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Ken
Goodwin John Grey Ukulele-Banjo John Grey banjo-uke, property of the
late comedian Ken Goodwin, |
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| In the 20s and 30s,
British manufacturer John Grey produced many quality,
budget-priced instruments. Having belonged to Ken, this
one is a piece of showbusiness history. Ken Goodwin, born in Manchester in 1933, began his entertainment career by teaching himself the uke to impersonate his hero George Formby. But when a hand injury prevented him from playing, it became necessary to concentrate on comedy instead, and his style - which like Formby's was innocent, 'daft' and family-friendly - provided a breath of fresh air amid the hard-hitting, gritty northern comics of the club era. |
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| Appearances on Opportunity
Knocks and The
Good Old Days brought Ken to the
attention of the public, and his inclusion in the now
legendary TV show The Comedians
which began in 1971, made him a sensation, leading to
engagements at the London Palladium and two Royal Command
performances. Ken re-introduced the uke as his hands recovered, and it remained a part of his act throughout the rest of his highly successful career, which included tours of Australia, cabaret on the QE2, work in the Falkland Islands, television, variety and pantomime, broadcasts with the BBC Radio Orchestra and five record albums. Following Ken's death in 2012, his widow sold his instruments via this website; therefore Andy is able to vouch for the authenticity of this instrument. |
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£450 SOLD! (2018) |
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