John Alexander was born on the 11th November 1935, Born in Cambusnethan, Lanarkshire. 1 year after his brother Tom. On leaving school both brothers trained as Painter and decorators before doing their national service.
When John returned from his national service the boys turned professional and secured a summer season at the Webster theatre, Arbroath, in a variety show called the Arbroath Follies. It was there that they switched from light classics to a largely Scottish repertoire. Out went the suits and on went the kilts.
Encouraged by their manager Ross Bowie ( father of Clyde 1 George Bowie) the brothers were soon appearing in the Metropole theatre in Glasgow and not long after he introduced them to Songwriter and producer Tony Hatch.
Their first album Highland Fling included such songs as Scotland the brave and Mairi’s wedding. Their version of Nobody’s child, released n 1964, was reported to have sold more copies in Scotland than The Beatles.
In 1965 they performed alongside Shirley Bassey on the television variety show Saturday night at the London Palladium, they also received their own television show in the same year.
The brothers received MBEs in 2005, In May 2012 they announced their retirement due to John’s ill health.
John died peacefully in an Ayrshire hospice on the 2nd November 2013, he is survived by his second wife, Lillian, 2 daughters from his 1st marriage.
(For more information on The Alexander Brothers check out the article on Tom Alexander)
John (jack) Alexander, Master Mason of Lodge Dramatic No.571
Initiated 13th December 1962
Passed 10th January 1963
Raised 24th January 1963
