Born Bernard Stanley Bilk in 1929, he became a leading figure in the post-war British jazz resurgence and was awarded an MBE in 2001 for his services to music.
He first got into music when completing his national service in Egypt where he learned to play the clarinet and formed the Original Egyptian Stompers band.
On his return to the UK he formed another band, the Chew Valley Jazzmen, in 1953, and a year later, fronted the Paramount Jazz Band.
The band's first big break came when they were booked to play seven days a week for six months in a bar in Düsseldorf.
He went on to perform with all the major figures in British jazz including Chris Barber, Kenny Ball and George Melly.
But it was his 1961 song, Stranger on the Shore, which made him an international star. It was in the charts for 55 weeks and won four gold discs.
Bernard also enjoyed chart success with songs including Summer Set and Buena Sera, and sold millions of records.
He passed away on 2 November following a long battle with throat cancer.
He first got into music when completing his national service in Egypt where he learned to play the clarinet and formed the Original Egyptian Stompers band.
On his return to the UK he formed another band, the Chew Valley Jazzmen, in 1953, and a year later, fronted the Paramount Jazz Band.
The band's first big break came when they were booked to play seven days a week for six months in a bar in Düsseldorf.
He went on to perform with all the major figures in British jazz including Chris Barber, Kenny Ball and George Melly.
But it was his 1961 song, Stranger on the Shore, which made him an international star. It was in the charts for 55 weeks and won four gold discs.
Bernard also enjoyed chart success with songs including Summer Set and Buena Sera, and sold millions of records.
He passed away on 2 November following a long battle with throat cancer.
