Aker Bilk

[godalming]

Where does the name Aker Bilk come from

[andy hughes]

Acker is a nickname - a version of 'mate' in Somerset where Bernard Stanley Bilk comes from.

[nigidivitch]

I thought he was some old Jazz musician - Clarinet i think... Did some advert for a car dealer in the West Country about 15 years ago?!

[andy hughes]

Sorry - I presumed that godalming knew of the existence of 'Mr' Acker Bilk - as he is generally known. Acker still plays regularly with his Paramount Jazz Band, as well as guseting with a variety of world-renowned jazz musicians.

His 1962 instrumental hit Stranger On The Shore - a TV series theme, was in the UK chart for fifty-two weeks, and the first pop record to top the American and UK charts simultaneously.

Ask anyone over forty to name a clarinet player, and the chances are, Acker will be the name they choose.

More info. here http://www.jazzco.co.uk/AckerBilk.htm

[VINNY100_2]

We use to greet our mates with" you alright my Acker",when i was a kid in deepest dorset...(:-)

[jenstar]

From his parents, Mr and Mrs Bilk.

(Sorry, that's one for sad old fogeys like me who remember "Radio Active"!)