, 6, 9, which it said was “celebrating the origins of Jive Bunny while adding a modern twist”.
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