The Alexander Brothers facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
The Alexander Brothers
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The Alexander Brothers on tour in Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada, in the 1990s
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| Background information | |
| Origin | Scotland |
| Genres | Folk music, country and western |
| Years active | 1950–2012 |
| Labels | Pye Records |
| Members | Tom Alexander Jack Alexander |
The Alexander Brothers were a famous singing duo from Scotland. They were known for their easy-listening folk music and had a very long career, starting way back in the 1950s.
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About the Brothers
The duo was made up of two brothers, Thomas Armit "Tom" Alexander (born June 25, 1934 – died January 9, 2020) and John "Jack" Armit Alexander (born November 11, 1935 – died November 2, 2013). They grew up in a place called Cambusnethan, near Wishaw, in Scotland.
Their mother loved music and encouraged them to learn instruments when they were young. Tom chose the accordion, and Jack played the piano.
Starting Their Musical Journey
After finishing school in the early 1950s, the brothers worked as painters and decorators during the day. But at night, they became entertainers! They spent a lot of their free time performing for older people in hospitals and for charities in their hometown.
In 1958, they entered a talent show at their local cinema. They easily won! One of the judges, a well-known Scottish agent, was very impressed. He signed them to a contract that summer.
First Big Shows
The Alexander Brothers made their first professional appearance at the Webster Hall in Arbroath. After that, they got a big contract to perform for five winter seasons at the Metropole Theatre in Glasgow.
They also performed at the Metropolitan Theatre in London. It was there that someone from Pye Records saw them and signed them to a record deal. Just six weeks later, they recorded their very first album!
Popular Songs and Albums
One of their most famous songs was "Nobody's Child" in 1964. People even said it "sold more than The Beatles in Scotland" at the time!
They had many other popular songs, including:
- "These Are My Mountains"
- "The Northern Lights of Old Aberdeen"
- "Bonnie Wee Jeannie McColl"
- "Two Highland Lads"
Their album These Are My Mountains, released in 1966, was their only one to reach the music charts. It got to number 29 in the UK Albums Chart.
Touring the World
Even after their biggest hits, the Alexander Brothers continued to be very popular. They toured all over the world! They performed in:
They even played at famous venues like the Sydney Opera House in Australia and Carnegie Hall in New York City. A famous actor, Charlton Heston, was a big fan and often watched them perform in Los Angeles.
Special Recognition
In 2005, the brothers received a special award called an MBE from the Queen. This award recognizes people who have made a big difference in the world. The ceremony took place at Holyrood Palace in Edinburgh.
Later Years
Sadly, Jack Alexander passed away on November 2, 2013, at the age of 77. Tom Alexander continued to perform by himself sometimes. Tom passed away on January 9, 2020, at the age of 85. The Alexander Brothers had a long and successful career, bringing joy to many people with their music.
