Paul Hardcastle Paul Hardcastle Paul Louis Hardcastle is a British composer, musician, producer, songwriter, radio presenter, and multi-instrumentalist. He is best known for his song "19", which went to number 1 in the UK Singles Chart in 1985. Born in Kensington in London in 1957, he is the son of Joyce ("née" Everett, 1930–1991) and Louis Hardcastle (1915–2000). Hardcastle achieved some success with his early singles, including the 1984 electro-funk/freestyle/instrumental track, "Rain Forest", which along with the track "Sound Chaser", reached number two on the dance chart. "Rain Forest" also hit number five on the soul chart and number fifty-seven on the
Leslie Hardcastle MOMI closed to the public in 1999. Having retired completely from the BFI Southbank, Hardcastle became a consultant and eventually a Governor of the British Film Institute. He also remains active in film related projects: The Projected Picture Trust, Worthing Dome Regeneration, Uckfield Film Society. He was awarded the Charles Roebuck Cup for outstanding individual contribution to the film society movement in 2007. Living in Soho for most of his life, Hardcastle is a board and founder member of the Soho Housing Association which provides social housing in central London. He is also a Vice President of The Soho Society.