Harry Lauder

(b. 4 August 1870 in Portobello, Edinburgh, Scotland, d. 26 February 1950 in Strathaven, Lanarkshire, Scotland)

Internationally famous Scottish singer, songwriter, comedian, and recording artist who performed in music hall and vaudeville venues worldwide. By 1911, he was the highest paid performer in the world, and was the first British artist to sell a million records. For his service to the troops and for the money he raised for the war effort during the First World War, he was knighted in 1919. Lauder wrote most of his own songs, favourites of which were Roamin' In The Gloamin', I Love a Lassie, A Wee Deoch-an-Doris, and The End of the Road. He starred in three British films: Huntingtower (1927), Auld Lang Syne (1929) and The End of the Road (1936). He also wrote a number of books, which ran into several editions, including Harry Lauder at Home and on Tour (1912), A Minstrel in France (1918), Between You and Me (1919), Roamin' in the Gloamin' (1928), My Best Scotch Stories (1929), Wee Drappies, (1931) and Ticklin' Talks (circa 1932).

Harry Lauder made recordings for The Gramophone And Typewriter Ltd., Zonophone, Pathé, Edison Records, His Master's Voice, and Victor. In 1927, Victor promoted Lauder recordings to their Victor Red Seal imprint, making him the only comedic performer to appear on the label primarily associated with classical music.