Mick Leeson

Mick grew up in Newcastle where he played in various soul bands in the 60s.

He met his writing partner Peter Vale at University College London, and they began writing together in 1973. Mick worked in a bank and Pete was a teacher before they became full-time songwriters in 1980. Their first successes were with Sheena Easton, and Mick wrote the lyrics for the Oscar-nominated Bond song "For Your Eyes Only".

They had a top 3 US hit in 1986 with "Take Me Home Tonight" by Eddie Money (and this song has just won a BMI award for 3 million plays).

In 1987, the double platinum Mica Paris album "So Good", which Pete produced, yielded the singles "My One Temptation" and "Breathe Life Into Me".

In the early 90s their biggest record - "Would I Lie to You?" by Charles and Eddie - was number one in the UK and 11 other countries, winning 4 platinum discs and 3 Ivor Novello Awards.

Notable artists to have recorded their songs include Ray Charles, The Commodores, Maxi Priest, Paul Young and Chaka Demus & Pliers. Most recently, their song "If There's Any Justice" was a top 3 hit for the excellent Lemar.

Mick has been married for 31 years and he has two sons, aged 19 and 21.

He is Deputy Chair (Writer) of the PRS Board, a Committee Member of the PRS Members' Fund and a Board Director of the British Academy of Composers and Songwriters.