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Calling all Scousers.
I am currently putting together some information on a Man called Harry Bendon. He was a Scotsman who lived in Leeds during the 1940s to the 80s.He was a larger than life character who was a Comedian, Fine Tenor Singer who worked the pubs and clubs in the West Yorks area. he was outrageous in his manner and dress, also Busked with an Accordion at local race tracks. He was very popular in Liverpool town centre and never missed the Aintree Grand Nat. There was a video Liverpool 70 80s with some pictures of him outside G.H.Lees. but i can’t find it on the web. So wonder if any Scousers looking in ever came across this tall singer with a mass of black curly hair,very loud singing voice around the ’Pool. If you saw him once you would not forget him. Any info. would be appreciated.
PS. As a boy born and raised in Glasgow he topped the Bill at various Theatres in Scotland including the Glasgow Empire as "The Boy McLean" Don’t have any other information about him in Scotland so anyone North of the Border who could perhaps point me to Archives that would be good, Thank You.
John This is what I got from a local web-sight regarding that guy you were asking about. Apparently he was just a "Posh" busker but with a magnificant voice.I remember seeing him myself in Williamson Square behind the old George Henry Lee store and he used to sing among others" The Old Rugged Cross", "Marta Rambling Rose of The Wildwood(?)",I remembered this song as My mother in law was named Martha, she used to fly during the war not in a fighter or a bomber, but a Broomstick. This busker chap was a trained singer and appeared all over Merseyside at one time but didn’t follow his singing full time. I think he had a slight drinking problem but he was just one of the many characters around at that time. There was one guy called "Plinky Plonk" as he used to try to play a cardboard cut-out banjo with strings drawn on the cardboard at the same time all he sung were the words Plinky Plink Plonk the crowds loved him till it rained and the cardboard got soaken. and he made a couple of bob as well. I tried to get a download of him on you/tube but all there seems to be is an advert for some sort of old Liverpool cd called Liverpool 60’s 70’s and 80’s priced at £14 or more too much for me.Sorry I can’t be any more help Tommy .
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Tommy, Thats the Man, .Martha" was his opening number, drink def. his downnfall. He could earn lots of money but spent it always on booze for himself and his gang of hangers on. I would describe him as an early Billy Connolly, very humerous, risque for that era but a laugh a minute. Thanks for taking the time out to reply. Regards J.D.
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Calling all Scousers.
That seems a good idea - calling all Scousers. Depends on what names we are allowed to use on here.
Seriously though there was a man of that description who used to busk in Oldham in the ’50s. He used a piano accordion and had a magnificent voice and yes, he did used to sing ’Marta’ (Rambling rose of the wild woods.)
Surely there can’t be two men like that? Was it or was it not Harry Bendon? Seems very likely. The first time I saw him, whoever he was, I remember clearly that it was in Curzon Street as he was walking towards High Street. He then disappeared into The Albion Hotel (now demolished).
I was with my then girl friend who said she’d seen him quite a few times previously. He didn’t stay in the Oldham area for long.
TC.
The Cavalry take part in battles to add tone to what would otherwise be merely a vulgar brawl.
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Quoting: Terry Carey That seems a good idea - calling all Scousers. Depends on what names we are allowed to use on here.
Seriously though there was a man of that description who used to busk in Oldham in the ’50s. He used a piano accordion and had a magnificent voice and yes, he did used to sing ’Marta’ (Rambling rose of the wild woods.)
Surely there can’t be two men like that? Was it or was it not Harry Bendon? Seems very likely. The first time I saw him, whoever he was, I remember clearly that it was in Curzon Street as he was walking towards High Street. He then disappeared into The Albion Hotel (now demolished).
I was with my then girl friend who said she’d seen him quite a few times previously. He didn’t stay in the Oldham area for long.
TC.
Most likely him Terry. He never drove a car, hitched lifts everywhere. Most likely passed through Oldham on route to the ’Pool. I used to take him through for the National but he was such a character he was never stuck long for a lift anywhere.
Looking for info on him i turned up "Streets of Liverpool" and there is a wonderful / sad collection of pictures from the past, well worth a look wherever you hail from, shows the affluence and poverty of a bygone age.
