Mr. Acker Blik--Stranger on the Shore (1962)

      The late 50's brought a renaissance of traditional jazz to almost all of Europe. Bernard Bilk, known to his fans as Mr. Acker Blik was one who rode the crest of that wave. His velvety smooth clarinet sound, and his stage look, (Bowler hat, goatee and striped waistcoat) hit No. 1 in the US with "Stranger on the Shore", his first charting song in 1962. There were several other hits before the British Invasion came and overtook the charts. He started on the cabaret circuit during that time and at the age of 82, is still touring.