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According to the Internet source given below, George "Geordie" Ridley was a Tyneside concert hall songwriter and performer born in Gateshead.
Described as Tyneside's most famous songwriter he started work as an eight-year old boy in the pits for 10 years before becoming a waggon-rider for a heavy engineering firm. He was seriously injured at the firm leaving him to become an entertainer to make a living.
His career was short-lived due to his injury from which he never really recovered. He performed widely through the North England in many venues amongst which were the
Grainger Concert Hall, the
Wheat Sheaf Music Hall and the
Tyne Concert Hall. His best know song is undoubtedly
The Blaydon Races which he first sang in Balmbra's Music Hall in 1862.
He died in Gateshead.
Websites: |
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George "Geordie" Ridley |
Biography by wikipedia.org. |
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