Dave King

Few British comedians were as successful in the 1950s and early 60s as Dave King. A hit recording singer, he was one of the few British comics to top the bill at the London Palladium as well as having top rating TV shows in both Britain and America. Although his success was relatively short as a comedian, he later became a respected TV and film actor. After doing National Service in the RAF, King joined "Morton Fraser and his Harmonica Gang", an eccentric variety act based on America's Borrah Minevitch and His Harmonica Rascals. By the mid-50s, King had turned solo and, with his laid-back style and Perry Como-like singing voice, he began making appearances on TV variety shows. In 1955, he was given his own show by the BBC. An innovative comedian with brilliant timing, his show was scripted by top writers and was considered groundbreaking in its day. He recording hits included "Memories Are Made of This" (1956) and he followed this with numerous cover versions of Dean Martin and Perr