George Formby

Today is the anniversary of the death of Lancashire-born, legendary showman George Formby. His unique singing style and masterful playing of the Banjo Ukelele are superb, IMO. If you haven't heard him, try Leanin' on a Lamp Post or A Farmer's Boy. The society (below) posts entire songs free for the listening and downloading.



From The George Formby Society webpage:

The show business career of George Formby spanned exactly FORTY YEARS, beginning in 1921 until his death on March 6, 1961. During that period he appeared in 21 hit films, cut over 230 records, made hundreds of stage performances, appeared in two Royal Command Performances and entertained an estimated THREE MILLION Allied Servicemen and women during World War II throughout Europe and the Middle East. Although he never performed in the U.S.A. he did make personal appearances and was quite popular in Canada, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa.

By 1939, George Formby was the most popular and highest paid entertainer in the British Isles and was estimated to be earning over £100,000 a year. The secret of his success was a unique combination of personality, natural ability and talent coupled with the driving force of his wife, Beryl as his Manager. With his natural human warmth and friendliness, George could hold a live audience in the palm of his hand as he sang and played the ukulele in his own inimitable style. He seemed to have the ability to make people enjoy what he did, and his audiences always called for more.

If he were alive today, he would be 101 years old.

Photo also from the society website