Kiyoshiro Imawano

Kiyoshiro Imawano, born April 2, 1951 – May 2, 2009, was a Japanese rock musician, lyricist, composer, musical producer, and actor from Tokyo, Japan. He was dubbed “Japan’s King of Rock”.He was known for pioneering the adoption of linguistic characteristics of the Japanese language into his songs.
Kiyoshiro was born in Nakano, Tokyo, Japan in 1951. While in high school, he formed a band named the Clovers. This band changed its name to RC Succession in 1968, and debuted on the music scene in 1970.In 1982, Kiyoshiro collaborated with Ryuichi Sakamoto and released the single “Ikenai Rouge Magic” which became a top hit on the Oricon chart.
After RC Succession ceased to perform and record in 1991, Kiyoshiro continued as a solo singer. He has recorded and performed under various unit names apart from his own such as Danger, Razor Sharp, HIS, 2 3’s, Ruffy Tuffy, Mitsukiyo and Screaming Revue. With groups the Timers and Love Jets, Kiyoshiro remained anonymous using pseudonyms and fictitious characters.
In 1992, he released the album Memphis which was recorded in Memphis with Booker T. & the M.G.’s. At the time of the recording, he received an honorary citizenship from the Mayor of Memphis. Following the release of the album, Kiyoshiro toured Japan with the M.G.’s, and the Budokan concert of that tour was released on the live album Have Mercy!.
Official Website: http://www.kiyoshiro.co.jp/

Kiyoshiro Imawano