Billy Howard (comedian)
English comedian
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Billy Howard (born 1942) is an English comedian and impressionist,[1] who appeared on the ITV series Who Do You Do? in the early 1970s, alongside other impressionists such as Faith Brown.[2]
Billy Howard | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1942 (age 83–84) Edgware, London, England |
| Occupations | Comedian, impersonator |
| Instruments | Vocals, trumpet, guitar |
Career
In 1976, his single "King of the Cops", a comic version of the hit "King of the Road", reached No. 6 in the UK Singles Chart;[3][4] it featured his impressions of TV cops including Kojak, Columbo, Steve McGarrett in Hawaii Five-O, McCloud, Ironside and Cannon. Several months later, a follow-up, "The Disco Cops", was also released, but did not chart. Another comic record by Howard, "Frantic Frog (Parts 1 and 2)", was released in 1977 and also failed to chart. In 1979, he started doing voice over work for television and radio commercials.[1]
Personal life
Howard was born in Edgware, London, England.[5] He commenced his musical career as a jazz trumpeter and guitarist, playing in jazz combos in the early 1960s.[5] He played in many jazz bands in the early 1960s such as Gerry Brown's Jazzmen, Alvin Roy Band.[6]
In 1971 he met Scottish singer Eileen Cameron.[1] They worked with each other and sang together in clubs, eventually getting married in 1975 and welcoming a daughter in 1980.[1]
Discography
Singles
- "King of the Cops" / "Bond Is A Four Letter Word" (released 12 September 1975, Penny Farthing Records)[7]
- "The Disco Cops" / "I Call My Baby Buggsy" (released 23 April 1976, Penny Farthing Records)[7]
- "Frantic Frog" / "Frantic Frog (Part 2)" (released 4 June 1977, Penny Farthing Records)[7]
- "Truckin' With Santa" / "The "OO" Song" (released 1982, The Hat Factory)[7]
King of the Cops chart performance
| Chart (1976) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| Australian (Kent Music Report)[8] | 24 |
| UK Singles (Official Charts)[9] | 6 |
