Max-Bygraves-Obituary

Max Bygraves

Obituary

LONDON (AP) — British entertainer Max Bygraves, a veteran singer and comedian known for his old-fashioned charm, has died, his agent confirmed Saturday. He was 89.

Agent Johnny Mans said Bygraves, who had suffered from Alzheimer's disease, died in his sleep Friday at his daughter's home in Hope Island, Queensland, Australia.

Bygraves won fame in Britain's music halls and theaters after World War II, becoming one of the country's best known variety performers and releasing dozens of popular records.

Famed for his catchphrase "I wanna tell you a story," Bygraves become a staple performer on radio through the 1950s, and later appeared frequently on British television shows and in a small number of films.

"We have lost one of the best entertainers that Britain has ever produced," Mans said. "His death is a great loss to the entertainment profession and a great loss to all of his friends in the industry."

Born to an east London dockworker, Bygraves was awarded an OBE — a British honor — in 1982, and performed regularly for the royal family, first in 1950 for King George VI.

"He was one of the all-time greats of British show business," comedian Jimmy Tarbuck told BBC television.

The performer's career spanned six decades, with Bygraves recording an album in 2001 for the Royal British Legion charity. He was best known for the songs "You Need Hands" and the novelty hit "You're a Pink Toothbrush."

Bygraves also won brief acclaim in the United States, where he toured in the 1950s and appeared alongside Judy Garland at New York's Palace Theater.

The entertainer emigrated from Britain to Australia in 2005.



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We met more than a few times in the late 1970's and early 1980's as he came into the office to carry out business. Always wore sunglasses but never shunned anybody who recognised him, and treated whoever of us with whom he transacted with respect. Never had anything but a good word to say, no airs or graces, and was always a cool friendly gentleman. I think he liked the fact that he could be treated just like another bloke, but with a warmness... and we were just ordinary folk but he knew...

Loved you when I was schoolboy- then I hosted the London Palladium with you- always the best-Ray Fell, Las Vegas USA

What a wonderful entertainer you were Max, grew up hearing your records and when I hear a song from you get a lump in my throat. Big loss to us all.RIP Max > Raewynne New Zealand

Great story teller, brings back memories of my youth. Thanks Max

rest in peace max

A great entertainer saw him many times and meet himhad a photo taken with him in 1990 which he kindly signed a year later fond memories RIP MAX

wonderfull to have worked for max and bloss our thoughts are with the family

memories