A British entertainer who wrote and performed catchy, nostalgic tunes, often incorporating elements of music hall and British folk, and also appeared in films and television shows.
Ian Whitcomb, an English entertainer, singer-songwriter, record producer, writer, broadcaster, and actor, is best known for his hit song "You Turn Me On" which reached number 8 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1965, cementing his place as a prominent figure in the British Invasion.
Born on July 10, 1941, in Woking, Surrey, England, Whitcomb was the second child of three to Patrick and Eileen (née Burningham). He spent his childhood in Scarborough, Thorpeness, and Putney, where his father, a trained pianist, encouraged him to play piano. Whitcomb's early musical inspirations included Phil Harris, Johnnie Ray, Guy Mitchell, Elvis Presley, and George Formby.
At Bryanston, a public school in Dorset, England, Whitcomb began writing comic and other songs. He formed a skiffle group in 1957 and then a rock and roll band in 1959. After leaving school, he worked at Harrods and then as an assistant at film studios. With his younger brother Robin on drums, he formed a band, The Ragtime Suwanee Six, that played at parties.
Whitcomb's unique blend of music and humor, accompanied by his ukulele playing, propelled him to fame. He helped stimulate the revival of interest in the instrument, which became an integral part of his performances. His recreation of the music played aboard the RMS Titanic in the film of that name won a Grammy Award in 1998 for package design and a nomination for Whitcomb's liner notes "Titanic Music as Heard on the Fateful Voyage."
Whitcomb wrote several books on popular music, beginning with "After the Ball," published by Penguin Books (Britain) and Simon & Schuster (United States) in 1972. His literary contributions shed light on the history of popular music, solidifying his position as a respected authority in the field.
Whitcomb's life was marked by a passion for music and writing. He spent his later years in California, where he continued to perform and write. He passed away on April 19, 2020, leaving behind a legacy as a pioneering figure in the British Invasion and a champion of the ukulele.
Ian Whitcomb's contributions to music and literature have left an indelible mark on popular culture. His ukulele playing and infectious enthusiasm inspired generations of musicians, and his written works provide valuable insights into the history of popular music. As a true original, Whitcomb's legacy will continue to inspire and delight audiences for years to come.
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