August 4th 1870 saw the birth of the entertainer Sir Harry Lauder.
Born in Portobello,the first of seven children. His father died in 1882 and their mother moved them up the coast to the village of Arbroath where he worked in the mills aged just 12 before spending ten years in the coal mines after the family went to Hamilton, South Lanarkshire.
Lauder often sang to the miners in Hamilton, who encouraged him to perform in local music halls. While singing in nearby Larkhall, he received 5 shillings—the first time he was paid for singing. He received further engagements including a weekly “go-as-you please” night held by Mrs. Christina Baylis at her Scotia Music Hall/Metropole Theatre in Glasgow. She advised him to gain experience by touring music halls around the country with a concert party, which he did. The tour allowed him to quit the coal mines and become a professional singer. Lauder concentrated his repertoire on comedic routines and songs of Scotland and Ireland.
Lauder’s range varied, from When I Get Back Again to Bonnie Scotland to Roamin’ in the Gloamin’. He frequently took his act abroad, touring the United States no fewer than 22 times, in addition to tours to other English-speaking countries, e.g. Australia and South Africa.
During World War One Lauder worked tirelessly to organise and recruit performers for shows given to troops serving abroad. His own son, Captain J.C. Lauder, was killed on the Somme shortly before New Year 1917.
Despite his son’s death he continued to publicly rally support for the war, ending each of his wartime shows with his theme tune, Keep Right on to the End of the Road. He once again entertained the troops on the outbreak of the Second World War in 1939.
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