SINGING AT 87
First Record Made “The Press” Special Service AUCKLAND, April 27. A boy who began his singing career by secretly entering competitions in England has just made his recording debut in Auckland—at the age of 87. His name is George Ball, his song *Td Rather Be Single Again.” As a boy in England, Mr Ball entered competitions though strictly forbidden by his parents. “I had to sneak the prizes home and hide or sell them,” he said. As well as singing in church choirs Mr Ball has given many amateur concerts throughout his life. His range was once three octaves.
He came to New Zealand in 1911, and his wife and family joined him a year later; His daughter, Mrs Elizabeth Sergent, has been his accompanist since she was seven years old. Mr Ball, who worked as a coachsmith for many years, now regrets that he did not make recordings when he was younger. “But it was not done so much then,” he said.
“I’d Rather Be Single Again,” which has become a popular concert item, is “rubbish,” according to Mr Bali.
“I’m trying to get out of singing it all the time,” he said.
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Bibliographic details
Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30736, 28 April 1965, Page 13
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197SINGING AT 87 Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30736, 28 April 1965, Page 13
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