Fred Barnes (performer)
English singer / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
For the English music hall songwriter, see Fred J. Barnes.
Frederick Jester Barnes (31 May 1885 – 23 October 1938) was an English music hall singer known for his signature song, "The Black Sheep of the Family", which he first performed in 1907. Although popular on stage, Barnes became infamous for his erratic private life and was often named in frequent controversies reported by the press. Openly gay, Barnes retired to Southend-on-Sea and performed in seaside pubs, notably The Cricketers Hotel, Westcliff-on-Sea. Suffering from terminal tuberculosis and alcoholism, Barnes died from coal gas poisoning at the age of 53.
Quick Facts Background information, Birth name ...
Fred Barnes | |
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Background information | |
Birth name | Frederick Jester Barnes |
Born | (1885-05-31)31 May 1885 Saltley, Birmingham, England |
Died | 23 October 1938(1938-10-23) (aged 53) Southend-on-Sea, Essex, England |
Genres | Music hall |
Occupation(s) | Singer |
Years active | 1906–1938 |
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