George Lashwood

Who was George Lashwood?

George Lashwood was a popular English singer of the Edwardian era, who performed in music halls throughout the country, especially in London's East End and at seaside locations such as Blackpool. Born Edward George Wright, Lashwood was known as "the Beau Brummell of the music halls".

Lashwood was born in Birmingham, England, the son of a local builder. He made his first provincial appearance in 1883 and his London debut at The Middlesex Music Hall in Drury Lane in 1893. He performed at the Plaza Music Hall in New York in 1909.

Some of Lashwood's songs became among the earliest hits of the gramophone era and included such numbers as "Riding on Top of the Car", "Send for a Policeman", "Goodbye, Dolly Gray" and "Oh! Blow The Scenery on the Railway". He was also noted for singing numerous patriotic songs during World War I, which became popular with troops and the population at home.

Lashwood married twice. His first wife was Charlotte Williams. His second wife, Edith Fink, was a music hall chorus girl.

He died on 20 January 1942 at Droitwich Spa in Worcestershire, and is buried in the churchyard of St Mary de Wyche, Wychbold, Worcestershire.