Michael John Cloete Crawford Rutherford, born on October 2, 1950, in Chertsey, Surrey, England, is a renowned English guitarist, bassist, and songwriter. He is best known as a founding member of the iconic rock band Genesis, where he played a pivotal role as the lead guitarist and bassist. Alongside keyboardist Tony Banks, Rutherford remained a continuous member of Genesis, contributing significantly to the band's sound and success.

Rutherford's musical journey began at a young age when he received his first guitar at eight. He formed his first band, The Chesters, at nine, and later, during his time at Charterhouse School, he co-founded the band Anon with guitarist Anthony Phillips. This early experience laid the foundation for his future endeavors with Genesis.

In Genesis, Rutherford initially served as the bass guitarist and backing vocalist, also playing rhythm guitar, often on a twelve-string guitar. After the departure of lead guitarist Steve Hackett in 1977, Rutherford took on the role of lead guitarist, starting with the album "...And Then There Were Three..." in 1978. He was a principal songwriter for Genesis, penning lyrics for major hits like "Follow You Follow Me," "Turn It On Again," "Land of Confusion," and "Throwing It All Away." His contributions to the band earned him an induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2010.

Beyond Genesis, Rutherford pursued solo projects, releasing two albums in the early 1980s. In 1985, he formed Mike + the Mechanics, a band that achieved commercial success and critical acclaim, particularly with the hit single "The Living Years," which won an Ivor Novello Award and garnered two Grammy nominations.

Rutherford's musical style spans progressive rock, art rock, pop rock, and soft rock, showcasing his versatility as an artist. Throughout his career, he has been associated with labels such as Charisma, Atlantic, and WEA. His enduring influence in the music industry continues to inspire generations of musicians and fans alike.