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March 2001 Acker was honoured with an MBE for his services to
the music industry, well deserved, I feel, and maybe a little overdue. January
2004 saw Acker’s arrival in Who’s Who, although Acker and I are not sure what
exactly this signifies! 2005, and Acker was awarded both the BBC Jazz Award for
his unique contribution to Jazz in the UK; and then Acker was proud to receive
an Honorary Master of Arts Degree from the University of Bristol. It shows how
far Acker has come from his humble beginning.
Acker was born in Pensford, Somerset 28 January 1929. His actual names are
Bernard Stanley, but were short-lived as he was soon nick-named Acker, Somerset
for friend or mate, and all who meet Acker agree this name is apt, his friendly
nature and wicked sense of humour endears him to all. His youth was spent in
Somerset where his parents tried to teach Acker the piano, but the practising
restricted him from being in the countryside, playing football with his mates,
or even a little poaching ! It was while sledging that he lost half a finger,
and then Acker lost two teeth in a school punch-up – Acker claims these are the
reasons for his recognisable style of clarinet playing !
Before Acker became a musician he worked in the Bristol Wills Tobacco factory
for £1.4s per week, he also dabbled in Boxing as we said above. He married his
childhood sweetheart, Jean, nicknamed Ging because of her lovely red hair. Then
in 1948 he started playing the clarinet and whilst in the Royal Engineers in the
Canal Zone he borrowed a military clarinet and began copying records. He was
sent to the Glasshouse for sleeping on duty and endured the boredom by
practising. Demobbed Acker formed his first Band in Bristol, then he and Jean
moved to London so he could become the clarinettist with The Ken Colyer Band,
but he hated London and returned to Bristol to form the Bristol Paramount Jazz
Band. In 1951 this Band returned to London and Jean and Acker survived in a
factory attic in Plaistow until the Band got their first big break – six weeks
constant playing in a beer bar in Dusseldorf, Germany. This really disciplined
the Band musically and they never looked back
Back in London hit jazz records started Creole Jazz and Summer Set. Then in 1961
Acker recorded Stranger on the Shore, which was originally called Jenny after
his daughter, but the title changed when it became the theme tune for a BBC TV
series. This was the first-ever recording to be number One simultaneously in the
UK and USA charts, although there is a slight dispute over the UK Charts as
there were so many different charts. The Guinness Book of British Hit singles
stated it was No: Two, whereas Twenty Years of British Record Charts states it
was UK No: One. Both agree it was 55 weeks in the Charts, so in 2002 when it was
The 50th Anniversary of the start of the official single charts Acker was
delighted when Stranger on the Shore was acclaimed 58th in the all charts since
all charts began. Acker has received many many awards, including platinum and
gold, for many of his numbers, including, of course, Aria.
Over the years Acker varies his recording; Jazz with his Paramount Jazz Band;
romantic melodies with string orchestras; and guesting with other prominent Jazz
and rock musicians such as the late Humphrey Lyttelton, Van Morrison, Dutch
Swing College Band, Papa Bue. “As Time Goes By” was his last live Jazz recording
with his Paramount Jazz Band, Ian Bateman, Richie Bryant, John Day, Enrico
Tomasso and Colin Wood, produced by Les Squires, Acker Tour Manager of some 34
years.
Having just reached his majestic 80’s Acker has become very keen on painting his
beloved Somerset countryside, often with friends all coming from his childhood
days and his very first Band, so has lightening his touring. (One of his
painting is on the sleeve of “As Time Goes By”). He still performs regularly
with his Paramount Jazz Band. Acker get many offers to return to Australia and
New Zealand where he remains very popular but these he regretful refuses –
regretfully journeys too long and boring ! In the 21st Century double and treble
bills are the flavour of the month – “Back to Back” Acker and his Band with
Kenny Ball and his Jazzmen, started in 2005 every concerts has been a sell out;
then there was “Humph ‘n’ Acker” with the late Humphrey Lyttleton and his Band;
and then the ultimate “3B in Concert” Acker and his Paramount Jazz Band, with
Kenny Ball and Chris Barber and their Bands.
Coming up-to-date in November 2008 Acker was awarded The Worshipful Company of
Musicians Silver Medal for Lifetime Achievement, and in April 2009 sees the
Variety Club honouring Acker with a “Tribute to Acker and his Music” evening in
April 2009.
Having toured the World for nearly 60 years and seen most of its wonders it is
typical of Acker that he is back living in Somerset with Jean, whilst his
daughter, Jenny, and son, Pete, both live in Hertfordshire. Pete is an
accomplished Sound Engineer, Photographer and Musician in his own right. Acker
supports many charities including Cancer charities. He also campaigned
vigorously for recognition of the troops who served in the Suez Crisis in the
Canal Zone and this resulted in recognition and medals being issued in 2003. The
irony of it was Acker did not get a medal for the time he was there - he was
there either too early or too late !
Acker lifestyle is music and painting. Acker’s enthusiasm for painting helped
him over a hard time in 2000 when he was diagnosed with throat cancer and
underwent radiotherapy. His throat was so sore and tender it was hard, almost
impossible, for him to swallow, but he is a fighter and recovered, and his quick
recovery was through his willpower and good medical treatment. All he could do
at that time was walk, sleep and paint.
Although Acker will always be synonymous with the famous Bowler Hat and
Waistcoat, Acker is a serious and dedicated musician, and exceptionally
professional. Last word from Acker “I still find it hard to believe I am getting
paid for doing what I love most in the World” - This Great Master of the
Clarinet has a style which is unique
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