Jolly John Nash

John Nash (7 March 1828 – 13 October 1901), often billed as 'Jolly' John Nash, was an English music hall singer and comedian who was noted for his "laughing songs".

Biography He was born in Minchinhampton, Gloucestershire, the son of Martha and James Nash, who was a cloth worker. He studied music in his youth, and learned cornet. In 1854 he married Lydney-born Margaret Brown in Gloucester, and a few years later he was co-owner of the small Oaken and Churchway Level Colliery near Parkend in the Forest of Dean. In early adulthood he was active in campaigns to start a Volunteer Force, and was a choir master and band master.

His business failed and in 1864 he was described as bankrupt.

He moved to London with his family, and became Chairman of the Strand Music Hall between 1866 and 1868. He toured widely and regularly with Arthur Lloyd, and in February 1868 the two performers became the first to be invited to sing before the Prince of Wales, later Edward VII. The performance, at an event hosted by Lord Carrington, pleased the audience. The Prince of Wales continued to be an admirer of Nash until on one occasion Nash slapped the prince on the back, and was ostracised thereafter for his impertinence. He was also known to Charles Dickens, who mentioned him as "Jolly John" in Household Words in 1865. He toured the U.S. again in 1876, and returned in 1886 for an eighteen-month tour with his own company.

He died at his home in Fulham, London in 1901, aged 73, and was buried in Fulham Cemetery.