Harry Lauder

Between You and Me (Dodo Press) Harry Lauder

Sir Harry Lauder (1870-1950) was a notable Scottish entertainer, described by Sir Winston Churchill as "Scotland's greatest ever ambassador!" There can be no doubt whatsoever of Harry Lauder's tremendous popularity as an entertainer, music-hall and vaudeville artist. He toured the world for forty years. Harry was the first British entertainer to sell a million records and was a favourite of King Edward VII and an intimate friend of the famous tea magnate Sir Thomas Lipton. Harry and his wife and son were in Melbourne, Victoria, when the British Empire mobilised for World War I. Sir Harry's only child, John was destined for a career in law. However, he was called up for The Great War. He was killed in action at Poiziers in France on December 28, 1916. Sir Harry wrote the song, Keep Right on to the End of the Road in the aftermath of John's death. 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), and Between You and Me (1919).