On Sunday morning, the music world mourned the loss of Steve Harley. His family shared on Twitter that he "passed away peacefully at home," noting that his absence would be deeply felt by people worldwide. Steve, known for his role in Cockney Rebel and the hit song "Make Me Smile (Come Up and See Me)," reached number one on the charts in 1975. Despite recent health challenges requiring cancer treatment, the artist continued to tour, albeit having to postpone shows.
Born in London on February 27, 1951, Steve Harley was the second of five siblings. His early exposure to music came from his mother, a jazz and swing vocalist from the 1940s. Reflecting on his childhood in a 2022 interview, he likened his mother's singing to that of Anne Shelton and recalled her tunes accompanying their daily routines. Steve's fascination with music blossomed during his youth, especially during hospital stays, where he found solace in Bob Dylan's melodies and literature from authors like D.H. Lawrence and Ernest Hemingway.
We are devastated to announce that Steve, our wonderful husband, father and grandfather, has passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by family https://t.co/5c0enDPdIH pic.twitter.com/xJhgjeF9l3
— Steve Harley (@steveharleyCR) March 17, 2024
Despite battling health issues as a child, Harley's passion for words and music grew, leading him to explore journalism in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Alongside his wife Dorothy, Steve raised two children, Kerr and Greta, in the borderlands of Essex and Suffolk. At the time of his passing, his family was by his side. In a heartfelt message, Dorothy, Kerr, and Greta reflected on Steve's enduring legacy of love, generosity, and compassion that touched all who knew him.
Image Source: Twitter