Acker Bilk | |
---|---|
![]() | |
Background information | |
Birth name | Bernard Stanley Bilk |
Born | Pensford, Somerset, England | 28 January 1929
Died | 2 November 2014 Bath, Somerset, England | (aged 85)
Genres | Trad jazz, Easy listening[citation needed] |
Occupation(s) | Musician |
Instrument | 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]