Bob and Alf Pearson
Bob and Alf Pearson were an English musical variety double act, consisting of brothers Robert Alexander Pearson (15 August 1907 – 30 December 1985) and Alfred Vernon Pearson (15 June 1910 – 7 July 2012), who were mainly known for their singing of songs as a duo in close-harmony. Their career together lasted over 50 years, spanning stage, radio, television and gramophone records.
Bob and Alf Pearson | |
|---|---|
Bob (left) would usually appear seated at the piano, as here | |
| Background information | |
| Born | 15 August 1907, Sunderland, County Durham, England (Bob) 15 June 1910, Sunderland, County Durham, England (Alf) |
| Origin | Sunderland, County Durham, England |
| Died | 30 December 1985 (aged 78), Sunderland, Tyne and Wear, England (Bob) 7 July 2012 (aged 102), London, England (Alf) |
| Genres |
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| Instruments | Vocals and piano |
| Years active | 1927–1985 |
| Labels | Columbia, Piccadilly, Broadcast, Imperial, Rex, Parlophone, Sterno |
| Past members | Bob Pearson Alf Pearson |
During the 1930s, they became one of the most popular acts in Britain, and had sold over a million records by 1936. Their fame continued into the post-war period, when they regularly appeared on the BBC Radio show Ray's a Laugh with comedian Ted Ray. Introducing themselves with their signature tune, "My Brother and I", audiences heard the brothers performing well-known songs, with Bob accompanying on piano. Ray would ask, "Why, it's a little girl, what's your name?" with Bob replying, "Jennifer", followed by a comedy routine. Bob's turn as 'Jennifer' became closely associated with their act.