During February 2007 I had the great pleasure of conducting an interview with a true icon. Harry Andrews. Harry took time out from his well supported act at The Cumberland Bar Benidorm to talk to me. Harry sings the tribute to end all tributes to Al Jolson. He is also very knowledgeable regarding Al Jolson in Harry’s own words.....

“I guess I’ve been singing Jolson songs since watching the film ‘The Jolson Story’ in 1946 at the age of 16 years.  Since then I have sung in many venues in various countries.  Born in the East End of London my first paid jobs were in the Pubs and Clubs in that area.  I worked very hard to try to perfect that special Jolson sound) not easy for a young voice),  After my marriage and encoraged by my wife I moved out of London and widenend the area that I worked in.  Over the years I worked Holiday Parks, Working Mens Clubs and Pubs, all over the south, and south west of England and parts of Wales.”

“I performed in Oslo, Norway in a place called ‘Vestby’ they loved Jolson.  
My original reason for a trip to USA was to visit Jolson’s grave, which is a great monument in Hillside,Los Angeles, complete with it’s own man made waterfall.  I was invited to perform in Los Angeles at ‘Reagan's and also in Las Vegas in ‘The Bonanza Bar’, on the strip - for my last week in the USA

I began performing in Benidorm about 13 years ago, encouraged by Janie Voltaire and the late Johnnie Hackett. Working only the winter months in Benidorm, I perform mainly in hotels (MedPlayer, Amigos etc) and quite a few of the clubs and pubs. Every year I say it’s time to retire, but I guess I will sing Jolson till I drop.....”.”

Harry was featured on ‘Barrymore’ for London Weekend Television and BBC Welsh Radio on ‘Owen Money Show’ for a full week.  If you like Jolson and you get the chance to see Harry you are in for a real treat...