ACKER BILK (1929-2014)

Acker Bilk (January 28, 1929 – November 2, 2014) was a British clarinetist and bandleader, best known for his smooth jazz and traditional Dixieland style. Born Bernard Stanley Bilk in Somerset, England, he initially worked as a welder before picking up the clarinet during his time in the British Army.

In the 1950s, Bilk formed his Paramount Jazz Band, gaining popularity in the UK’s trad jazz movement. His biggest success came in 1961 with Stranger on the Shore, a haunting instrumental that topped the UK charts and became the first British single to reach No. 1 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100. The song, featuring Bilk’s distinctive, lyrical clarinet sound, remained a jazz standard.

Bilk continued performing for decades, blending jazz with pop and classical influences. He became one of Britain’s most beloved jazz musicians, receiving an MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) in 2001 for his contributions to music.

His warm tone and signature bowler hat and striped waistcoat made him an iconic figure in jazz history. Bilk passed away in 2014, leaving behind a timeless musical legacy.

Songs of Acker Bilck you can hear at Instrumentals Forever: