Mike Patto (born Michael Thomas McCarthy, 22 September 1942 – 4 March 1979) was an English musician, who was primarily notable as lead singer for Spooky Tooth, Patto and Boxer.

Background

Patto was born in Cirencester, England, and first became vocalist and frontman for The Bo Street Runners, who won a TV band competition Ready Steady Win during 1964. He was a member of Timebox, his own band Patto, and Dick and the Firemen. In 1974, Patto joined Spooky Tooth as vocalist and keyboard player. He was also a founding member of the rock band Boxer.

Career

He was the lead singer of the group Chicago Line aka The Chicago Line Blues Band. Other musicians included Tim Hinkley on keyboards, Ivan Zagni on guitar, Mike Fellana on trumpet, Louis Cennamo on bass and Viv Prince on drums. The group released a single, "Shimmy Shimmy Ko Ko Bop" bw "Jump Back" on Philips BF 1488 in May 1966.

Death and legacy

Patto died of lymphatic leukemia at the age of 36. Jim Capaldi wrote the song "Bright Fighter" about him. His son Mike McCarthy is also a musician.