I'm paying tribute to the 91-year-old who was Sunderland's oldest pop star: Memories of Alf Pearson
Here’s a name from Sunderland’s past to conjure with.
Alf Pearson was the epitome of the showman. He became famous as far back as the 1930s when he and his brother Bob were one of the most famous acts in the country.
His first CD at 91 years old
They sold more than a million records in 1936, according to online reports, and appeared on a national radio show.
The brothers were born in 1910 and Bob lived until he was 78, but Bob was still going strong in 2001.
At that time, he was 91 and was just about to release a digitally recorded set of he and his brother’s songs.
The photo comes from the Sunderland Echo archives and we would love to hear from anyone who remembers the brothers.
Share your memories of the famous brothers
Another of our old photos shows the brothers in 1973 when they looked back at their careers.
They were appearing at the Empire Theatre in their home town and told the Sunderland Echo how it all started.
They were teenagers when they joined St Gabriel’s Church Blue Boys concert party which used to visit local hospitals to entertain patients.
That was the start of a long and successful career in which they appeared in countless shows with stars ranging from Harry Lauder and Florrie Ford, to Sandie Shaw.
They made about 400 records
With the most famous British bands, they made about 400 records, entertained troops on the Continent and in Africa during the Second World War.
They also made regular appearances on television and radio.
“We have just been very lucky, ” said Bob the older of the pair in 1973. “We have gone on steadily, and when we have been resting’, it has been through our own choice, and not because we could not find work.”
Our 1973 story added: “They have great nostalgia for Sunderland, and its changing face is featured in “Home Town, ” part of their music hall act. In their spare time they are both enthusiastic golfers and also do a good deal of charity work.
The third photo comes from 1947 when they were initiated into the Grand Order of Water Rats. Fifty years later, Alf became King Rat.
Alf lived until 2012 and even appeared on television. He was in an episode of You Rang M’Lord in 1988.
Tell us if you remember Alf and his brother Bob. Get in touch by emailing [email protected]