Ray Burns (singer)
Reuben Klot | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1 April 1923 London |
| Died | 9 December 2000 |
| Genres | Pop |
| Occupation(s) | Singer |
| Years active | 1940s-50s |
| Labels | Columbia Records |
Ray Burns was a British singer, active in the 1950s, who had a top five
Early life
Burns was born of Russian ancestry as Reuben Klot in the east end of London in 1923.
Singing career
Burns entered showbusiness when a friend of the comedian Issy Bonn heard him singing in a barber shop;[2] Bonn took Burns on as a dresser, taught him singing techniques, and had him perform a song during his stage shows.[3] Burns' career took a step forward in 1949, when the orchestra leader Ambrose heard him sing at a London club and offered him a job.[4]
Burns was a regular singer with the
Burns' career turned to cabaret and smaller scale performances as the musical scene changed, but he made one final television appearance on Barrymore in the 1990s.[8]
Personal life
Burns and his wife Tilly had two children, Larry and Gillian. Gillian performed with her father in a double act in the 1970s, and won an episode of New Faces in 1977.[9]
References
- ^ Larkin, Colin (2008). Encyclopaedia of Popular Music. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
- ^ "Ray's bouncing back to the big time". Manchester Evening News: 3. 20 November 1965.
- ^ "Midland entertainments". Birmingham Daily Gazette: 2. 17 September 1946.
- ^ "Ray Burns". The Stage: 11. 21 December 2000.
- ^ "Festival of dance music". Coatbridge Leader: 1. 29 January 1955.
- ^ Jasper, Tony (1976). 20 Years of The British Record Charts 1955-1975. London: Queen Anne Press. p. 5.
- ^ "Ray Burns". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 26 March 2024.
- ^ "Ray Burns family interview with Michael Barrymore". youtube. Retrieved 26 March 2024.
- ^ "29 Jan 1977 – Series Five (21)". You're a star, superstar. 30 January 2021. Retrieved 26 March 2024.