Historical Artist Profile
Mr. Acker Bilk
Biography & Overview
Bernard Stanley "Acker" Bilk (28 January 1929 – 2 November 2014) was an English clarinetist and vocalist known for his breathy, vibrato-rich, lower-register style, and distinctive appearance – of goatee, bowler hat and striped waistcoat. Bilk's 1961 instrumental tune "Stranger on the Shore" became the UK's biggest selling single of 1962, spending 55 weeks on the charts and reaching No. 1 in the NME singles chart and No. 2 in the Record Retailer chart.
🇺🇸 US Billboard Tracking History
1 Charted Tracks
"Stranger On The Shore"
Entered Charts: 1962
#1 HIT
🇬🇧 UK Official Charts History
9 Charted Tracks
"Stranger On The Shore"
Entered Charts: 1961
Peak: #2
"Aria"
Entered Charts: 1976
Peak: #5
"Buona Sera"
Entered Charts: 1960
Peak: #7
"That'S My Home"
Entered Charts: 1961
Peak: #7
"Lonely"
Entered Charts: 1962
Peak: #14
"A Taste Of Honey"
Entered Charts: 1963
Peak: #16
"Stars And Stripes/Cole Jazz"
Entered Charts: 1961
Peak: #22
"Gotta See Baby Tonight"
Entered Charts: 1962
Peak: #24
"Frankie And Johnny"
Entered Charts: 1962
Peak: #42