Acker Bilk Dies

Post by **Oscar Namechange** » Sun Nov 02, 2014 12:34 pm

BBC News - Jazz legend Acker Bilk dies aged 85

Haunting, beautiful and unforgetable

theia · Post by **theia** » Sun Nov 02, 2014 12:39 pm

RIP Acker.

Stranger on the Shore takes me way, way back.

Post by **Oscar Namechange** » Sun Nov 02, 2014 12:41 pm

theia;1467170 wrote: RIP Acker.

Stranger on the Shore takes me way, way back. Me too... If I close my eyes, I can see my Mum and Dad dancing around the lounge together.

theia · Post by **theia** » Sun Nov 02, 2014 12:45 pm

Oscar Namechange;1467171 wrote: Me too... If I close my eyes, I can see my Mum and Dad dancing around the lounge together.

Oh Oscar, that brings a lump to my throat.

My parents have been on my mind too...my Dad's birthday would have been last Wednesday and my Mum's would have been next Saturday.

G#Gill · Post by **G#Gill** » Sun Nov 02, 2014 2:01 pm

So Long Acker, these days 85 is not really that old ! You brought a lot of enjoyment to an awful lot of people, and you helped to bring New Orleans Trad. Jazz to the notice of thousands !

I used to go to a place called the "Dancing Slipper" in a suburb of Nottingham and jive away the evening to the strains of Acker Bilk and other bands like Chris Barber, Humphrey Lyttleton , Kenny Ball and loads of local New Orleans jazz bands - most weekends. The "Dancing Slipper" is now a restaurant run by the daughter of the fella who did our buffet catering on our charter/trip boat.

Finding out that Acker has died has made me feel particularly mortal as I'm not that far away from his age ! Yoiks !!!!! There are more and more folk buggerin' off - makes me nervous !

AnneBoleyn · Post by **AnneBoleyn** » Sun Nov 02, 2014 2:17 pm

When I saw your thread, oscar, before I even opened it my mind played the song and I haven't heard or thought about it in years & years. That's how memorable & haunting it is.

Oh, and Gill: "So Long Acker, these days 85 is not really that old !" Huh? Sure it's old, especially for men. There may be more & more old people living, but it's still old!

FourPart · Post by **FourPart** » Sun Nov 02, 2014 3:06 pm

I was never one for Jazz, but Acker always seemed to have his own Genre. What he played was more than a series of notes in a preset order - it had soul.

Bruv · Post by **Bruv** » Sun Nov 02, 2014 3:35 pm

RIP He was a one off, seemed like a nice guy who never let his fame change him.

Saint_ · Post by **Saint_** » Sun Nov 02, 2014 5:16 pm

You know, that's one of those tunes that I know, but I never knew the story behind it. The music lives one, even though the creative genius themselves is gone. That's the true measure of humanity and our greatness.

Wandrin · Post by **Wandrin** » Sun Nov 02, 2014 7:38 pm

Just for fun, I looked up the Billboard Top 100 for 1962. Stranger on the Shore was #4 for the year and had some interesting company.

1. Roses Are Red, Bobby Vinton

2. I Can't Stop Loving You, Ray Charles

3. The Twist, Chubby Checker

4. Stranger On The Shore, Mr. Acker Bilk

5. The Stripper, David Rose

6. Johnny Angel, Shelley Fabares

7. The Loco-Motion, Little Eva

8. Breaking Up Is Hard To Do, Neil Sedaka

9. Mashed Potato Time, Dee Dee Sharp

10. Soldier Boy, Shirelles

G#Gill · Post by **G#Gill** » Mon Nov 03, 2014 4:55 am

AnneBoleyn;1467176 wrote: When I saw your thread, oscar, before I even opened it my mind played the song and I haven't heard or thought about it in years & years. That's how memorable & haunting it is.

Oh, and Gill: "So Long Acker, these days 85 is not really that old !" Huh? Sure it's old, especially for men. There may be more & more old people living, but it's still old!

OK OK, Anne !!!! Perhaps I didn't word it as I really meant it ! Gone are the days of "3 score and 10" - people generally, are living longer so that 85 is not really 'Past the use by date' as it was say 30 years ago. You are quite right 85 is OLD but there are many, many more people (men included) who are living well past that age, and staying fairly fit as well - that is what I really meant ! :p

AnneBoleyn · Post by **AnneBoleyn** » Mon Nov 03, 2014 8:24 am

OK OK Gill! I knew that, but just couldn't resist!

FourPart · Post by **FourPart** » Mon Nov 03, 2014 11:54 am

I actually come across Action Plans at work for people born as early as in the late 30s seeking Careers Advice surprisingly frequently.

Post by **Oscar Namechange** » Mon Nov 03, 2014 1:10 pm

FourPart;1467204 wrote: I actually come across Action Plans at work for people born as early as in the late 30s seeking Careers Advice surprisingly frequently.

That Is exactly the key to longevity. If you don't use It, you lose It.

Having focus and a purpose In life outlives those who give up when the bus pass comes.

along-for-the-ride · Post by **along-for-the-ride** » Mon Nov 03, 2014 3:26 pm

Wandrin;1467193 wrote: Just for fun, I looked up the Billboard Top 100 for 1962. Stranger on the Shore was #4 for the year and had some interesting company.

1. Roses Are Red, Bobby Vinton

2. I Can't Stop Loving You, Ray Charles

3. The Twist, Chubby Checker

4. Stranger On The Shore, Mr. Acker Bilk

5. The Stripper, David Rose

6. Johnny Angel, Shelley Fabares

7. The Loco-Motion, Little Eva

8. Breaking Up Is Hard To Do, Neil Sedaka

9. Mashed Potato Time, Dee Dee Sharp

10. Soldier Boy, Shirelles

All those songs bring back memories. I was 12. "Stranger on the Shore" is still one of my favorites.

RIP Mr. Bilk

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