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G H Elliott - music hall performer

A

alandeej

knowlegable brummie
For legal reasons I cannot put the last The Chocolate Coloured C**n' as some nowadays would find it offensive.
I know my Nan and Aunty Ruby were Tiller Girls and worked on stage.
I also know that Vesta Tilley's name was mentioned, she was known to dress up as a man (drag act?) reminds me of 'Tipping The Velvet', that was on BBC a few years ago!:rolleyes:

If there's anyone old enough and still about who remembers.....like to hear from you? :)
 
Hi Alandeej: I am old enough to remember G.H. Elliott and many entertainers of his era. My Aunt Minnie was on the stage in music hall in the l920's and
my Mother was taken to see several shows in Birmingham when Aunt
Minnie was in town. The songs from those long remembered entertainers
were often played in our house on my Mother's gramaphone. Also, my Mother's father belonged to a "black face" group of Minstrels but I don't know their names.

There is a lot of information on Google about G.H. Elliott and many of the entertainers he played with and also there are recordings on youtube.com of
G.H. Elliott singing one of my mother's favourites "Little Dolly Daydream" and a couple of other songs. That era of Music Hall is fascinating.
 
I have a friend who is related to G.H. Eliot, I think he was her great uncle, he was very famous in his day, and my partner remembers seeing him as a boy, so one afternoon she invited a few of us round to hear some of his records, she also has a lot of his sheet music, and one of the family has a copy on film of him, I think he also appeared on "This is Your Life" in the early days of the programme and one of the family has a copy or is trying to obtain a copy. I'll have a word with her to refresh my memory and come back to you. Are you related by any chance?
 
Two G.H.Elliott records on Youtube
"Blow, Blow ,South Wind." G.H Elliott .1930

Edit - second video removed as terminology used may cause offence.
 
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Our very own Al Jolson....my dad loved both. Know suprise that I'm in the entertainment industry, just wish our dad and my nan was alive to see me now!
There are acts out now that do the same as Al Jolson & G H Elliott, but not allowed to black up, and it's not the same, the voice is there but the visual....!
 
picture.php
 
Hi

I think you may be refering to me!! My Name is Jane , GH Elliott was my Great Uncle by Marriage. He married my Grandmothers sister Florence Street (Theatre name June). She was an acrobat. There is a small clip on the Pathe Library on the internet "Sereno and June". She did some amazing tricks when you consider it was in the late 20's early 30's. GH did appear on This is Your Life, I need to refer to my notes to give you the year. It was in May and from memory I think it was 1954. I am still trying to gain a copy of the real. My late Father and my Uncle even today recall the times he used to drive into my Grannies Street in his "posh" car to come and see them. My Father remembers sitting on his knee and going to the Hippodrome in Birmingham to see him perform. GH was offered on many an occassion to do some TV shows at the time. He refused stating he would never use a microphone. He only ever sang and projected his voice by his own means. I have been researching GH for quite a while and I have recently discovered a link in Australia. My new found friend is a relative of the famous Marie Lloyd (real name Wood) as well as GH. The Woods we believe are linked to my family too! Only recently discovered. It is all very fascinating and extremely interesting. Our research continues. There is also a clip on Youtube of GH in a film but some do not believe it to be him. To be honest I first thought it was him but now understand it was possibly his voice but not him in person.
GH had a daughter from his first marriage but she died from a trapeze fall as a very young girl. She broke her neck. GH, sang Little Miss in honour of her I understand. His first wife died young and he then married my Great Aunt June (Florrie). I have some nice signed photographs of him he gave to my grandma. GH retired to Rottingdean near Brighton. He lived in a cottage he named Silvery Moon after one of his most famous songs he sang. He died on 10th November 1962 (born November 1882). He is buried in St Margarets Church Rottingdeam next to two other quite well known Music Hall Stars Lil and Harry Banford.

I realise your message above was some time ago, and I am sorry that I do not recall your name Sylvia. Perhaps you could jog my memory, unless you are talking about someone else (my sister Claire perhaps) or indeed my cousin Penny.
 
Although this is an old thread, I would like to record that I too saw G.H. Elliott when I was a lad. It was during World War II. He was appearing as Man Friday in the pantomime "Robinson Crusoe" but I cannot remember which theatre. He was an old man then but he danced as light as a feather and managed to sing at the same time. Wonderful sight. Glad I saw him. willey
 
Just watched the super western film "High Noon" again and realised it broke the rule "Black Hat" = bad guy, "White Hat = good guy. Len.
 
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I came across this thread while following up a reference to G H Elliott elsewhere. Before he and his wife retired to Rottingdean he lived in Wembley Park, and I visited the house often during the school holidays with my mother, who worked for them in the house until they moved. I also remember going to Rottingdean with them one day to to look over the house which they were having built there for their final retirement - Silvery Moon, it must have been. They often had 'show business' friends staying, and I remember them, and the house, quite clearly. I know that my mother was particualrly fond of GH, whom she regarded as a perfect gentleman. I can offer no comments about his performances (though I'm familiar with his repertoire) but my mother, who is of course now herself retired, will have clear memories of her years with them in Wembley Park. I have a feeling that I still have some sheet music of his songs which he gave me: I was learning the piano.


QUOTE=capepoint;326209]Hi

I think you may be refering to me!! My Name is Jane , GH Elliott was my Great Uncle by Marriage. He married my Grandmothers sister Florence Street (Theatre name June). She was an acrobat. There is a small clip on the Pathe Library on the internet "Sereno and June". She did some amazing tricks when you consider it was in the late 20's early 30's. GH did appear on This is Your Life, I need to refer to my notes to give you the year. It was in May and from memory I think it was 1954. I am still trying to gain a copy of the real. My late Father and my Uncle even today recall the times he used to drive into my Grannies Street in his "posh" car to come and see them. My Father remembers sitting on his knee and going to the Hippodrome in Birmingham to see him perform. GH was offered on many an occassion to do some TV shows at the time. He refused stating he would never use a microphone. He only ever sang and projected his voice by his own means. I have been researching GH for quite a while and I have recently discovered a link in Australia. My new found friend is a relative of the famous Marie Lloyd (real name Wood) as well as GH. The Woods we believe are linked to my family too! Only recently discovered. It is all very fascinating and extremely interesting. Our research continues. There is also a clip on Youtube of GH in a film but some do not believe it to be him. To be honest I first thought it was him but now understand it was possibly his voice but not him in person.
GH had a daughter from his first marriage but she died from a trapeze fall as a very young girl. She broke her neck. GH, sang Little Miss in honour of her I understand. His first wife died young and he then married my Great Aunt June (Florrie). I have some nice signed photographs of him he gave to my grandma. GH retired to Rottingdean near Brighton. He lived in a cottage he named Silvery Moon after one of his most famous songs he sang. He died on 10th November 1962 (born November 1882). He is buried in St Margarets Church Rottingdeam next to two other quite well known Music Hall Stars Lil and Harry Banford.

I realise your message above was some time ago, and I am sorry that I do not recall your name Sylvia. Perhaps you could jog my memory, unless you are talking about someone else (my sister Claire perhaps) or indeed my cousin Penny.[/QUOTE]
 
Capepoint, no I was not referring to you in my old post, my friend's family name is Gray on her father's side, but I can't remember whether GH was related through her father or mother and I don't know her mother's maiden name. I will have to ring her and refresh my memory.
 
Hi . My name is Heidi, my husband Chris is GH Elliot's great grandson. His grandfather George was GHs son from his first marriage to emilie Hayes. My mothering law, Suzanne was then George's only daughter. Chris and I recently took our two children to see GHs grave while we were staying in Brighton and we thought we would investigate a bit more about him. Suzanne recalls staying at silvery moon with her grandfather and June. She thinks that her father and GH may have had a fall out but she is not sure why and certainly her father wasn't mentioned on the this is your life program. Suzanne didn't know till recently that her father ever had a sister as he never mentioned her. I found this forum when I did some googling. We would love to here more. I realise this is an old thread.
Thanks Heidi
 
image.jpeg

Not sure why it is sideways as it is correctly orientated in my album. Won't post anymore photos until sorted.
 
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My mother worked for them for a number of years (all through my childhood) as a daily home help in their house in Wembley Park before they moved to the south coast. She is now back in (her native) Ireland and I will see her in a few weeks. If it is of any interest I can ask her if she can throw any light on your family history: I have no idea what conversations she may have had with them over the daily chores.
Kevin
 
I noticed that someone stated that GH Elliott was Birmingham born but I think he was born in Rochdale, Lancashire in 1882?
Did you know that GH Elliott and his family moved to America during the 1890s and he appeared on stage there billed as 'The American Wonder, Master George Elliott' ( The wonderful boy soprano, child actor & Dancer) They returned to England in 1901. Here is an extremely rare photograph of GH.
regards, Dale
 

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Sorry Kevin it's been a while since I logged in! That's really interesting. I will tell my mum in law. Any info is great
Heidi
 
DaleM said:
I noticed that someone stated that GH Elliott was Birmingham born but I think he was born in Rochdale, Lancashire in 1882?
Did you know that GH Elliott and his family moved to America during the 1890s and he appeared on stage there billed as 'The American Wonder, Master George Elliott' ( The wonderful boy soprano, child actor & Dancer) They returned to England in 1901. Here is an extremely rare photograph of GH.
regards, Dale
Click to expand...
nkyou
 
My own Minstrel story. This could have been posted under MY MEMORIES OF A BIRMINGHAM MUSICIAN website, but here goes:

The Minstrel acts were a great part of the old variety theatre, or vaudeville. My favourite was the great Al Jolson, an American singer that made the first talking picture.

One evening, some years ago, Buddy Rich, the great American drummer, spent an evening with Armand Zildjian (from the cymbal company), and myself at Armand's home just outside Boston, in the USA.

During his early career Al Jolson worked with the most famous American Minstrel group called Dockstader's Minstrels. I was aware that Buddy's father, Robert, has also worked with Dockstader. Buddy was surprised when he realised that not only did I know about his dad, but I also knew about Dockstader.

Away from the world of talking about drums, Buddy was delighted to tell me about the old Minstrel days in vaudeville. Buddy also loved talking about 'Jagwar' cars. It was a wonderful evening of relaxed talking

Eddie
 
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Hello Heidi

I'm a great nephew of June Elliott- GHE's second wife who was my mum's aunt on her paternal side.
After June died I bought what remained of her and GH's personal photo archive from her stepson Alan
who was going to auction them.

Since then I have enjoyed researching their lives and careers and have been lucky enough over the years
to meet and talk to people ( aside from my family ) who worked with them and knew them well. And
it's nice to relate that everybody with out exception spoke very highly of him.

I have a good collection of his old 78 rpm records including some duets with his first wife Emilie Hayes, song
sheets and lot's of photo's. That pic posted by DaleM is really a rare one ! I do have one somewhere of your
mother in law Suzanne with GH, her mum and dad and the music hall star Gertie Gitana. Let me know if she
does'nt have it and I will try and post it here.

GH and June both wrote their life stories and they were eventually privately published together as a limited
run by an Elliott enthusiast way back in 2000 i think. They are certainly worth a read but I do get the impression he
held back alot on his first troubled marriage to Emilie. He was a gent and I suppose wouldn't have considered it
good form to go into too much detail.

There is so much info I can pass on to you and Chris but as this is my first post I had better keep it brief.

It's great to read the memories written here plus an early posting from a lady to whom I could be distantly related !

All the best

Mike
 
MJP said:
Hello Heidi

I'm a great nephew of June Elliott- GHE's second wife who was my mum's aunt on her paternal side.
After June died I bought what remained of her and GH's personal photo archive from her stepson Alan
who was going to auction them.

Since then I have enjoyed researching their lives and careers and have been lucky enough over the years
to meet and talk to people ( aside from my family ) who worked with them and knew them well. And
it's nice to relate that everybody with out exception spoke very highly of him.

I have a good collection of his old 78 rpm records including some duets with his first wife Emilie Hayes, song
sheets and lot's of photo's. That pic posted by DaleM is really a rare one ! I do have one somewhere of your
mother in law Suzanne with GH, her mum and dad and the music hall star Gertie Gitana. Let me know if she
does'nt have it and I will try and post it here.

GH and June both wrote their life stories and they were eventually privately published together as a limited
run by an Elliott enthusiast way back in 2000 i think. They are certainly worth a read but I do get the impression he
held back alot on his first troubled marriage to Emilie. He was a gent and I suppose wouldn't have considered it
good form to go into too much detail.

There is so much info I can pass on to you and Chris but as this is my first post I had better keep it brief.

It's great to read the memories written here plus an early posting from a lady to whom I could be distantly related !

All the best

Mike
Click to expand...

Glad you liked my rare photograph. I have a few more items that are extremely rare. Original GHE music hall posters that I believe are the only ones in existence. Did you know that GHE was at one time, the sole proprietor of an entertainment venue called 'The Cosy Corner' at 143a Clapham Road.

best regards, Dale
 
Post 27 reminds me that in my record collection, I have a 78 rpm record, still in very nice condition, of Gertie Gitana singing "My Dear Marie", on the reverse side "Mein Schneider".
.
It was recorded over 102 years ago, April 23rd 1914, on the Zonophone Record label.

Eddie.
 
DaleM said:
Glad you liked my rare photograph. I have a few more items that are extremely rare. Original GHE music hall posters that I believe are the only ones in existence. Did you know that GHE was at one time, the sole proprietor of an entertainment venue called 'The Cosy Corner' at 143a Clapham Road.

best regards, Dale
Click to expand...
No - I never knew that Dale. Do you know what sort of hall it was and how long he had it ?

Would love to see those original Elliott music hall posters. How far do they go back and where were the venues ?

They are getting so very hard to find these day's . Those that I have seen are so fragile.

The British Music Hall Society have a good collection of posters but sadly no where permanent to display them.

Cheers

Mike
 
MJP said:
Hello Heidi

I'm a great nephew of June Elliott- GHE's second wife who was my mum's aunt on her paternal side.
After June died I bought what remained of her and GH's personal photo archive from her stepson Alan
who was going to auction them.

Since then I have enjoyed researching their lives and careers and have been lucky enough over the years
to meet and talk to people ( aside from my family ) who worked with them and knew them well. And
it's nice to relate that everybody with out exception spoke very highly of him.

I have a good collection of his old 78 rpm records including some duets with his first wife Emilie Hayes, song
sheets and lot's of photo's. That pic posted by DaleM is really a rare one ! I do have one somewhere of your
mother in law Suzanne with GH, her mum and dad and the music hall star Gertie Gitana. Let me know if she
does'nt have it and I will try and post it here.

GH and June both wrote their life stories and they were eventually privately published together as a limited
run by an Elliott enthusiast way back in 2000 i think. They are certainly worth a read but I do get the impression he
held back alot on his first troubled marriage to Emilie. He was a gent and I suppose wouldn't have considered it
good form to go into too much detail.

There is so much info I can pass on to you and Chris but as this is my first post I had better keep it brief.

It's great to read the memories written here plus an early posting from a lady to whom I could be distantly related !

All the best

Mike
Click to expand...
Hi Mike, I'm so sorry it's been forever since I logged in to this. As far as Chris knows his mum doesn't have that photo . A copy would be gratefully received. We would be grateful for anything you can pass on to us.
Thank you .
Heidi
 
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