Billy Howard
Billy Howard | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1942 (age 82–83) Edgware, London, England |
| Occupation(s) | Comedian, impersonator |
| Instrument(s) | Vocals, trumpet, guitar |
Billy Howard (born 1942) is an English comedian and impressionist,[1] who appeared on the ITV series Who Do You Do? in the early 1970s, alongside other impressionists such as Faith Brown.[2]
Career
In 1976, his single "King of the Cops", a comic version of the hit "King of the Road", reached No. 6 in the UK Singles Chart;[3][4] it featured his impressions of TV cops including Kojak, Columbo, Steve McGarrett in Hawaii Five-O, McCloud, Ironside and Cannon. Several months later, a follow-up, "The Disco Cops", was also released, but did not chart. Another comic record by Howard, "Frantic Frog (Parts 1 and 2)", was released in 1977 and also failed to chart. In 1979, he started doing voice over work for television and radio commercials.[1]
Personal life
Howard was born in Edgware, London, England.[5] He commenced his musical career as a jazz trumpeter and guitarist, playing in jazz combos in the early 1960s.[5] He played in many jazz bands in the early 1960s such as Gerry Brown's Jazzmen, Alvin Roy Band.[6]
In 1971 he met Scottish singer Eileen Cameron.[1] They worked with each other and sang together in clubs, eventually getting married in 1975 and welcoming a daughter in 1980.[1]
Discography
Singles
- "King of the Cops" / "Bond Is A Four Letter Word" (released 12 September 1975, Penny Farthing Records)[7]
- "The Disco Cops" / "I Call My Baby Buggsy" (released 23 April 1976, Penny Farthing Records)[7]
- "Frantic Frog" / "Frantic Frog (Part 2)" (released 4 June 1977, Penny Farthing Records)[7]
- "Truckin' With Santa" / "The "OO" Song" (released 1982, The Hat Factory)[7]
King of the Cops chart performance
| Chart (1976) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| UK Singles (OCC)[8] | No. 6 |
| Australian (Kent Music Report) | No. 24[9] |
References
- ^ a b c d "Bio". Billyhoward.tv. Archived from the original on 10 September 2011. Retrieved 1 February 2021.
- ^ "Billyhoward.tv/images". Archived from the original on 10 September 2011. Retrieved 1 February 2021.
- ^ "🎶 Billy Howard top songs / chart singles discography – Music VF, US & UK hits charts". www.musicvf.com. Retrieved 6 July 2025.
- ^ "BILLY HOWARD". Official Charts. 13 December 1975. Retrieved 6 July 2025.
- ^ a b "Bio". Billyhoward.tv. Retrieved 1 February 2021.
- ^ "Musical Years". www.billyhoward.tv. Archived from the original on 17 March 2012. Retrieved 6 July 2025.
- ^ a b c d "Billy Howard". 45cat. Retrieved 6 July 2025.
- ^ "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company.
- ^ Kent, David (1993). Australian Chart Book 1970–1992 (illustrated ed.). St Ives, N.S.W.: Australian Chart Book. p. 143. ISBN 0-646-11917-6.
