LEADER reporter Andrew Atkinson, author of ‘Formby’s Lost Love’, Previews American music star Dean Friedman ahead of his tour of Britain – and his thrill of playing in late ukulele legend George Formby’s home town Wigan.
It’s Turned Out Nice Again for ukulele legend George Formby, who is still remembered despite passing away in 1961, in my home city of Preston.
“I’m a huge fan of George Formby”, said American music star Dean, who has huge hits, including ‘Lucky Stars’ and ‘Lydia’.
Dean will be doing a 37 tour show during 2019 – taking in a slot at Formby’s home town Wigan.
Formby, famous for his witty songs including ‘When I’m Cleaning Windows’, ‘My Little Stick Of Blackpool Rock’ and ‘Leaning On A Lamppost’, died of a heart attack in Preston in March 1961.
Over five decades later Formby’s name lives on: “George Formby had a tongue-in-cheek sense of humour,” said Dean.
“His playing the banjolele and his classic songs live on,” said New York born Dean, also famed for songs ‘Ariel’ and ‘Woman Of Mine’.
*Dean Friedman, who is playing at The Old Courts, Wigan, on May 1, with a ‘selfie’ taken next to the George Formby statue in Wigan’s Grand Arcade.
