Alan Hawkshaw

William Alan Hawkshaw (27 March 1937 – 16 October 2021) was a British composer, pianist, and arranger, best known for his contributions to library music, film, and television themes. Born in Leeds, he began his career in the 1960s with The Crescendos and Emile Ford and the Checkmates before forming The Mohawks, where his Hammond organ skills shone.

In the 1970s, Hawkshaw joined The Shadows, toured Japan, and contributed to notable albums like Shades of Rock. He also collaborated with artists such as Olivia Newton-John, Serge Gainsbourg, and Donna Summer. Hawkshaw's compositions include iconic themes like Grange Hill’s "Chicken Man", Countdown's "Chimes", and music for Arthur C. Clarke's Mysterious World.

In 1979, his disco project Love De-Luxe scored a U.S. dance chart-topping hit with Here Comes That Sound Again. Hawkshaw remained active, releasing Full Circle in 2018, and supported emerging talents through the Alan Hawkshaw Foundation.