|
 Ken
Dodd - Comedian
- Biography
Ken entered the big time in 1965 with the
longest ever run at the London Palladium. 42
Weeks to be exact. Which broke all box office
records. And for which he was awarded a gold
watch by the manager. Ken is sum ominous for
being the Liverpool comedian with the
dishevelled hair and his very own unique brand
of Knottyash humour. Armed only with his
trademark "Tickling Stick" and telling tails of
Dicky Mint and all the other Diddy Men, working
hard in the Jam Butty mines of Liverpool, Ken
will have you in stitches.
Ken began his singing career in 1960's with
'Tears' on EMI's Columbia label, he had other
hits like 'Love is Like a Violin' on EMI's
'rival' label, Decca. He then followed them up
with 'Once in Every Lifetime'. His now famous
theme tune "Happiness" Was Released in 1964.
His biggest hit "Tears" sold over 2 Million
copies, earning Doddy 2 gold discs.
It was the 1960's that also saw Ken entered into
the Guinness book of records; for the Longest
Joke Telling session EVER. 1,500 jokes in 3 and
a half Hours. People were queuing up at the
theatre in Liverpool, and going into the theatre
in relays to hear him.
Although Ken isn't on the telly as much as he
used to be, Ken still working hard giving
marathon performances all over the U.K.
|
|
HOW IT ALL STARTED
Ken Dodd was Born on the 8th November 1927,
In an old Farm House on the outskirts of
Liverpool. A Village called, Knottyash.
Son of a Coal Merchant, Arthur Dodd and his
loving Mother, Sarah Dodd.
He went to the Knottyash School, and sang in the
local church choir of St. Johns Church,
Knottyash. At the age of Seven, was dared by his
School chums to ride his bike with his eyes
shut..... And he did. For about 10 feet and the
bike hit the kerb. As did the young Doddy, open
mouthed onto the tarmac. Resulting in his Famous
Teeth you see today.
It was around this time he became interested in
showbiz. After seeing an advert in a comic, "
Fool Your Teachers, Amaze Your Friends - Send 6d
in Stamps and Become a Ventriloquist ! " And he
Promptly sent off for the book. Not long after,
His Father bought him a Ventriloquist's dummy
and Doddy called it Charlie Brown. He started
entertaining at the local orphanage, then at
various other local community functions.
At 14yrs. He Left the High Holt Grammar School,
and went into his Dad's Coal business. Though by
his early 20's had branched out on his own.
Selling Pots, Pans, and Brushes. And invented
his own version of Softsoap for the Liverpool
Housewives. He worked hard by day, selling his
wares round the streets of Liverpool. And by
night, became a regular and very popular
performer on ' The Club's ' Circuit as "
Professor Yaffle Chuckabutty. Operatic Tenor and
Sausage-Knotter.
He Got his big break at the age of 27. In
September 1954 he appeared at the Nottingham
Playhouse.
A nervous young man, he sat in a local Milk Bar
for most of the Afternoon going over and over
his lines before going to the theatre. Although
he can't remember much of the actual act of that
night. He did recall.,, " Well at least they
didn't boo me off. " But there wasn't much fear
of that, as Dodd's act went from strength to
strength. Eventually Topping the bill at
Blackpool in 1958 !
The Diddymen - The Diddymen of Knottyash
Work the Broken Biscuit Repair Works, the Jam
Butty Mines, The Moggy Ranch and the Treacle
Wells. A very industrious town indeed.
Ken Also started to work in radio with the BBC.
" The Ken Dodd Show " and " Ken Dodd's Laughter
Show " Were all extremely popular productions.
Television also beckoned and in the late 50's
the Ken Dodd Show was broadcast Live from the
Opera House in Blackpool. Other Series followed.
The Ken Dodd Show : Doddy's Music Box : The Good
Old Days : Ken Dodd's World Of Laughter. and of
course, Ken Dodd and the Diddymen.
|
