The Quantum Jump founding member who produced albums by the likes of Tina Turner and Stevie Nicks has passed away at the age of 72 after his health deteriorated from an undisclosed illness.
- Jun 6, 2020
AceShowbiz - Revered musician and producer Rupert Hine has died, aged 72.
The Brit passed away early on Friday, June 5, 2020 following an undisclosed illness, unrelated to COVID-19.
Hine began his career in the early 1960s as one half of the short-lived folk duo Rupert & David, with David McIver. The pair released just one single, a cover of Simon & Garfunkel's "The Sounds of Silence", which was better known for featuring a young Jimmy Page on guitar.
He embarked on a solo career in the 1970s and was a founding member of the band Quantum Jump, scoring a hit in 1979 with the tune "Lone Ranger".
Hine continued to release music as a solo artist, but he was perhaps best known for his work as a producer, contributing to albums by the likes of Tina Turner, Stevie Nicks, Chris de Burgh, Bob Geldof, Rush, and Howard Jones among many others.
Paying tribute to his old pal, singer Jones took to Twitter and wrote, "Rupert Hine ....An extraordinary man and one of my dearest longtime friends, my music mentor and producer, passed away in the early hours of this morning."
"I'm so fortunate to have spent a precious hour with him Tuesday... luvya Roop (sic)!!"
During his later years, Hine served as the Board Director of The Ivors Academy and a representative for the professional music writers association also took to social media to honour his memory.
"We are so saddened to post that our Board Director Rupert Hine has passed away," read a brief statement.
"Rupert played an integral part in shaping the organisation, and his passion, wisdom, inspiration and his immense kindness will be hugely missed."
