George Formby

The son of a successful Edwardian Music Hall comedian, George Formby was an apprentice jockey before following in his father’s footsteps. Alongside Gracie Fields, Formby was regarded as the most popular entertainer in the U.K. during the 1930s and '40s. His music hall act, and later his films, featured a series of trademark saucy songs played on the ukulele, such as "When I’m Cleaning Windows," "Leaning On A Lamp Post," and "Grandad’s Flannelette Nightshirt." During World War II, Formby toured extensively, entertaining troops in Europe, the Middle East. and North Africa. In 1946, he was awarded the O.B.E. for his war efforts. Plagued by ill health throughout the 1950s, he died in hospital on 6 March 1961.