Jackie Dennis
Jackie Dennis | |
|---|---|
| Also known as | The Kilted Choirboy, Britain's Ricky Nelson [1][2] |
| Born | 8 October 1942 Leith, Edinburgh, Scotland |
| Genres | pop |
| Occupation(s) | Singer, actor |
| Instrument(s) | Vocals |
| Years active | 1958–1966 |
| Labels | Decca |
Jackie Dennis (born 8 October 1942, Leith, Edinburgh, Scotland) was discovered by the comedians Mike and Bernie Winters in 1958. The brothers brought him to the attention of the show business agent Eve Taylor, and he appeared on the television programme, Six-Five Special, at the age of 15,[3] and a subsequent film spin-off.
Chart success
The kilt-wearing, spiky-haired pop singer enjoyed seven successful years in the world of show business and toured the world. "La Dee Dah" was his biggest UK hit, reaching #4 in the UK Singles Chart in 1958, whilst his cover of Sheb Wooley's "Purple People Eater" was his second and final UK hit peaking at #29.[4]
Dennis appeared Perry Como's US television show,[5] where he was introduced as 'Britain's Ricky Nelson' performing the song "Linton Addie".[6]
Dennis latterly worked as a nursing home carer and lives in Pilton Park, Edinburgh with wife Irene, who he has been married to for almost 30 years. He has a stepson Steven, stepdaughter Susan as well as three grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
Discography
Singles
- "La De Dah" / "You're the Greatest" (Decca F 10992)
- "Miss Valerie" / "My Dream" (Decca F 11011)
- "The Purple People Eater" / "You-oo" (Decca F 11033)
- "More Than Ever" / "Linton Addie" (Decca F 11060)
- "Lucky Ladybug" / "Gingerbread" (Decca F 11090)
- "The Wee Cooper O' Fife" / "Come Along" (Decca F 11120)
- "Summer Snow" / "Night Bird" (Top Rank JAR 129)[4]
References
- ^ "The Boy Choir & Solist Directory". Retrieved 14 June 2009.
- ^ "I was even bigger than Elvis in the charts.. for a week!". Retrieved 14 June 2009.
- ^ "#6 - "SIX-FIVE Special" (1958)". Retrieved 14 June 2009.
- ^ a b Roberts, David (2006). British Hit Singles & Albums (19th ed.). London: Guinness World Records Limited. p. 150. ISBN 1-904994-10-5.
- ^ "The Perry Como Show Season 11, Episode 4 October 4, 1958". Retrieved 15 June 2009.
- ^ "Singing plumber leads quiet life". BBC News. 2 June 2009. Retrieved 16 June 2009.