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M People

M People, a British dance music group, emerged prominently in the early 1990s, having made a significant impact on the UK music scene. Formed in 1990 in Manchester by Mike Pickering, a former member of the band Quando Quango and an A&R at Factory Records, the group found its iconic voice in Heather Small, whose distinctive vocals became a defining feature of their sound. With the addition of Paul Heard and, later, Shovell (Andrew Lovell) as the percussionist, M People developed a melodic dance-pop and house music blend, which was laced with elements of soul and funk.

The band rose to prominence with their second album, "Elegant Slumming" (1993), which brought them commercial success and critical acclaim, including the Mercury Music Prize. Their follow-up albums, "Bizarre Fruit" (1994) and "Fresco" (1997), continued this success, delivering a sequence of hits such as "Moving on Up," "Search for the Hero," and "Don’t Look Any Further." M People's sound, characterized by its catchy hooks and upbeat rhythms, coupled with inspirational lyrics, spoke to a generation and helped define the club scene of the era. Their music not only topped the charts but also won them a Brit Award in 1994 for Best British Dance Act. Heather Small's powerful voice, combined with the group's musical craftsmanship, solidified M People’s place in the annals of British pop and dance music history.

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