Andy Stewart (musician)
Encyclopedia
Andrew "Andy" Stewart MBE
(30 December 1933 – 11 October 1993) was a Scottish
singer and entertainer.
and stereotypical
Scottish humour
goes back to Sir Harry Lauder and music hall
song
s. In the 1960s this strand was continued by the entertainer Andy Stewart.
He was born in Glasgow
, Scotland
in 1933, the son of a teacher
. He moved to Arbroath
as a child, and then trained as an actor
at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama
in Glasgow.
He had several international hit single
s: "Come in-Come in", "Donald Where's Your Troosers?
", "A Scottish Soldier
" (which reached no. 1 in Canada, Australia and New Zealand, spent 36 weeks in the UK Singles Chart
in 1961 and was in the top 50 in the USA for over a year), "Campbeltown Loch
", "The Muckin' O' Geordie's Byre", "The Road to Dundee
","The Battle's O'er", "Take Me Back", "Tunes Of Glory", and "Dr. Finlay
" (1965). He is also remembered for being the compere of The White Heather Club. This was a BBC Scotland
television
programme that existed as an annual New Year's Eve
party (1957–1968), and also as a weekly early evening series (1960–1968).
"Donald Where's Your Troosers?" was a hit in 1961 and again in 1989. Stewart is said to have written the song in 10 minutes as he sat, minus trousers, in the lavatory of a recording studio. It was also featured on the American TV show Terminator: the Sarah Connor Chronicles sung by one of the terminators, played by Garrett Dillahunt. Stewart included an Elvis Presley
impersonation half way through the song
. On the strength of this comedy hit, Stewart toured Australia
and appeared on the Ed Sullivan show in 1968, doing impersonations of Dean Martin
. His skill with different accents is also evident on "The Rumour", where the rumour moves across Scotland and into Ireland, with Stewart speaking in a different accent for each place.
Among the highlights of Andy Stewart's stage shows were his impersonations of other famous singers, including Tom Jones, Billy Eckstine, Louis Armstrong, Dean Martin, Johnny Ray, Elvis Presley, Petula Clark and Johnny Cash.
His album
s, such as Scottish Soldier, The Best of Andy Stewart and Andy Stewart's Scotland, were also popular internationally. In 1973 he recorded a "live" album in Johannesburg
, South Africa
, entitled Andy Stewart in South Africa - White Heather Concert, which also featured accordionist Jimmy Blue, singers Alexander Morrison and Anna Desti and pianist Mark Simpson.
His international appeal was well-illustrated by his appearance before many thousands of people at the World Fair, New York in 1964, where he received a standing ovation. From the early 60's to the mid 80's he frequently and successfully toured Canada, the USA, Australia and New Zealand. He also appeared in concert throughout South Africa in 1968, 1971 and 1973, drawing large audiences. Coming out of retirement in 1991 he began tours at home and abroad once again.
A prolific lyricist, he wrote words to many traditional Scottish tunes, e.g. "Green Hills of Tyrol" (which he called "A Scottish Soldier"), "The Black Bear" ("Tunes of Glory"), and "The Battle is Over"("The Battle's O'er") etc.
Stewart took part in the 1961 and 1962 Royal Variety Performance
s and also appeared before the Royal Family at a Christmas party at Windsor Castle
.
"Scotch Corner", a Scottish Television series (1972–1976) featured Andy Stewart and various guest singers and musicians. Some of the artists included in these broadcasts accompanied Andy on his international White Heather concert tours during the 1970s.
"Andy's Party" was another popular TV series on Grampian television in the late 70's.
From 1973 onwards, recurrent ill-health took its toll on Andy's voice and stage vitality, and many of his fans saw him as but a shadow of the exuberant, dynamic performer he had once been.
In retirement he moved back to Arbroath
and died there in 1993. Coming out of retirement in 1991 he began touring once again and recorded two DVD's\CD's on the Scotdisc label. In 1993 a summer season at the Capitol Moat House Hotel in Edinburgh was cut short because of a back injury. A further long season for the following year was planned at the same venue. Shortly before he died he gave a small concert at Arbroath High School (which he had attended) for the pupils. He was also due to appear in The "Pride of the Clyde" at Glasgow's Pavilion Theatre and other tours and concerts were planned. A sheltered housing
scheme in Arbroath, 'Andy Stewart Court', was named in his memory.
Stewart died after giving one of his most renowned performances during a Gala Benefit Concert for Children's Hospice Association Scotland
(CHAS). He came to the Usher Hall
in Edinburgh
from his sick bed to appear for the children, and gave his last ever performance.
Stewart was awarded an MBE
in 1976. He received the Freedom of Angus in 1987.
Stewart's son Ewan Stewart
is an actor
, whose film
and television
credits include Rob Roy
, Titanic
, Only Fools and Horses
and River City
.
Singles
4 Track EP's
DVD
MBE
MBE can stand for:* Mail Boxes Etc.* Management by exception* Master of Bioethics* Master of Bioscience Enterprise* Master of Business Engineering* Master of Business Economics* Mean Biased Error...
(30 December 1933 – 11 October 1993) was a Scottish
Scottish people
The Scottish people , or Scots, are a nation and ethnic group native to Scotland. Historically they emerged from an amalgamation of the Picts and Gaels, incorporating neighbouring Britons to the south as well as invading Germanic peoples such as the Anglo-Saxons and the Norse.In modern use,...
singer and entertainer.
Career
The use of tartan patriotismPatriotism
Patriotism is a devotion to one's country, excluding differences caused by the dependencies of the term's meaning upon context, geography and philosophy...
and stereotypical
Stereotype
A stereotype is a popular belief about specific social groups or types of individuals. The concepts of "stereotype" and "prejudice" are often confused with many other different meanings...
Scottish humour
Humour
Humour or humor is the tendency of particular cognitive experiences to provoke laughter and provide amusement...
goes back to Sir Harry Lauder and music hall
Music hall
Music Hall is a type of British theatrical entertainment which was popular between 1850 and 1960. The term can refer to:# A particular form of variety entertainment involving a mixture of popular song, comedy and speciality acts...
song
Song
In music, a song is a composition for voice or voices, performed by singing.A song may be accompanied by musical instruments, or it may be unaccompanied, as in the case of a cappella songs...
s. In the 1960s this strand was continued by the entertainer Andy Stewart.
He was born in Glasgow
Glasgow
Glasgow is the largest city in Scotland and third most populous in the United Kingdom. The city is situated on the River Clyde in the country's west central lowlands...
, Scotland
Scotland
Scotland is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. Occupying the northern third of the island of Great Britain, it shares a border with England to the south and is bounded by the North Sea to the east, the Atlantic Ocean to the north and west, and the North Channel and Irish Sea to the...
in 1933, the son of a teacher
Teacher
A teacher or schoolteacher is a person who provides education for pupils and students . The role of teacher is often formal and ongoing, carried out at a school or other place of formal education. In many countries, a person who wishes to become a teacher must first obtain specified professional...
. He moved to Arbroath
Arbroath
Arbroath or Aberbrothock is a former royal burgh and the largest town in the council area of Angus in Scotland, and has a population of 22,785...
as a child, and then trained as an actor
Actor
An actor is a person who acts in a dramatic production and who works in film, television, theatre, or radio in that capacity...
at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama
Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama
The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland is a conservatoire of music, drama, and dance in the centre of Glasgow, Scotland. Founded in 1845 as the Glasgow Educational Association, it is the busiest performing arts venue in Scotland...
in Glasgow.
He had several international hit single
Hit single
A hit single is a recorded song or instrumental released as a single that has become very popular. Although it is sometimes used to describe any widely-played or big-selling song, the term "hit" is usually reserved for a single that has appeared in an official music chart through repeated radio...
s: "Come in-Come in", "Donald Where's Your Troosers?
Donald Where's Your Troosers?
"Donald Where's Your Troosers?" is a comic song about a Scotsman who wears a kilt rather than trousers. It was written by Andy Stewart with music by Neil Grant...
", "A Scottish Soldier
A Scottish Soldier
"A Scottish soldier" is a Scottish folk song.The lyrics were written by Andy Stewart. The song is about a dying Scottish soldier, wishing to return to the hills of his homeland rather than die in Tyrol. The song was one of two US chart entries by Andy Stewart. "A Scottish Soldier" reached no...
" (which reached no. 1 in Canada, Australia and New Zealand, spent 36 weeks in the UK Singles Chart
UK Singles Chart
The UK Singles Chart is compiled by The Official Charts Company on behalf of the British record-industry. The full chart contains the top selling 200 singles in the United Kingdom based upon combined record sales and download numbers, though some media outlets only list the Top 40 or the Top 75 ...
in 1961 and was in the top 50 in the USA for over a year), "Campbeltown Loch
Campbeltown Loch
Campbeltown Loch is a small sea loch near the south of the Kintyre Peninsula facing eastwards towards the Firth of Clyde. The town of Campbeltown, from which it takes its name, is located at its head. The island of Davaar is located in the loch, and can be reach by foot along a natural shingle...
", "The Muckin' O' Geordie's Byre", "The Road to Dundee
The Road to Dundee
"The Road to Dundee", or "The Road and the Miles to Dundee" is a traditional Scottish folk ballad.-Synopsis:On a cold windy night a woman asks a man the way to Dundee. He replies that it is difficult to describe, but he will accompany her along the road. He takes a liking to her and exchanges a...
","The Battle's O'er", "Take Me Back", "Tunes Of Glory", and "Dr. Finlay
Dr. Finlay's Casebook (TV & radio)
Dr. Finlay's Casebook is a television series that was broadcast on the BBC from 1962 until 1971. Based on A. J. Cronin's novella entitled Country Doctor, the storylines centred on a general medical practice in the fictional Scottish town of Tannochbrae during the late 1920s...
" (1965). He is also remembered for being the compere of The White Heather Club. This was a BBC Scotland
BBC Scotland
BBC Scotland is a constituent part of the British Broadcasting Corporation, the publicly-funded broadcaster of the United Kingdom. It is, in effect, the national broadcaster for Scotland, having a considerable amount of autonomy from the BBC's London headquarters, and is run by the BBC Trust, who...
television
Television
Television is a telecommunication medium for transmitting and receiving moving images that can be monochrome or colored, with accompanying sound...
programme that existed as an annual New Year's Eve
New Year's Eve
New Year's Eve is observed annually on December 31, the final day of any given year in the Gregorian calendar. In modern societies, New Year's Eve is often celebrated at social gatherings, during which participants dance, eat, consume alcoholic beverages, and watch or light fireworks to mark the...
party (1957–1968), and also as a weekly early evening series (1960–1968).
"Donald Where's Your Troosers?" was a hit in 1961 and again in 1989. Stewart is said to have written the song in 10 minutes as he sat, minus trousers, in the lavatory of a recording studio. It was also featured on the American TV show Terminator: the Sarah Connor Chronicles sung by one of the terminators, played by Garrett Dillahunt. Stewart included an Elvis Presley
Elvis Presley
Elvis Aaron Presley was one of the most popular American singers of the 20th century. A cultural icon, he is widely known by the single name Elvis. He is often referred to as the "King of Rock and Roll" or simply "the King"....
impersonation half way through the song
Song
In music, a song is a composition for voice or voices, performed by singing.A song may be accompanied by musical instruments, or it may be unaccompanied, as in the case of a cappella songs...
. On the strength of this comedy hit, Stewart toured Australia
Australia
Australia , officially the Commonwealth of Australia, is a country in the Southern Hemisphere comprising the mainland of the Australian continent, the island of Tasmania, and numerous smaller islands in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. It is the world's sixth-largest country by total area...
and appeared on the Ed Sullivan show in 1968, doing impersonations of Dean Martin
Dean Martin
Dean Martin was an American singer, film actor, television star and comedian. Martin's hit singles included "Memories Are Made of This", "That's Amore", "Everybody Loves Somebody", "You're Nobody till Somebody Loves You", "Sway", "Volare" and "Ain't That a Kick in the Head?"...
. His skill with different accents is also evident on "The Rumour", where the rumour moves across Scotland and into Ireland, with Stewart speaking in a different accent for each place.
Among the highlights of Andy Stewart's stage shows were his impersonations of other famous singers, including Tom Jones, Billy Eckstine, Louis Armstrong, Dean Martin, Johnny Ray, Elvis Presley, Petula Clark and Johnny Cash.
His album
Album
An album is a collection of recordings, released as a single package on gramophone record, cassette, compact disc, or via digital distribution. The word derives from the Latin word for list .Vinyl LP records have two sides, each comprising one half of the album...
s, such as Scottish Soldier, The Best of Andy Stewart and Andy Stewart's Scotland, were also popular internationally. In 1973 he recorded a "live" album in Johannesburg
Johannesburg
Johannesburg also known as Jozi, Jo'burg or Egoli, is the largest city in South Africa, by population. Johannesburg is the provincial capital of Gauteng, the wealthiest province in South Africa, having the largest economy of any metropolitan region in Sub-Saharan Africa...
, South Africa
South Africa
The Republic of South Africa is a country in southern Africa. Located at the southern tip of Africa, it is divided into nine provinces, with of coastline on the Atlantic and Indian oceans...
, entitled Andy Stewart in South Africa - White Heather Concert, which also featured accordionist Jimmy Blue, singers Alexander Morrison and Anna Desti and pianist Mark Simpson.
His international appeal was well-illustrated by his appearance before many thousands of people at the World Fair, New York in 1964, where he received a standing ovation. From the early 60's to the mid 80's he frequently and successfully toured Canada, the USA, Australia and New Zealand. He also appeared in concert throughout South Africa in 1968, 1971 and 1973, drawing large audiences. Coming out of retirement in 1991 he began tours at home and abroad once again.
A prolific lyricist, he wrote words to many traditional Scottish tunes, e.g. "Green Hills of Tyrol" (which he called "A Scottish Soldier"), "The Black Bear" ("Tunes of Glory"), and "The Battle is Over"("The Battle's O'er") etc.
Stewart took part in the 1961 and 1962 Royal Variety Performance
Royal Variety Performance
The Royal Variety Performance is a gala evening held annually in the United Kingdom, which is attended by senior members of the British Royal Family, usually the reigning monarch. In more recent years Queen Elizabeth II and The Prince of Wales have alternately attended the performance...
s and also appeared before the Royal Family at a Christmas party at Windsor Castle
Windsor Castle
Windsor Castle is a medieval castle and royal residence in Windsor in the English county of Berkshire, notable for its long association with the British royal family and its architecture. The original castle was built after the Norman invasion by William the Conqueror. Since the time of Henry I it...
.
"Scotch Corner", a Scottish Television series (1972–1976) featured Andy Stewart and various guest singers and musicians. Some of the artists included in these broadcasts accompanied Andy on his international White Heather concert tours during the 1970s.
"Andy's Party" was another popular TV series on Grampian television in the late 70's.
From 1973 onwards, recurrent ill-health took its toll on Andy's voice and stage vitality, and many of his fans saw him as but a shadow of the exuberant, dynamic performer he had once been.
In retirement he moved back to Arbroath
Arbroath
Arbroath or Aberbrothock is a former royal burgh and the largest town in the council area of Angus in Scotland, and has a population of 22,785...
and died there in 1993. Coming out of retirement in 1991 he began touring once again and recorded two DVD's\CD's on the Scotdisc label. In 1993 a summer season at the Capitol Moat House Hotel in Edinburgh was cut short because of a back injury. A further long season for the following year was planned at the same venue. Shortly before he died he gave a small concert at Arbroath High School (which he had attended) for the pupils. He was also due to appear in The "Pride of the Clyde" at Glasgow's Pavilion Theatre and other tours and concerts were planned. A sheltered housing
Sheltered housing
Sheltered housing is a British English term covering a wide range of rented housing for older and/or disabled or other vulnerable people. Most commonly it refers to grouped housing such as a block or "scheme" of flats or bungalows with a scheme manager or "officer"; traditionally the manager has...
scheme in Arbroath, 'Andy Stewart Court', was named in his memory.
Stewart died after giving one of his most renowned performances during a Gala Benefit Concert for Children's Hospice Association Scotland
Children's Hospice Association Scotland
Children’s Hospice Association Scotland is a Scottish charity that provides the only hospice services in Scotland for children and young people with life-shortening conditions...
(CHAS). He came to the Usher Hall
Usher Hall
Usher Hall is a concert hall, situated on Lothian Road, in the west end of Edinburgh, Scotland. It has hosted concerts and events since its construction in 1914 and can hold approximately 2,900 people in its recently restored auditorium, which is well loved by performers due to its acoustics...
in Edinburgh
Edinburgh
Edinburgh is the capital city of Scotland, the second largest city in Scotland, and the eighth most populous in the United Kingdom. The City of Edinburgh Council governs one of Scotland's 32 local government council areas. The council area includes urban Edinburgh and a rural area...
from his sick bed to appear for the children, and gave his last ever performance.
Stewart was awarded an MBE
Order of the British Empire
The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire is an order of chivalry established on 4 June 1917 by George V of the United Kingdom. The Order comprises five classes in civil and military divisions...
in 1976. He received the Freedom of Angus in 1987.
Stewart's son Ewan Stewart
Ewan Stewart
Ewan Stewart is a Scottish film, television and stage actor.- Life and career :Stewart was born Andrew Ewan Stewart in Glasgow, and is the son of the late Scottish entertainer Andy Stewart. His mother Sheila is still alive and lives in Arbroath, Scotland. Stewart was educated at Edinburgh's...
is an actor
Actor
An actor is a person who acts in a dramatic production and who works in film, television, theatre, or radio in that capacity...
, whose film
Film
A film, also called a movie or motion picture, is a series of still or moving images. It is produced by recording photographic images with cameras, or by creating images using animation techniques or visual effects...
and television
Television
Television is a telecommunication medium for transmitting and receiving moving images that can be monochrome or colored, with accompanying sound...
credits include Rob Roy
Rob Roy (film)
Rob Roy is a 1995 historical drama film directed by Michael Caton-Jones. Liam Neeson stars as Robert Roy MacGregor, an 18th century Scottish historical figure who battles with feudal landowners in the Scottish Highlands. Jessica Lange, John Hurt, Tim Roth, Eric Stoltz, and Jason Flemyng also star...
, Titanic
Titanic (1997 film)
Titanic is a 1997 American epic romance and disaster film directed, written, co-produced, and co-edited by James Cameron. A fictionalized account of the sinking of the RMS Titanic, it stars Leonardo DiCaprio as Jack Dawson, Kate Winslet as Rose DeWitt Bukater and Billy Zane as Rose's fiancé, Cal...
, Only Fools and Horses
Only Fools and Horses
Only Fools and Horses is a British sitcom, created and written by John Sullivan. Seven series were originally broadcast on BBC One in the United Kingdom between 1981 and 1991, with sporadic Christmas specials until 2003...
and River City
River City
River City is a Scottish television soap opera, first broadcast in Scotland on BBC Scotland on 24 September 2002. River City storylines examine the domestic and professional lives of the people who live and work in the fictional district of Shieldinch in Glasgow...
.
Discography
Albums- "A Scottish Soldier" (1961) (EMI)
- "Andy Stewart" (1961) (EMI)
- "Andy Sings Songs of Scotland" (1963) (EMI)
- "Andy the Rhymer" Comedy Verse (1963) (EMI)
- "Tunes of Glory" (date unknown) (EMI)
- "I'm Of To Bonnie Scotland" (date unknown) (EMI)
- "Campbeltown Loch" (1965) (EMI)
- "The Best of Andy Stewart" (1967) (EMI)
- "Andy Stewart and his Friends of The White Heather Club" (1967) (EMI)
- "Andy Stewart On Stage" Live from Canada (August 1967) (EMI)
- "I Love To Wear The Kilt" (1969) (EMI)
- "Andy Stewart Sings Harry Lauder" (1969) (EMI)
- "My Hameland" (1970) (EMI Music for Pleasure)
- "Here's Tae You!" (1971) (EMI)
- "Andy Stewart Invites You to Scotch Corner" (based on the television series) (1973) (EMI)
- "Andy Stewart in South Africa - White Heather Concert" (1973) (EMI)
- "The Very Best of Andy Stewart" (compilation) (1975) (EMI)
- "Brand New From Andy" (with Jimmy Blue and his Band) (1975) (PYE)
- "Country Boy" (with Anne Williamson)(1976)
- "Andy's Hogmanay Party" Live Album (1977) (PYE)
- "Andy Stewart's Greatest Hits" (with Jimmy Blue and his Band) (1977) (PYE)
- "Scotland is Andy Stewart" (1978) (EMERALD)
- "Sing A Song Of Scotland" Double Album (1979) (Warwick Records)
- "For Auld Lang Syne" (1980) (EMERALD)
- "Come In, Come In" (1983) (LISMOR)
- "Back to the Bothy" (1987) (LISMOR)
- "Andy Stewart's Scotland" (1992) (Scotdisc)
- "Andy's Party" Live Album Recorded in the Beach Ballroom, Aberdeen (1993) (Scotdisc)
- "20 Scottish Favourites" (compilation) (1993/re-issue: 2001) (EMI)
- "Andy Stewart, Forever In Song" (Compilation)
- "My Homeland" (70's and 80's compilation)
- "Andy Stewart Scottish Songs" (2010) (Compilation of early material)
Singles
- "Donald Where's Your Troosers?Donald Where's Your Troosers?"Donald Where's Your Troosers?" is a comic song about a Scotsman who wears a kilt rather than trousers. It was written by Andy Stewart with music by Neil Grant...
" (1961) (EMI Top Rank) - "A Scottish SoldierA Scottish Soldier"A Scottish soldier" is a Scottish folk song.The lyrics were written by Andy Stewart. The song is about a dying Scottish soldier, wishing to return to the hills of his homeland rather than die in Tyrol. The song was one of two US chart entries by Andy Stewart. "A Scottish Soldier" reached no...
" (1961) - ""Campbeltown Loch"
- "The Muckin' O' Geordie's Byre"
- "The Road to Dundee"
- "The Battle's O'er"
- "I've Never Kissed A Bonnie Lass Before"
- "Soldier Boy"
- "Barren Rocks Of Aden"
- "Take Me Back"
- "Tunes Of Glory"
- "Dr. Finlay" (1965)
- "The Gallant Forty-Twa" (1968)
- "Rainbows Are Back In Style" (1969)
- "Farewell My Love" (1972)
4 Track EP's
- "Andy Sings" (1960)
- "Andy Sings" (1961)
- "Andy's Hits"
- "Heather Bells" (1965)
DVD
- "Andy Stewarts Scotland" (1992)
- "Andy's Party" (1993)
- "Andy Stewart and the Scots Dragoon Guards.
External links
See also
- Music of ScotlandMusic of ScotlandScotland is internationally known for its traditional music, which has remained vibrant throughout the 20th century, when many traditional forms worldwide lost popularity to pop music...
- Royal Variety PerformanceRoyal Variety PerformanceThe Royal Variety Performance is a gala evening held annually in the United Kingdom, which is attended by senior members of the British Royal Family, usually the reigning monarch. In more recent years Queen Elizabeth II and The Prince of Wales have alternately attended the performance...
- List of British Music Hall musicians
- List of artists who reached number one on the Australian singles chart
- List of number-one singles in Australia during the 1960s
- List of Scottish musicians