Florrie Forde Biography
This vintage poatcard depicts Florrie with actress and dancer Susie Belmore
Florence Mary Flannagan was born August 27th, 1876 in Richmond, Victoria. Her father died when she was young
and she took her Step-father's name Forde. She ran away at 16 and went to Sydney, where she found work in the music
halls and theatres. She had a natural talent and gained some local notoriety. Her talent was noticed by by a touring
Englishman who offered her a job. At 21 she left for England were she was an immediate hit, and often worked several
halls per night. In 1925 she even toured in her own review.
In 1903 she made her first recording. She is also noted for bringing fellow Aussie Billy Williams to one of her
Edison recording sessions in 1906, where she encouraged him to sing his hit John, Go and Put Your Trousers On.
She would remain close friends with Williams until his death in 1915. She was a prolific recording star on 78s
as wel as cylinders. It is interesting to note that Forde signed a contract with Edison in 1909 to record her songs.
She was paid 40 pounds upon signing and 7 guineas for each Blue Amberol recorded, but only 5 guineas for a 2-minute
wax. In all she made over 700 recordings. One of her most famous tunes was Down At the Old Bull and Bush.
Florrie Forde married in 1909 and by 1912 was drawing top billing. She did her part during the Great War by singing
for the troops and at charity events. Her version of It's A Long Way To Tipperary was quite popular. She had a
full career and proved herself to be a shrewd business woman. She worked up to the end. She had just sung to the
troops in Aberdeen, Scotland in 1940 when she collapsed and died
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CDAvailable for £6.99 post paid within the UK |
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Florrie Forde - All in Favour! 1 - Having a good time, wish you were here Approximate running time: 46 minutes 30 seconds |
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