Joseph Patrick (Joe)LONGTHORNEJoseph Patrick Longthorne was born on May 31st 1955, and passed away on August 3rd 2019 at the age of 64. He leaves behind his sister Ann, brother John and husband and manager James Moran.
Joe was born in Hull to performing parents - his mother Teresa was a self taught singer, his father Fred a popular pub pianist. Joe showed an affinity for performing from a young age, participating in pub singalongs with his dad, and performing song and dance routines and various shows in the street to entertain friends and neighbours.
Joe won his first talent contest at 5 years old, utilising his skills as a singer and impressionist - a clear sign of things to come. He was a talented mimic, and combined humour with his vocal talents as a singer, gaining attention for his impersonations of singing stars.
From the age of 14, Joe had regular appearances on regional TV, appearing on ITV’s children’s talent show Junior Showtime, before his big breakthrough in 1981 in TV’s Search For A Star.
In 1983 Joe won the Club Mirror award as specialist act of the year, and in 1984 Variety Club’s Most Promising Artist award. Following this, he spent some time in the United States. On his return to the UK, his act was more polished and sophisticated, leading to regular guest appearances on various TV shows such as the Les Dennis Laughter Show.
In 1988-91, Joe hosted his own series, the Joe longthorne Show, and in 1989 made his debut appearance in the Royal Variety Performance, appearing again in 1995.
The Club Mirror declared Joe as entertainer of the year in 1990, the Royal Albert Hall was full when he performed there in 1992, and he had a 19 week season at the Blackpool Opera House in 1993, resulting in a new solo artist record being set.
Joe continued to perform in 1989 despite being diagnosed with cancer, and while receiving debilitating treatment for leukaemia. In 2005, Joe spent a month on a hospital ventilator after complications from a bone marrow transplant, even being given the last rites by a priest. However, he was back on stage 5 months later.
In 2014, Joe was diagnosed with mouth cancer, but did not let this get in the way of his tour shortly afterwards to mark his 60th birthday.
Joe was awarded the Lifetime Achievement award from the Variety Club in 2007, and a Silver Heart award in 2010 to recognise his career long support for charities. He was also appointed an MBE in the 2012 birthday honours for his services to charity.
Joe’s autobiography, Sugar in the Morning, was co-written by Chris Berry and published in 2015. During his lifetime, Joe has released 3 platinum albums.
Joe died in his home in Blackpool, in the arms of his husband of 21 years Jamie.
Funeral Details:
On Sunday 11th August at 11am, Joe's funeral procession will take him around west Hull, beginning at the Fisherman’s Bethel and ending on Hessle Road. Then after the procession at The Ryder Social Club in Coltman Street to celebrate Joe's life. On August 13, burial will take place in Layton Cemetery, Blackpool.
Sources:
https://www.thestage.co.uk/features/obituaries/2019/obituary-joe-longthorne-one-of-the-biggest-light-entertainment-stars-of-his-generation/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joe_Longthorne
http://www.joelongthornembe.co.uk/news
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