Acker Bilk

Acker Bilk
Background information
Birth nameBernard Stanley Bilk
Born(1929-01-28)28 January 1929
Pensford, Somerset, England
Died2 November 2014(2014-11-02) (aged 85)
Bath, Somerset, England
GenresTrad jazz, Easy listening[citation needed]
OccupationMusician
InstrumentClarinet
Years active1954–2013
LabelsAtco, EMI, Columbia, Castle, Philips, Stomp Off, GNP, Lake

Bernard Stanley "Acker" Bilk, MBE (28 January 1929 – 2 November 2014) was an English clarinetist and vocalist known for his breathy, vibrato-rich, lower-register style, and distinctive appearance – of goatee, bowler hat and striped waistcoat.

Bilk's 1961 instrumental tune "Stranger on the Shore" became the UK's biggest selling single of 1962. It spent more than 50 weeks on the UK charts, peaking at number two, and was the second No. 1 single in the United States by a British artist.[1] In Canada it was number 4 for 4 weeks before peaking at number 3.[2]

  1. ^ "Mr. Acker Bilk & the Paramount Jazz Band". Regent Centre. Archived from the original on 26 December 2008. Retrieved 3 April 2009.
  2. ^ "CHUM Hit Parade - May 14, 1962".