Musician. Born Bernard Stanley Bilk, he took the name Acker from the Somerset slang for mate. He lost two front teeth in a school fight and half a finger in a sledding accident, which he claimed affected his playing style. He did his three years national service with the Royal Engineers, where he first was given a clarinet. He became well known for his trademark goatee, bowler hat, striped waistcoat and distinctive clarinet playing. The instrumental "Stranger on the Shore" became the UK's biggest selling single of 1962 and topped the Billboard Hot 100 in USA.
Musician. Born Bernard Stanley Bilk, he took the name Acker from the Somerset slang for mate. He lost two front teeth in a school fight and half a finger in a sledding accident, which he claimed affected his playing style. He did his three years national service with the Royal Engineers, where he first was given a clarinet. He became well known for his trademark goatee, bowler hat, striped waistcoat and distinctive clarinet playing. The instrumental "Stranger on the Shore" became the UK's biggest selling single of 1962 and topped the Billboard Hot 100 in USA.
Bio by: Daff
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