Bobby Knoxall
Bobby Knoxall | |
---|---|
Birth name | Robert McKenna |
Born | Sunderland, England | 24 December 1933
Died | 20 July 2009 Sunderland, England | (aged 75)
Nationality | British |
Robert McKenna
Early life
Knoxall was born in the East End of Sunderland in 1933 and attended St Patrick's School. Illiterate after being expelled from two schools by the age of 12, he obtained a job as a barrow boy selling fruit.[2][3]
Career
Although he was mainly known in North East England, he also toured. He appeared with a group of rock 'n' roll dancers in London, before becoming a vocalist and turning his patter between songs into a comedy act.[2] He became a cabaret star appearing alongside the likes of Johnny Mathis, Roy Orbison and Louis Armstrong.[3] He also became popular in Africa and the Middle East, appearing on bills with Ella Fitzgerald and José Feliciano.[2]
Knoxall recorded
Knoxall, who suffered from liver and kidney problems, died in July 2009 at Sunderland Royal Hospital.[3]
References
- ^ "Robert McKenna". Gone Too Soon website. 20 July 2009. Retrieved 22 July 2009.
- ^ a b c d Tim Booler and Jessica Forster (21 July 2009). "Comic legend Bobby Knoxall dies". Sunderland Echo. Archived from the original on 27 July 2009. Retrieved 22 July 2009.
- ^ a b c d "End of a North-East legend". Chortle. 21 July 2009. Retrieved 22 July 2009.
- ^ "Honours for Wearside community". BBC News. 31 December 2004. Retrieved 22 July 2009.
- ^ Bobby - the dazzling 'clown prince' of charity. Sunderland Echo. 22 July 2009. p. 6.
- ^ "Comic writes life story". Northern Echo. 29 September 2003. Retrieved 22 July 2009.