Blue Collar Rat Water Rat Number: 670
Ronnie Carroll was a Northern Irish singer and entertainer who became one of Britain’s most popular recording artists during the 1950s and early 1960s.
Born Ronald Cleghorn in Belfast on 18 August 1934, he began singing in local clubs before moving to England to pursue a professional career. Adopting the stage name Ronnie Carroll, his warm voice, handsome appearance and natural charm soon made him a popular figure on the variety circuit.
His first chart success came in 1956 with Walk Hand in Hand, which reached number 13 in the UK Singles Chart. Further hits followed, including The Wisdom of a Fool, Footsteps and If Only Tomorrow. His greatest commercial success came with Roses Are Red (My Love), which reached number three in 1962. In total, Ronnie achieved seven UK chart entries, including two Top Ten singles.
Ronnie represented the United Kingdom at the Eurovision Song Contest in two consecutive years. In 1962, he performed Ring-a-Ding Girl in Luxembourg and finished fourth. He returned in 1963 with Say Wonderful Things, once again finishing fourth. The song became another major hit, reaching number six in the British charts.
His television appearances included performances alongside many of the leading entertainers of the period. He appeared on The Morecambe & Wise Show and took part in comedy sketches as well as musical numbers, demonstrating that he was as comfortable in light entertainment as he was behind a microphone.
Ronnie also appeared as himself in the British thriller Blind Corner, performing musical numbers within the film. Throughout his career, he continued to work in variety, cabaret, theatre and on cruise ships, entertaining audiences both in Britain and overseas.
In later years, Ronnie became known for his unconventional involvement in politics. He stood in several parliamentary elections and by-elections, often representing humorous or independently created political groups. His campaigns reflected the same individuality and sense of fun that had characterised his entertainment career.
Ronnie was admitted to the Grand Order of Water Rats as Water Rat Number 670. The Order’s Roll of Honour records him under his birth name, Ronald Cleghorn, and notes that he later resigned from the Order.
Ronnie Carroll died on 13 April 2015 at the age of 80. He is remembered as a stylish and charismatic vocalist whose successful recordings, variety appearances and two consecutive Eurovision performances secured his place in the history of British popular entertainment.
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