Bob and Alf Pearson

Bob and Alf Pearson
Bob (left) would usually appear seated at the piano, as here
Bob (left) would usually appear seated at the piano, as here
Background information
Born(1907-08-15)15 August 1907, Sunderland, County Durham, England (Bob)
(1910-06-15)15 June 1910, Sunderland, County Durham, England (Alf)
OriginSunderland, County Durham, England
Died30 December 1985(1985-12-30) (aged 78), Sunderland, Tyne and Wear, England (Bob)
7 July 2012(2012-07-07) (aged 102), London, England (Alf)
Genres
InstrumentsVocals and piano
Years active1927–1985
LabelsColumbia, Piccadilly, Broadcast, Imperial, Rex, Parlophone, Sterno
Past membersBob Pearson
Alf Pearson

Bob and Alf Pearson were an English musical variety double act, consisting of brothers Robert Alexander Pearson (15 August 1907 – 30 December 1985)[1][2] and Alfred Vernon Pearson (15 June 1910 – 7 July 2012),[3] who were mainly known for their singing of songs as a duo in close-harmony. Their career together lasted over 50 years, spanning stage, radio, television and gramophone records.

During the 1930s, they became one of the most popular acts in Britain, and had sold over a million records by 1936.[4] Their fame continued into the post-war period, when they regularly appeared on the BBC Radio show Ray's a Laugh with comedian Ted Ray. Introducing themselves with their signature tune, "My Brother and I", audiences heard the brothers performing well-known songs, with Bob accompanying on piano.[3][5] Ray would ask, "Why, it's a little girl, what's your name?" with Bob replying, "Jennifer", followed by a comedy routine. Bob's turn as 'Jennifer' became closely associated with their act.[3]

  1. ^ Cite error: The named reference oldtimevariety was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  2. ^ "Obituaries". The Stage. 16 January 1986. Retrieved 21 July 2021.
  3. ^ a b c Leigh, Spencer (10 September 2012). "Alf Pearson: Singer who moved successfully from music hall and variety". The Independent. Retrieved 7 February 2019.
  4. ^ "Their Songs Go Round The World" (PDF). Radio Review: 12. 16 May 1936.
  5. ^ Baker, Richard Anthony (20 July 2012). "Alf Pearson – Obituaries". The Stage. Retrieved 7 February 2019.