Matt Aitken, English songwriter and record producer (Stock Aitken Waterman)
Matthew James Aitken (born 25 August 1956) is an English songwriter and record producer, brought up in Astley, Greater Manchester, best known as the creative force behind the 1980s songwriting/production trio Stock Aitken Waterman.
He began his musical career as a musician and was a member of many different bands before teaming up with Mike Stock to write and produce music for other artists. They both later teamed up with Pete Waterman, and they went from small independent labels to the major RCA, producing a myriad of hits. According to Waterman, Aitken was a noted perfectionist, particularly when it came to his guitar solos.After the partnership split up in 1991, Aitken went into a period of retirement, raising his daughters Isabelle and Romy, and pursuing hobbies such as auto racing. He later returned to the music industry in 1994 -- partnering with Mike Stock once again and having success with acts such as Nicki French, Scooch, and Robson & Jerome -- before seemingly retiring again in 2002.
1956Aug, 25
Matt Aitken
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Events on 1956
- 26Jul
Suez Crisis
Following the World Bank's refusal to fund building the Aswan Dam, Egyptian leader Gamal Abdel Nasser nationalizes the Suez Canal, sparking international condemnation. - 17Oct
Bobby Fischer
Donald Byrne and Bobby Fischer play a famous chess game called The Game of the Century. Fischer beat Byrne and wins a Brilliancy prize. - 23Oct
Hungarian Revolution of 1956
Thousands of Hungarians protest against the government and Soviet occupation. (The Hungarian Revolution is crushed on November 4). - 4Nov
Hungarian Revolution of 1956
Soviet troops enter Hungary to end the Hungarian revolution against the Soviet Union, that started on October 23. Thousands are killed, more are wounded, and nearly a quarter million leave the country. - 12Nov
Sudan
Morocco, Sudan and Tunisia join the United Nations.