Ian Whitcomb facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Ian Whitcomb
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Whitcomb in 1990
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Ian Timothy Whitcomb |
| Born | 10 July 1941 Woking, Surrey, England |
| Died | 19 April 2020 (aged 78) Pasadena, California, U.S. |
| Occupation(s) | Singer, songwriter, author, writer, broadcaster, actor |
| Instruments | Ukulele, accordion |
| Years active | 1963–2012 |
Ian Timothy Whitcomb (born July 10, 1941 – died April 19, 2020) was a talented English entertainer. He was a singer, songwriter, and even an actor. Ian was also a record producer, writer, and broadcaster.
He was part of the "British Invasion" in music. This was when British bands became very popular in America. His famous song, "You Turn Me On", reached number 8 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1965.
Ian wrote many books about popular music. His first book, After the Ball, came out in 1972. He often played the ukulele while singing. His music and performances helped make the ukulele popular again. He also helped with the music for the movie Titanic. This work won a Grammy Award in 1998.
Contents
Early Life and Music Beginnings
Ian Whitcomb was born in Woking, England. His parents were Patrick and Eileen. He was the second of three children. He grew up in different places like Scarborough and Putney.
His father worked for a film company. He was also a trained pianist. Ian's father encouraged him to play the piano too. As a child, Ian loved music from artists like Elvis Presley and George Formby.
In 1949, at age 8, Ian went to a boarding school. There, he started a fun band. They used tissue paper and combs to make music. They played popular songs for the staff and other students.
Forming Bands and Writing Songs
At Bryanston School, Ian began writing funny songs. In 1957, he started a skiffle group. Later, in 1959, he formed a rock and roll band. After school, he worked at Harrods and in film studios.
He formed a band called The Ragtime Suwanee Six. His younger brother, Robin, played the drums. They played at parties in England. Robin later played tambourine on the hit song "I Got You Babe" by Sonny & Cher.
Around 1963, Ian studied history in Dublin, Ireland. He helped start an early rhythm and blues band called Bluesville.
Music Career and Big Hits
Ian traveled to Seattle and signed a record deal. After returning to Dublin, he recorded "This Sporting Life". This song briefly appeared on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
The Hit Song "You Turn Me On"
His next song, "You Turn Me On", became a huge hit. It was mostly made up during a recording session. It reached number 8 on the Billboard chart in July 1965. This was the first Irish-produced record to reach the US charts!
In the summer of 1965, Ian went to America. He appeared on TV shows like Shindig and American Bandstand. He even played at the Hollywood Bowl with The Beach Boys. He also toured with famous bands like The Rolling Stones and The Kinks.
His song "N-E-R-V-O-U-S!" also made it onto the charts. After this, he finished his history degree. In 1966, he started playing older popular songs. His version of "Where Did Robinson Crusoe Go with Friday on Saturday Night?" was a hit. It helped bring back the ukulele before Tiny Tim became famous.
Beyond Pop Music
After making four albums, Ian stopped being a pop performer. He felt that rock music was becoming too serious. However, in 1969, he produced an album for actress Mae West.
Ian then moved back to the UK. He was asked to write a book about pop music history. This book, After the Ball, was published in 1972. He also appeared on BBC TV shows. He was one of the first hosts of the show The Old Grey Whistle Test.
Later Life and Other Talents
In the late 1970s, Ian settled in California, USA. He starred in and wrote TV shows like L.A.–My Home Town. He also wrote books like Tin Pan Alley, A Pictorial History. He provided music for a documentary film about Bugs Bunny.
Ian recorded many piano rolls. His albums explored different music styles. These included ragtime, Tin Pan Alley, and vaudeville music.
Writing and Broadcasting
In the 1980s, Ian published Rock Odyssey. This book was about his experiences in the 1960s. The New York Times called it a great personal story of that time. He also wrote Ragtime America and Resident Alien.
He wrote many articles for magazines and newspapers. These included the Los Angeles Times and The Daily Telegraph. He also produced a documentary about black music. For fifteen years, he hosted a radio show in Los Angeles.
Ian continued to make music CDs. These included collections of Al Jolson songs. He also made Titanic- Music As Heard On The Fateful Voyage. His notes for this album were nominated for a Grammy. His songs have been featured in many films.
Performing and Teaching
Ian lived in Southern California with his wife, Regina. He performed at music festivals across America. He often played the accordion and ukulele. He performed with his ragtime band, The Bungalow Boys.
He continued to write and make guest appearances. He was a regular performer at a restaurant in California. He also appeared as a Grand Marshal in a parade.
From 2007, Ian had an internet radio program. In 2010, he launched The Ian Whitcomb Show on satellite radio. Los Angeles magazine named him a "BEST OF L.A." in 2008.
In 2009, Ian wrote music for a play called The Jazz Age. He was nominated for an L.A. Theater Award for his work.
Ian was also a teacher. He gave talks about early American popular song. He spoke at libraries and music festivals.
Illness and Death
Ian Whitcomb passed away in Pasadena, California, on April 19, 2020. He was 78 years old. He died from problems caused by a stroke he had in 2012.
Books
- 1972 After the Ball: Pop Music from Rag to Rock
- 1975 Tin Pan Alley: A Pictorial History
- 1979 Lotusland: A Story of Southern California
- 1983 Rock Odyssey: A Chronicle of the Sixties
- 1986 Irving Berlin & Ragtime America
- 1990 Resident Alien
- 1998 The Titanic Songbook
- 1999 Ukulele Heaven
- 2011 Ian Whitcomb's Ukulele Sing-Along
- 2012 Ukulele Heroes: The Golden Age
