James Cosgrove (comedian)

James Cosgrove was an English humourist and concert hall singer whose career spanned the 19th and 20th centuries.

Career

Born in Byker, he used the pseudonym "J C Scatter". He is credited with making the first recording of the "Blaydon Races" in 1908 and in doing so brought the song back from obscurity to become one of the main Tyneside anthems, although using a slightly different melody. James Cosgrove performed on stage all over the country and continued to do so until the 1940s. He would arrive on stage through the curtains, dressed as his female fruit seller, and juggled with oranges while singing his "Orange Lass". He was one of the greats, and left a legacy of Geordie humour and dialect.

Works

His songs include (together with known recording dates):

Legacy

James Cosgrove as J C Scatter made several recordings, some towards the end of his career. His 1909 recording of "Blaydon Races" also survives, but the quality has deteriorated. Several of these survived and two of these songs are available on the CD "Various Artists - Wor Nanny's A Mazer: Early Recordings Of Artists From The North East 1904-1933" (on Phonograph, PHCD2K1)

The full list of tracks on this CD are as follows :

ordertitleartist
1Wor Nanny's a mazerC. Ernest Catcheside Warrington
2Blaydon RacesJ.C. Scatter
3Alpine EchoesHarton Colliery Band
4Geordie Haad The BairnJamieson Dodds
5Cushy ButterfieldC. Ernest Catcheside Warrington
6Hi, canny manHarry Nelson
7The Neibors Doon BelaaJamieson Dodds
8Tyneside PolicemanJ.C. Scatter
9The Cliffs Of Old TynemouthC. Ernest Catcheside Warrington
10Our Jemmie (with patter)Harry Nelson
11Johnson and High Level HornpipeJas. Brown
12Keep Your Feet Still Geordie HinnyDewey Gibson
13Last NightC. Ernest Catcheside Warrington
14Adam Buckam O!, Wrap UpErnest J. Potts
15Whistling GeordieJimmy James
16The Keel RowAnthony Charlton
17Hexham Races (Northumbrian Smallpipes)Felton Lonnin
18Albert Before The Means Test Committee Parts 1 & 2Albert Burdon & Company

See also

References

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