Kenny Lynch

Kenneth Lynch, OBE (18 March 1938 – 18 December 2019) was an English singer, songwriter, entertainer, and actor. He appeared in many variety shows in the 1960s. At the time, he was among the few Black singers in British pop music. He was appointed an OBE in the 1970 New Year Honours list.

Early life Lynch was born in Stepney, East London, in 1938, where he grew up on Cornwall Street, the youngest of 11 children. His parents were Oscar and Amelia (nee Spring) his father, a merchant navy seaman was from Barbados, who later worked as a stoker at Beckton Gas Works. His mother was British, of mixed race-heritage,

Lynch attended Farrance Street school. After leaving school at 15, he worked various jobs. In 1957, he began his national service in the Royal Army Service Corps. Years later he appeared on the album cover of Wings' 1973 album Band on the Run, along with other celebrities.

Much of Lynch's material was self-written, but he also covered songs by writers of the Brill Building.

In the early 1980s, Lynch formed a songwriting partnership with tennis player Buster Mottram.

Lynch appeared on television programmes including Blankety Blank, with Les Dawson as host, Celebrity Squares, Mooncat & Co., Room at the Bottom, Bullseye and Curry and Chips. He also appeared on Z-Cars, The Sweeney, Till Death Us Do Part and Treasure Hunt.

Lynch completed the London Marathon in 1982, played in several charity football matches and took part in Michael Parkinson's 'Celebrity Cricket' fundraisers. Lynch was acknowledged as astute in business and had his own music publishing company and record shop. on the 18 December 2019, aged 81. His sister Gladys, predeceased him in 2003.

Discography Chart singles Year Single Chart positions UK 1960 "Mountain of Love" 33 1962 "Puff (Up in Smoke)" 33 "Up on the Roof" 10 1963 "You Can Never Stop Me Loving You" 10 1964 "Stand by Me" 39 "What Am I to You" 37 1965 "I'll Stay by You" 29 1983 "Half the Day's Gone and We Haven't Earned a Penny" 50

Filmography

Film

Television