A legendary musician once billed as 'Bradford's own Perry Como' has died at the age of 75.

Entertainer Billy Walker, a Geordie by birth, settled in Bradford after the war and went on to perform both in bands and as a solo singer, on stages across the city.

Family and friends will remember the larger-than-life character at his funeral on Wednesday, when mourners will listen to one of the songs he used to sing, You Make Me Feel So Young.

"He was a great entertainer," said his son Mike, who said he was "very proud" of his dad.

"He could capture a noisy audience within eight bars, and have them sitting up and eating out of his hand. He had this apparently effortless style, and radiated warmth."

Mr Walker started singing when he was posted to Singapore with the forces.

On arrival in Bradford he joined the pub and club circuit and was spotted by a band leader called Ernie Graves who asked him to sing with him and his band at The Gaiety in Tyrrel Street, where he performed during the 1950s under the billing of Bradford's own Perry Como.

"The Gaiety dance hall was the place to be," said Mike. "Everybody seems to remember the windows were always open and the band and Dad's singing could be heard all over the town centre."

Later, Mr Walker sang with the Four Statesmen, performing on Opportunity Knocks and Radio Luxembourg, and then with the Pimpernels, who won an ATV talent show.

The popular singer, who lived in Clayton and Great Horton, was also in demand as a solo performer at venues including the Edwardian Night Club in Bradford, the Majestic Bingo Hall, the Acapulco Club in Halifax, Lapwater Hall, and the Bankfield Hotel near Bingley.

By the 1970s and 1980s he was compere at the Tyersal Cabaret Club where he warmed up for some top names in clubland including Bernard Manning, Billy Fury, and Jim Bowen.

"He was a great warm-up man for the star of the show, although some thought 'How do I follow that!'", his son recalled.

Mr Walker is survived by his wife Irene, sons Philip and Michael, and six grandchildren.

The funeral is at St John's Church, Great Horton at 1.15pm on Wednesday at Scholemoor Crematorium.

e-mail: sarah.walsh@

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