Read, John

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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..

 June 25, 1920; The Daily Telegraph 

Songs of Read’s which have entered traditional singing:

  1. Down by the old mill stream
  2. Every inch a sailor
  3. Give my love to Nancy
  4. Granny’s old arm chair
  5. Johnny Morgan
  6. Oh Joe! The Boat’s A-Going Over
  7. Oh! Polly she’s the girl for me
  8. Oh! Julia
  9. That’s how you get served when you’re old
  10. Tiddle-a-wink the barber