Tom Clare


Tom Clare was a British music hall singer from the early twentieth century, born in London. He was best known for singing humorous songs which he accompanied on the piano.
He made his first stage appearance when he was eight years old, with the Mohawk Minstrels. He was particularly well known, in the First World War era, for his ironic, humorous songs, "The Fine Old English Gentleman" criticized those who claimed to be war heroes but in fact had been busy on the black market, or avoiding work, throughout the war. In another of his songs he poked fun at certain civilian decorations which had been too generously bestowed. Songs of social criticism are rare at this time in the Music Hall, and Tom Clare's stand out. He can be found on both the 1901 & 1911 census as an entertainer he was also involved with the Bohemia Theatre at Broadstairs, Kent.
He was also involved in a large number of charity concerts in aid of wounded soldiers.
Although, like most singers of his time, it was in live shows that he gained his reputation, he began recording his songs on cylinder as early as 1906, with his hit "The Girl in the Big Black Hat".