Jake Thackray
died on Christmas Eve
2002 aged 64.
His instructions were clear:
"No tearing of hair, no ringing of hands,
No sighs, no lack-a-days
No woe-is-mes and none of your sad adieus.
Go go go and get the priest
And then go get the booze ,boys"
(From Jake's song The Last Will and
Testament of Jake Thackray)
Born in Yorkshire on 22nd February 1938, the son of a policeman. He
attended a Jesuit boarding school in Dolgelly where he entertained the idea
of becoming a priest but opted for teaching instead once he'd completed his
education at Durham University.
He taught in France for 4 years before returning to Leeds for a further six
years in the classroom. Perhaps not surprisingly his big break as a
performer was a bit odd, on an early morning farming programme on local
radio. From there it was BBC Radio's 'Northcountryman' show.
His debut as a recording artist was in 1967 with the album The Last Will
and Testament of Jake Thackray. Success followed with regular appearances
on The Frost Report, The Braden Beat and That's Life. On That's Life he was
required to produce a topical song each week.
His second album was Jake's Progress in 1969, followed by a live album
recorded at the Queen Elizabeth Hall in 1972. For me the best know was On
Again! On Again! in 1977, followed by another live album Jake Thackray and
Songs in 1981. He also published a book of lyrics illustrated by cartoonist
Bill Tidy.
Jake is survived by his wife Sheila and three sons.
We knew him a bit having booked him a few times. All very successful events
even the one where Jake forgot his guitar, normally not a problem for a
folk club but it was a 2 hour solo concert!! An interesting charming
character!!!
©M&K 2003