Artist Info: Mieko Hirota

Mieko Hirota (弘田三枝子, Hirota Mieko, February 5, 1947 – July 21, 2020) was a Japanese singer. Her nickname was Mico (also spelled Miko).

Hirota was born in Setagaya, Tokyo. She grew up listening to pop and jazz in places like Tachikawa, which was frequented by Occupation troops. She made her debut in 1961 at age 14. In 1965, Mico became the first Japanese singer to sing the song "Sunny" on album and the first to appear at the Newport Jazz Festival. [read more...]