1889 – 1965

This singer, entertainer and broadcaster was born at Oldmeldum, Aberdeenshire and grew up in the tradition of the bothy ballad and through experience in the informal concerts held in his parent’s hotel became a popular entertainer in church and village halls. He became well known as a broadcaster with the opening of the BBC Aberdeen studio in 1923, and between 1929 and 1939 he recorded for the Beltona label. Popularly known as The King o’ the Cornkisters he continued to make stage appearances almost up to the time of his death. James Kerr of Glasgow published their collection Conkisters “as sung and recorded by Willie Kemp”.

Kemp also recorded with Curly MacKay.

See the Willie Kemp Wikipedia page here.

We’re a’ Jock Tamson’s Bairns

From 78 rpm disk Beltona BL.2048 matrix M.65. Song by Joseph Roy.

IMPHM

From 78 rpm disk Beltona BL.2048 matrix M.66. Song by James Nicholson.

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The following four tracks are from the singer’s first recording session. Piano is most likely by Annie Shand.

McFarlane o’ the Sprots o’ Burnieboozie

A Scottish “cornkister” composed by George Bruce Thomson and J. Hunt. From the 78 rpm record Beltona 1457 M12385. Recorded Peckham, June 1929. Mp3

The wedding o’ McGinnis to his cross-eyed pet

A Scottish “cornkister” composed by George Bruce Thomson and J. Hunt. From the 78 rpm record Beltona 1457 M12384. Recorded Peckham, June 1929. Mp3

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McGinty’s Meal and Ale, part 1

A Scottish “cornkister”. From the 78 rpm record Beltona 1456 M12386. Recorded Peckham, June 1929.

McGinty’s Meal and Ale, part 2

A Scottish “cornkister”. From the 78 rpm record Beltona 1456 M12387. Recorded Peckham, June 1929.