Charlie Drake
b. Charles Sprigall, 19 June 1925, London, England. Actor/comedian Charlie Drake was instantly recognizable with his shock of red hair, diminutive 5 feet 1 inch frame and distinctive cockney voice. In 1958, he hit the UK charts, outselling Bobby Darinwith a cover version of Splish Splash. Further hits followed over the next three years, including Volare, Mr. Custer and My Boomerang Won't Come Back. The latter was co-written by Drake, in collaboration with Max Diamond. The duo also provided Drake's theme song and catchphrase Hullo, My Darlings!. With strong managerial backing from Colonel Bill Alexander and the producing talents of George Martin, Drake was in good hands and his comedy workouts translated well on to disc. Although he continued recording, acting commitments increasingly took precedence, although he did make a brief chart reappearance in 1972 with Puckwudgie.