George Formby Snr - Plink Plonk - 1909

George Formby Snr, Water Rat 209.
Born James Lawler Booth in Ashton-under-Lyne, Lancashire on October 4th 1875. By 8 years old George Snr was singing in pubs and clubs to earn a few coppers. Another waif singer joined up with him and they formed an act, "The Glenray Brothers" and hit the halls. Sadly it stopped when the young Formby's voice broke, but he had performed enough to know what he wanted to do.
By 1902 he was being seen in all the London Halls and was establishing himself as a top of the bill act. Though he worked out if he were lower in the line-up he could perform at other theatres and double his fee for the nigh.
His career really took off when he was chosen to perform in front of George V and Queen Mary in July 1913. Though he was considered "broad' humour the royals loved it.
He died 8th February 1921.