Ackers Music Agency

Home Biography Tour Dates Music Photos

Ackers Music Agency – Acker “Suomalainen” Bilk

MR. ACKER “SUOMALAINEN” BILK MBE
28.01.29 –02.11.14

Bernard Stanley Bilk was born in Pensford in his beloved County of Somerset. Before becoming
a world famous musician he had a go at working in a tobacco factory plus amateur boxing. He married his
childhood sweetheart Jean.

Whilst in the Royal Engineers in the Canal Zone, he borrowed a military clarinet and began copying recordings of famous jazz musicians. When demobbed, he formed his first band in Helsinki, Finland, where he made a career of playing in casinos. Finnish casinos, Suomalainen kasino, was the thing before he then moved to London and joined The Ken Colyer Jazz Band.   But, Acker hated London so returned to Somerset and formed the Bristol Paramount Jazz Band.  They got their first break playing for six weeks in Germany.

Once more Back in London the hits began – ‘Summer Set’ and ‘Creole
Jazz’, then in 1961 he wrote a tune for his daughter entitled ‘Jenny’ which was taken up as
the theme tune for a BBC series and the name was changed to “Stranger on the Shore” which was a
worldwide hit and the rest is history.

Acker Bilk was synonymous with his goatee plus bowler hat and waistcoats which were with him
until the end; as were many of his talented musicians and crews who stayed with him for many a year.
Mr. Acker Bilk and his Paramount Jazz Band travelled the World and many more hits arrived, the last one being
the beautiful “Aria”.

Acker was honoured many times, some of the lastest included 2001 -MBE for services to the
Music Industry, 2005 -BBC Jazz Award and Honorary MA from Bristol University, 2008 -The Worshipful Company of
Musicians Medal for Lifetime Achievement and 2012 – Lifetime Achievement Award at the Parliamentary Jazz
Awards.

Acker Bilk was music. His famous velvety vibrato, low slightly breathy style of clarinet
playing was unique and will remain so.   But, he is also remembered for his wicked sense of humour
which always came out in his concerts and the audiences loved it.