Al Bowlly is considered the second most popular British singer in the 30s of the XX century. During his career, he recorded over 1000 songs. He was born and gained musical experience far from London. But, having arrived here, he instantly earned fame.
His career was cut short by bombing deaths during World War II. The singer left a huge musical legacy, which descendants appreciate to this day.
Origin Al Bowlly
Albert Allick Bowlly was born on January 7, 1898. It happened in the city of Lourenco Marches in Mozambique. At that time it was a Portuguese colony. The parents of the future famous singer have Greek and Lebanese roots. The Bowlly family moved to South Africa shortly after the birth of their child. The childhood and youth of the future artist passed in Johannesburg. It was the life of an ordinary boy from an ordinary family.
The first earnings of the future singer Al Bowlly
Along with the growing up of the young man came the need for a professional definition. Albert did not go to get a profession, but immediately went to his first earnings. He tried himself in different labor roles. The guy managed to work as a hairdresser and a jockey. He had an excellent voice, which prompted him to think of getting a job as a singer in an ensemble.
This work attracted the young man with its atmosphere. Albert easily got into the ensemble of Edgar Adeler. The team was just going on a long tour. During the tour, the young singer traveled not only throughout South Africa, but also visited Asian countries: India, Indonesia.
Jobs in Asia
For unworthy conduct, Albert was fired from the musical group. It happened during a tour. The aspiring singer decided to stay in Asia. He quickly scouted the situation, found a new job.
As part of the next band, Albert toured extensively in India and Singapore. During this work, he gained experience, developed a voice, understood the mechanisms of show business of that time.
Moving to Europe, the beginning of a serious creative activity
In 1927, a professionally strengthened artist decided that he was ready to go on an “independent voyage”. He moved to Germany. In Berlin, the artist recorded his debut album "If I Had You". This happened thanks to the help of Adeler. The most famous song was "Blue Skies", which was originally performed by Irving Berling.
Al Bowlly's next leg: Great Britain
In 1928 Albert left for the UK. Here he got a job in the orchestra of Fred Elizalde.
The position of the singer gradually improved, but the situation changed dramatically in 1929. This is the beginning of a difficult economic crisis that hit the singer hard. Al Bowlly lost his job. I had to get out of a difficult situation by working on the street. He was able to survive without changing the field of activity.
In the early 30s, the artist managed to sign a couple of lucrative contracts. First, he entered into a collaboration with Ray Noble. Participation in his orchestra opened up new opportunities for Al Bowlly. Secondly, the singer received an invitation to work at the popular Monseigneur Grill. He sang in a live orchestra led by Roy Fox.
Al Bowlly's creative heyday
Having corrected the shaken financial situation, Al Bowlly began to work fruitfully. In the early 30s, in just 4 years, he recorded more than 500 songs. Already during this period he was considered one of the most famous singers in Great Britain. In 1933, the leader of the orchestra in which Bowlly sang changed. Fox has been replaced by Lui Stone. The singer began to actively "share", he was torn between Bowlly and Stone. Bowlly often went on tour with Stone's orchestra, and in the studio he worked with Bowlly.
Singer's own band
By the mid-30s, Al Bowlly had formed his own band. With Radio City Rhythm Makers, the singer actively traveled around the country. The creativity of the team was in demand, there was no end to invitations to perform. Al Bowlly tried to combine all kinds of musical work: concerts around the country, live performances in London, recording in the studio, as well as promotion on the radio. In the mid-30s, the singer's fame went far beyond the borders of the country. His records were published in the USA, the artist, without coming overseas, was famous and in demand there.
Health problems
By 1937, Al Bowlly had health problems that had a negative impact on his career. A polyp grew in the singer's throat, which led to the loss of his voice. The artist decided to disband the group, raised money, went to New York for treatment. He had the growth removed, his voice was restored.
Difficulties with work
The break in work negatively affected the popularity of the singer. I could not return to my previous working rhythm. His performance also deteriorated, the singer could not rehearse and record in the studio for a long time.
The artist tried himself as an actor, but he was offered only small roles. They were often cut further in the final film cuts. Al Bowlly tried to get into Hollywood, but only went to America in vain, he was not approved for the role. The singer took on various projects, trying to earn money. He performed with various orchestras, went on tour even to provincial towns.
Revival of interest in the work of Al Bowlly
In 1940 Al Bowlly got together with Jimmy Messene. The creative union performed in the Radio Stars group. This work has become the most difficult in the life of the singer. He tried with all his might to keep interest in his work, but fate prevented him. Al Bowlly often worked for two, replacing a partner with problems with alcohol.
Personal life of the singer
Was married twice. The singer entered into his first marriage with Constance Freda Roberts in 1931. The couple lived together for only 2 weeks, after which they filed for divorce. In 1934, the singer remarried. The couple with Margie Fairless lasted until the man's death.
The Departure of Al Bowlly
At the height of World War II, on April 16, 1941, Al Bowlly played a concert with the Radio Stars. The singer and his bandmates were offered accommodation near the venue, but Al Bowlly decided to return home. This became a fatal mistake.
That night there was a bombing, a mine hit the artist's house, he was killed by a door that fell off its hinges. A blow to the head instantly claimed the life of the singer. Al Bowlly was buried in a mass grave, and in 2013, a memorial plaque was installed on the house in which he lived at the height of his fame.
