Paul Phillips (10)

British producer, singer, songwriter, guitarist, pianist, and journalist who has been active since the mid-1960s. Paul Phillips began working in the music industry in 1967, as a music journalist writing for Music Week. It was whilst undertaking his duties for this publication that he had a chance meeting with Pete Zorn (who would become his main session player, and writing partner), and Dan Loggins on a train in Ireland. At this time Loggins was head of the CBS A&R department, and some months later, in 1973, he recruited Phillips into the department. He quickly gained the trust of Loggins, who promptly elevated Phillips to a full production role within the company, giving him a greater responsibility for the end product. However, in 1975, he and CBS parted company, somewhat acrimoniously, and disillusioned by his experiences Phillips chose to return to journalism and other forms of employment. During his time at CBS he worked with artists such as Mott The Hoople, Arrival (2), Nicol & Marsh, and Kokomo, to name but a few. After his departure from CBS, one of the jobs that Phillips did was to drive a taxi in London. It was during one of his many long waits for a fare that he penned the song that would plant him firmly back in the music business, provide him with a UK top 10 hit, and a Top Of The Pops appearance, 'Car 67'. Having already formed a band with his brother-in-law, Tax Loss, and signed them to Logo, he suggested that the label take-on this song as a side project, under the guise of 'Driver 67', which they did. They released two more singles under this name, before returning to their original moniker of Tax Loss; an album and more singles soon followed. In 1981, due to prolonged conflict, mismanagement, and underhanded behaviour on the part of the label, Phillips chose, once more, to leave the industry and return to journalism. In 2008, Phillips began to write again and a solo album eventually emerged in 2012, entitled 'Now That's What I Call Divorce'. This was followed in 2017 by the first ever Driver 67 album called 'Breathe'. He is the brother of Dudley Phillips, and the brother-in-law of Pete Zorn. Born: 1st January 1949, in Maidenhead, Berkshire, England.