The singer and songwriter best known as a member of the pop group Brotherhood of Man,Martin Lee, has died at the age of 77.
Lee passed away on Sunday due to heart failure following a brief illness, according to a statement released by the PA News Agency and shared on the band’s Facebook page.
“He will be sadly missed by his fellow band members Nicky Stevens, Lee Sheriden, and especially Sandra Stevens to whom he had been married for 45 happy years,” the statement read.
Lee joined Brotherhood of Man in 1972 as lead vocalist and guitarist. The group achieved international fame when they won the 1976 Eurovision Song Contest with their hit song “Save Your Kisses for Me,” which reached number one in over 30 countries and became one of the best-selling Eurovision singles of all time.
The group’s manager,Tony Hiller, credited their success to extensive TV appearances across Europe the year before the contest.
The song secured 164 points at Eurovision, placing them more than 70 points ahead of Switzerland, the second-place finisher.
Reflecting on their loss, the group expressed their sorrow: “We have so many happy memories, but now we are in total shock and cannot imagine a world without Martin Lee.”
Over the years, Brotherhood of Man produced hits like “United We Stand,” “Oh Boy,” and “Kiss Me Kiss Your Baby.” Lee, alongside fellow band member Lee Sheriden, co-wrote chart-topping singles such as “Angelo” and “Figaro,” both of which reached number one in the UK. The group retired from performing in 2020 after decades of international success.
Before his time with Brotherhood of Man, Lee had already ventured into the music industry, releasing a solo single titled “Cry Jose” and performing with the Johnny Howard Band.
Born Martin Barnes on November 26, 1946, in Purley, London, Lee spent part of his childhood in Australia. His contributions to music and legacy with Brotherhood of Man will be remembered by fans around the world.
