Old photograph of Benny Lee born on 11 August 1916 in Glasgow, Scotland. Benny started his singing career as tenor in the school choir. Leaving school at 14, he became a tailor's apprentice, but soon left to join an all purpose act, which sang, danced and performed acrobatics all around one of the main variety circuits of Britain. In 1941, Lee was heard singing by Johnny Claes, a trumpeter who had recently formed a swinging dance band called the Claepigeons. He liked the sound of Lee's voice and signed him on as a vocalist. Soon Lee was singing and recording with many bands of the day. His voice became popular enough for him to be featured as a solo singer and not just a band singer. In 1948 he was supported by the close harmony group the Keynotes on Rambling Rose. Next year he duetted with Joy Nichols, the star of Take It From Here, singing On the 5.45. The Decca company came in with a contract and from 1950 he recorded such hits of the time as Enjoy Yourself, It's Later Than You Think, and Down at the Ferry Boat Inn with the Stargazers. Every type of pop song seemed to suit Lee. Lee also appeared in the films, Keep It Clean, My Wife's Family, The Girl Hunters and Mahler, portraying Tarbottom, Arnold, Nat Drutman and Uncle Arnold respectively. Lee died on 9 December 1995 at the age of 79. He left behind a wife and two daughters.
All photographs are copyright of Sandy Stevenson, Tour Scotland, and may not be used without permission.
View the most recent Tour Scotland photographs.
No comments:
Post a Comment