Dean Ford of Scottish band Marmalade dies aged 72

Dean Ford, the singer and songwriter for Scotland’s Marmalade, has died aged 72.

Dean’s daughter Tracey McAleese-Gorman confirmed the news of her father’s passing on Facebook saying “I am so sad to share that my dear Dad passed away last night. He was an amazing man, a gentle soul, extremely talented musician and a great Father and Pop Pop to his only grandchild Connor”.

Dean Ford was a member of Marmalade from 1966 to 1974. He co-wrote Marmalade’s biggest international hit ‘Reflections of My Life’ under his real name Thomas McAleese with Junior Campbell. It sold 2 million copies around the world. In 1998 BMI recognised the song’s success with a Special Citation of Achievement Award.

In Australia, ‘Reflections of My Life’ was a hit for Sydney band Flake.

After Flake broke up Dean recorded his debut solo album in 1975. The album was produced by Alan Parsons. Dean also worked with Parson again on The Alan Parsons Project ‘Pyramid’ album. He sang the songs ‘What Goes Up’ and ‘Can’t Take It With You’.

After years of battling alcohol, Dean only released his second solo album ‘This Scottish Heart’ in 2018. The album featured a new version of ‘Reflections of My Life’.