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John Read (1839 – 1920) was a popular singer in the Halls of the 1870s, but later became better known as a Chairman and prolific songwriter.
He was active as a songwriter between mid 1870s and the early 1900s. Read was widely admired for his good looks and sharp dressing: he routinely wore a huge diamond stud on his white shirt front. He was chairman of Collin’s Music Hall for a time. Full bio to follow..
Songs of Read’s which have entered traditional singing:
- Down by the old mill stream
- Every inch a sailor
- Give my love to Nancy
- Granny’s old arm chair
- Johnny Morgan
- Oh Joe! The Boat’s A-Going Over
- Oh! Polly she’s the girl for me
- Oh! Julia
- That’s how you get served when you’re old
- Tiddle-a-wink the barber
Last Updated on April 22, 2022 by John Baxter | Published: October 27, 2021
