Edmund Hockridge

Born in Canada 9th August 1919. One of 4 boys, helped out on the family farm. In his teens worked as an usher in the Vancouver Auditorium, seeing many star turns, including Gigli, Paul Robeson and others. Discovered to have a powerful baritone voice when his voice broke, and became well known locally in Vancouver. Outbreak of World War 11 saw him in the Royal CanadianAir Force in the UK, where aside from his duties he sang with various bands. Back in Canada after the war he got his own local radio show, but returned to the UK in 1950, just in time to ,luckily, land the plum role on stage in London as Billy Bigelow in Carousel, giving in all over 1,000 performances. In demand, he also topped the bill in shows such as Guys and Dolls(1953/54), Can Can (1954/55) and The Pajama Game(1955/56). From the latter he registered a big hit record with 'Hey There'. Made other records, and over the years worked with many of the musical stars of the day. In 1987 he even, at 67, appeared with Suzy Quatro in 'Annie Get Your Gun'. Had numerous radio and TV appearances as well over his 50 year career. For his last few years lived as a family man, dying on the 18th March 2009. Entertained millions of people over the years with his fine baritone singing. Read more on Last.fm. User-contributed text is available under the Creative Commons By-SA License; additional terms may apply.