Tributes pour in as 'Johnny Hates Jazz' co-founder Calvin Hayes dies at 63

Calvin Hayes the co-founder of British pop band Johnny Hates Jazz has died at the age of 63. The musician reportedly collapsed at his home in Spokane, Washington. His death was confirmed by his wife Kathy.

Hayes was best known as a founding member of Johnny Hates Jazz which he formed in 1986 alongside singer Clark Datchler and bassist Mike Nocito.

The group rose to international fame with their 1987 hit Shattered Dreams which became a Top 10 single in several countries including the United States.

The band's debut album Turn Back the Clock topped the UK Albums Chart and achieved multi-platinum status. It produced a string of successful singles, including I Don't Want to Be a Hero, Heart of Gold, the title track Turn Back the Clock and Shattered Dreams.

After the album's success Datchler left the group. Hayes and Nocito continued the band with singer Phil Thornalley and recorded a second album Tall Stories.

Its release was delayed after Hayes was seriously injured in a car accident that left him in a body cast for almost a year.

Before finding success with Johnny Hates Jazz Hayes worked with singer Kim Wilde playing drums in her promotional band and appearing on the artwork for her self-titled debut album in 1981. The pair later dated and remained close friends over the years.

Hayes was also the son of legendary British record producer Mickie Most who worked with artists including Hot Chocolate during the 1960s and 1970s.

Johnny Hates Jazz reunited in 2010 for a series of live performances across Europe and Southeast Asia. Hayes later stepped away from the band for personal reasons and largely kept out of the spotlight.

Friends remembered Hayes as a gifted musician with a lasting impact on 1980s pop music.

"He was the sound of the '80s and a super talented man. He will be greatly missed," one friend said.

Another friend Christine Peake paid tribute by saying Hayes had found peace in recent years and left behind a lasting legacy.