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BORN
1929
DIED
2014
Acker Bilk Obituary
Manager Pamela Sutton says Bilk died Sunday at a hospital in Bath, southwestern England. The cause of death was not announced.
Born Bernard Stanley Bilk in 1929, Bilk adopted the name Acker from a local term for friend.
He learned the clarinet as a bored army conscript, stationed in Egypt after World War II, and became one of the stars of Britain's 1950s "trad jazz" scene.
He was the first U.K act to top the U.S. charts in '60s, with "Stranger on the Shore."
Bilk attributed his playing style to losing lost part of a finger in a sledding accident and two teeth in fight at school.
Copyright © 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
41 Entries
john zemanek
January 8, 2017
Acker Bilk could make the clarinet weep and the blue flats were the best....Thank you for influencing my whole life.....I have played 50 years, however, I am astonished by his unique warm wonderful expression....John Zemanek
Denise Williamson
November 14, 2015
His music was beautiful, uplifting, and comforting. His passing is a sad loss to the world of music. Long may his legacy survive.
Phillip Thomas
November 19, 2014
I met Acker in Potters Bar, helping with his house and it was such a privelidge - I hadn't realised what a painter he was!
I loved meeting his wife and family and got on really well with them all - I shall miss him and extend my fond love and sympathies to them all......
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Ann L.
November 15, 2014
May you find comfort that your dear one is in God's memory. Keep his advice, kindness, memories and life of music he shared with you alive.
November 13, 2014
Acker - his music was my youth and gave much joy. Thank you. Pat
Brenda
November 10, 2014
With heavy hearts we say goodbye to a loving husband, adored father, and gifted clarinet master. Thank you, Acker Bilk, for helping this amateur clarinet player experience your making the clarinet sing. May the peace of God be with the Bilk family to comfort them as they strive to encourage each other and mend their lives through treasured memories of our musical legend and their beloved when he was present. My deepest sympathy for your loss!
Lynette T.
November 10, 2014
May the God of comfort bring peace to the family during this difficult time. Php.4: 6,7.
Kenneth Ollis
November 8, 2014
Another legend of music gone,but his music and talent will live forever.He is irreplaceable.RIP Mr.Bilk.
November 8, 2014
NOW ACKER'S PLAYING MUSIC IN HEAVEN.
David M
November 8, 2014
Rest in Peace Acker. Thank you for all the wonderful years of sharing your talent with the world.
Stranger on the shore was one of the first instrumental clarinet songs that I ever heard and made me appreciate the instrument even more so
Kenneth Grueschow
November 8, 2014
A music icon in every sense of the word.
Peter Marsh
November 7, 2014
Back in the early 70's I had the great good fortune of meeting and having a chat with Acker. Here is this legend talking to me in a totally unassuming, respectful way as if I was the one who had topped the charts. Besides the music, Acker leaves the legacy of being a great bloke with a wonderful sense of humour. I trust that his family can celebrate the life of a wonderful human being who happened to be a famous musician.
Les Baker
November 7, 2014
I will never forget you Acker , your music ,your bowler and your waistcoats and all the great musical legacy you have left us, Thank you, Rest in Peace and deepest sympathy to your loved ones . God Bless.
November 7, 2014
I will never forget you Acker , your music ,your bowler and your waistcoats and the great musical legacy you have left us, Thank you, Rest in Peace and deepest sympathy to your loved ones . God Bless.
November 6, 2014
God Bless you Acker, you are up there with the other greats Louis, George Lewis,Kid Ory,
and had just as unique a sound, god bless your family we will all miss you thanks for everything
Capt Ken Tree Dorchester England
Lasse /Sheila Karlsson/Collier
November 5, 2014
Good Bye Acker May you rest in piece.I am blessed by having met you and played with you You will always be with me
Lasse Karlsson Helsingborg Sweden
Harold Cartwright
November 5, 2014
"Stranger on the Shore" will forever bless and charm the people of this world. I always felt that this masterpiece was
on loan from from heaven and that Mr. Acker Bilk was used
as the vessel to minister it. Kind Sir, may you Rest in Peace.
A. H.
November 5, 2014
Please accept my deepest sympathies.
Anne James
November 4, 2014
I didn't see the Beetles or the Stones but I did see Acker Bilk in Sophia Gardens Cardiff in the 60s. Wonderful - Stranger on the Shore will grant him musical eternity.
November 4, 2014
Will never forget your rendition of Stranger on the Shore. R I P Thank You for the memories.
Musically, Donald A. Riley Band Director 39 years.
November 4, 2014
His music meant so much to me as a young marries mother. I still have my LP record of "Stranger on the Shore".
Marsha
November 4, 2014
To Acker's family:
Our loved ones who have died leave an indelible imprint on our lives. I wish to express my sincere sympathy on your loss. May you draw comfort from our heavenly Father, friends and family as you endure the days ahead.
Scott Harris
November 4, 2014
A unique sound that always brought a smile to my face. Real warmth in his playing.
Dusty Miller
November 4, 2014
Thanks for some wonderful memories and sweet music, from New Zealand
Stephanie
November 3, 2014
Acker was a lovely man. Whenever he came to Sheffield in the early '60's he and the whole band were welcomed into my Aunt's house and I was always there with my parents having a lovely time. I sat on his knee (I have a lovely treasured photo) and he would tell me about his much loved family and his little girl Jenny who was a bit younger than me. He told me how much he wanted to name Stranger on the Shore 'Jenny'. He showed such respect for all our family and my Aunt and Uncle made sure there was everything ready to make his visit as comfortable as possible. My Mum adored him - she was still talking about the fun times we had before she died 22 months ago. He was a great musician but above all a lovely family man. Rest in peace Acker and every sympathy to your family.
B Lucas
November 3, 2014
Music is the universal language known through out the world. To be a part of that is quite an accomplishment. Good memories of good times can make the pain of loss bearable. My most sincere condolence.
Harry Simpson
November 3, 2014
Thank you for sharing a part of your life with us.
Gordon Bilke
November 3, 2014
From one Bilke to another Bilk rest in peace.
Richard Farkas
November 3, 2014
Enjoyable music, Thank You.R.I.P.??
DS
November 3, 2014
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
November 3, 2014
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
November 2, 2014
What a wonderful sound.
Bill, Athens, GA
A. Carr
November 2, 2014
"Stranger on the Shore" is one of my favorite songs. It is soothing and stirring at the same time and has furnished many a relaxing moment.
Please accept my sincere condolences and wishes that the peace of God give you comfort during this difficult time. Philippians 4:6
Bob Nadeau
November 2, 2014
Godspeed Acker. When I was a child, we would frequent the original Satuit Restaurant in Scituate Mass that had the juke box controls at each booth. We would listen to "Stranger on the Shore" every time we went there. I also learned it by rote on the guitar. Thanks for the memories!
Regards,
Pat Olsen
November 2, 2014
Your music is so beautiful it will make the angels sing with joy!!
Donna M
November 2, 2014
Such a great sound. May peace be his.
Bev Truax
November 2, 2014
"Stranger" is one of my favorite songs and I was just listening to it the other day. Saddened to read of his passing.
Joe
November 2, 2014
Thank you Sir for your beautiful music. "Stranger on the Shore" brings back great memories of my teenage years. Rest in Peace.
Tina Morgan
November 2, 2014
Please accept my condolences for your loss may these words bring comfort for the whole family at Romans 15:33 May the God who give peace be with all of you. I HOPE THESE promise of GOD will bring the family a hope for the future and a calm heart now TINA LOS Angeles
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