Acker Bilk | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Background information | |
| Birth name | Bernard Stanley Bilk |
| Born | 28 January 1929 Pensford, Somerset, England |
| Died | 2 November 2014 (aged 85) Bath, Somerset, England |
| Genres | Trad jazz, Easy listening[citation needed] |
| Occupation(s) | Musician |
| Instrument(s) | Clarinet |
| Years active | 1954–2013 |
| Labels | Atco, 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]
- ^ "Mr. Acker Bilk & the Paramount Jazz Band". Regent Centre. Archived from the original on 26 December 2008. Retrieved 3 April 2009.
- ^ "CHUM Hit Parade - May 14, 1962".