King, Steve, Born 1933
Dates
- Existence: Born 1933
Biography
Steve King was a British Al Jolson impresonator performing a song and comedy act in the variety and music hall scene.
Born Barrie Wilson, in Hull, he changed his name to Steve King.
During the war, Steve's family ran a theatrical guest house where Uncle George and Auntie Beryl, George Formby and his wife, were regular visitors.
At 14, Steve became a trainee projectionist. In the 1950s.
Steve began to play working men's clubs and was "discovered" by talent-spotting presenter Carroll Levis. He sang Al Jolson style after being told he sounded like the legendary singer. A cruise ship job in 1972 opened up the American market for Steve, who spend the following year performing in Las Vegas where he met Frank Sinatra, who praised his performance. He also topped the bill at the London Palladium.
Steve married Desiree, a descendent of the renowned Blackpool Delvaine Royal Marionette company, formed in the mid-1850s.They had two children, Stephanie b.1981 who went into circus and Danniel b.1983, who went into music.
Steve retired in 2002, aged 69 having given his final performance at the Darwen Library Theatre that year.
Found in 19 Collections and/or Records:
Adam Smith Centre Kirkcaldy, Fife Poster, 18 February 1980
‘An Evening with Al Jolson and Friends’ portrayed by Steve King, Special guest, Charlie Williams. Red and black type on yellow background.
An Evening with Al Jolson and Friends Poster, Week commencing 8 October 1979
Kings Theatre, Edinburgh. Steve King, Reg Dixon. Red and black type on yellow background.
Babes in the Wood Poster, 11 - 20 December c1970 - 1979
Theatre Royal, St. Helens. Roy Lester, Steve King, John Warwick, Barbara Jackson, Alan Kent and Johnny Laine. Red and green.
Charles Taylor Collection
The Charles Taylor collection is a fine example of Taylor’s of Wombwell printers’ posters, which highlight changes in printing techniques, fashion and taste within the popular entertainment industry. Included are examples of posters for pantomimes, fairs and circuses. The collection also contains handbills and other advertising material.
City Varieties Leeds Poster, 25 - 27 October c1979
‘An Evening with Al Jolson and Friends’ portrayed by Steve King with Duggie Chapman. Red and black type on yellow background.
Eden Court Inverness Poster, 25 - 26 March 1980
‘An Evening with Al Jolson and Friends’ portrayed by Steve King with Marigold Sisters, Lee Sheraton, Beryl Johnson, Reed Delroy and Duggie Chapman. Red and black type on yellow background.
Kings Theatre Edinburgh Poster, 8 October 1979
‘An Evening with Al Jolson and Friends’ portrayed by Steve King with Reg Dixon. Red and black type on yellow background.
Kings Theatre Edinburgh Poster, Week commencing Saturday 8 October 1979
An Evening with Al Jolson and Friends portrayed by Steve King with Reg Dixon. Red and Black type on yellow background.
Oversize Mixed Posters Printed by Taylor's of Wombwell, c1960 - 1980
Oversize mixed posters printed by Taylor's of Wombwell.
Palace Theatre Redditch Poster, 7 - 9 April c1980
‘An Evening with Al Jolson and Friends’ portrayed by Steve King with Lee Sheraton, Reed and Delroy, Ben Johnson and Duggie Chapman. Red and black type on yellow background.