Josef Locke
Josef Locke, real name Joseph McLaughlin, was born in Derry, Northern Irela… Read Full Bio ↴Josef Locke, real name Joseph McLaughlin, was born in Derry, Northern Ireland on 23rd March 1918. He came from a musical family however he was the only one of 9 children to follow a stage career. As a young boy he sang in the local church choir.
Aged 16 he joined the British army and within 18 months was promoted to sergeant. He spent sometime as a policeman in Palestine, when he returned home he joined the Royal Ulster Constabulary. he sang in local concerts and gained the nickname "the singing bobby". He got his first break in the Empire Theatre Belfast, had a contract for £7 per week and entertained the audience during scenery changes, he also acted as theatre bagge-man.
He took singing lessons with Count John McCormack's singing teacher, the great tenor later showed great interest in this young tenor's career. However the ex policeman had to leave Belfast for London in 1944. His big break came from Jack Hylton, an engagement at the Victoria Palace and this was where the name Josef Locke originated. His real name was too long for the space alloted to him on the bills. He appeared in Blackpool where he came to the attention of Victor Carne of Columbia records, millions of his recordings where sold in the UK, he appeared in many films.
A good and humourous account of his musical career can be seen in the film "Hear my Song".
Aged 16 he joined the British army and within 18 months was promoted to sergeant. He spent sometime as a policeman in Palestine, when he returned home he joined the Royal Ulster Constabulary. he sang in local concerts and gained the nickname "the singing bobby". He got his first break in the Empire Theatre Belfast, had a contract for £7 per week and entertained the audience during scenery changes, he also acted as theatre bagge-man.
He took singing lessons with Count John McCormack's singing teacher, the great tenor later showed great interest in this young tenor's career. However the ex policeman had to leave Belfast for London in 1944. His big break came from Jack Hylton, an engagement at the Victoria Palace and this was where the name Josef Locke originated. His real name was too long for the space alloted to him on the bills. He appeared in Blackpool where he came to the attention of Victor Carne of Columbia records, millions of his recordings where sold in the UK, he appeared in many films.
A good and humourous account of his musical career can be seen in the film "Hear my Song".
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Josef Locke Lyrics
Count Your Blessings Count your blessings one by one When dawn appears and day…
Danny Boy Oh, Danny boy, the pipes, the pipes are calling From glen…
Galway Bay If you ever go across the sea to Ireland, Then maybe…
Goodbye My heart is broken but what care I? Such pride inside…
Hear My Song Violetta Every time I see you lookin' my way Baby, baby, can't…
how can you buy kilarney An American landed on Erin's green isle He gazed at Killarne…
I'll Take You Home Again I'll Take You Home Again, Kathleen Across the ocean wild and…
I'll Walk Beside You I'll walk beside you through the world today While dreams an…
If I Were a Blackbird If I was a blackbird, I'd whistle and sing And I'd…
Mother Machree There's a spot in my heart, Which no colleen may own. There'…
The Holy City Last night, I lay a-sleeping, there came a dream so…
Try A Little Tenderness Oh she may be weary Them young girls they do get…