News / Arts
Bristol jazz legend Acker Bilk dies aged 85
Acker Bilk first became known as part of Bristol’s fluorishing jazz scene of the 1950s where he regularly played venues such as the Crown and Dove pub on Rupert Street.
The jazz clarinetist, who lived in Pensford, became an international star thanks to the popularity of songs such as Stranger on the Shore, which was the UK’s biggest selling single of 1962 and was number one simultaneously in the UK and US singles charts.
After leaving school, Bilk’s first job was at the Wills tobacco factory. It was while on National Service in the army in Egypt that he first picked up a clarinet and learned by copying his favourite records.
After demobilisation, he started a band in Pensford called the Chew Valley Jazzmen but it was as the Bristol Paramount Jazz Band that he first achieved success.
He continued playing live with the band in various different lineups until into his 80s and also enjoyed painting the Somerset countryside. In 2001, Bilk was honoured with an MBE for his services to the music industry.
Bilk leaves his daughter Jenny and son Pete, and his wife Jean who he first met when they were children in Pensford.
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