1929 - 2014
LONDON (AP) — Clarinet player Acker Bilk, whose smooth sound topped music charts on both sides of the Atlantic, has died at the age of 85.
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.
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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
john zemanek
January 08, 2017 | St. Augustine, FL
Valenda Newell
November 12, 2016 | Indianapolis, IN
His music was beautiful, uplifting, and comforting. His passing is a sad loss to the world of music. Long may his legacy survive.
Denise Williamson
November 14, 2015 | Laconia, NH
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......
Phillip Thomas
November 19, 2014 | Cheltenham
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.
Ann L.
November 15, 2014 | NJ
Acker - his music was my youth and gave much joy. Thank you. Pat
November 13, 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!
Brenda
November 10, 2014
May the God of comfort bring peace to the family during this difficult time. Php.4: 6,7.
Lynette T.
November 10, 2014 | Chicago, IL
Another legend of music gone,but his music and talent will live forever.He is irreplaceable.RIP Mr.Bilk.
Kenneth Ollis
November 08, 2014 | Spruce Pine, NC