The Oldest Swinger in Town
Posted on: 23 Nov 2013A biography of Fred Wedlock the popular Bristol born and raised folk singer will be launched at M Shed today.
The free event for 'Fred Wedlock: Funnyman of Folk' written by John Hudson, with support from Fred's beloved widow Sue, begins at 2pm. The day will feature film of the singer, a book signing by the author and musical tributes by local folk band The Willbees, Fred's daughter Hannah Wedlock and AJ Webber who was a contemporary of the singer.
The book tells the complete story of Fred who grew up in Redcliffe and had a top ten hit in 1981 with the song 'The Oldest Swinger In Town'. It includes stories from Fred’s childhood spent in wartime Bristol to his passing in 2010 and talks of his first paid performance as a toddler, the city’s vibrant folk scene during the sixties, how he spent the seventies as one of the UK's leading comedy entertainers, a touring life at home and abroad, his time as a TV presenter, after-dinner speaker and as an actor when he appeared at the Bristol Old Vic. Between his debut 'The Folker' in 1971 and last album 'Festive Fred' the singer released nine full albums plus a greatest hits complilation.
John Hudson, who has also written a biography of Wurzels founder Adge Cutler, says that “Fred was well known not just across his native West Country but also became one of the relatively small number of distinctly local artists who made a genuine impact on the national stage.”
Fred Wedlock: Funnyman of Folk can be ordered online here.
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Born and raised in the suburbs of Swansea, Jimmy moved to Bristol back in 2004 to attend university. Passionate about live music, sport, science and nature, he can usually be found walking his cocker spaniel Baxter at any number of green spots around the city. Call James on 078 9999 3534 or email Editor@365Bristol.com.
