With the 40th anniversary of the beginning of Simply Red approaching in 2025, there is much to celebrate, with an anniversary tour announced, alongside anniversary editions of the band’s most beloved records. As the only remaining original member of the band, it was up to lead singer Mick Hucknall to do the band’s legacy justice when he appeared on The Tonight Show, in order to share the celebrations with the show’s viewers through a performance of their hit song ‘If You Don’t Know Me By Now.’
Music Man fans are sure to be impressed with how effortlessly smooth and strong Mick’s voice still is, almost 40 years after the single’s release. His performance inspired cheers from the audience as he proved his voice still has that soulful quality he has always been recognized for. The video of his performance brought in much attention online too, attracting over 1.2M views in only three weeks. One impressed viewer commented “such an amazing artist, still sounding flawless after 40 yrs.”
It is safe to say that the song has solidified its place as a classic since its release. Despite the song being released before I was born, reaching the top of the charts in 1989, I feel as though it has been a constant presence throughout my life. I, like many viewers, felt moved to see Simply Red perform such a perfect rendition of the song on The Tonight Show. Having what feels to me like a timeless song performed so faithfully to the original felt almost like the past coming back to life.
As many Music Man readers will know, the legacy of ‘If You Don’t Know Me By Now’ goes back further than 1989, to when the hit was originally released in 1972 by Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes. When listening to the original, it is clear how Simply Red captured the beauty of the original while still making the rendition their own. Whether fans prefer Teddy Pendergrass’s or Mick Hucknall’s vocals is a matter of taste, but both versions showcase talent that will leave listeners in awe.
Covering a beloved song is certainly no easy feat. Despite this, ‘If You Don’t Know Me By Now’ found new life through Simply Red’s version, becoming so successful that it’s now considered a classic in its own right. Not only this, but the 2025 performance on The Tonight Show has reaffirmed the song’s lasting impact, right through to the present day. With Mick Hucknall’s impressively timeless voice transporting listeners back to the very first time they heard the song, the performance has proved that great music never fades – it only grows stronger with time.
Simply Red continues to captivate audiences decades later, with Mick Hucknall’s timeless voice resonating as strongly as ever. Their upcoming anniversary tour and special releases promise to honor the band’s storied legacy. Fans new and old can experience this enduring magic and learn more by exploring the links below.