Bermondsey Boy: Memories Of A Forgotten World

by Tommy Steele

Thirties Bermondsey was a thriving place, and it was in this bustling London borough that Thomas Hicks was born. Later, this Bermondsey boy would become known as Tommy Steele ...In this engaging memoir Tommy recalls his childhood years growing up in Bermondsey. He relives with great fondness Saturdays as a young boy, spent gazing at the colourful posters for the Palladium and days spent wandering up Tower Bridge Road to Joyce's Pie Shop for pie and mash. But he also brings to life with extraordinary vividness what it was like to live through the devastation of the Blitz. Yet it was once he joined the merchant navy and began singing and performing for his fellow seamen that his natural ability as an entertainer marked him out as a favourite. And it was while ashore in America that he became hooked on rock'n'roll and a legend was born ...From Tommy's humble beginning to life at sea and finally as a performer, Bermondsey Boy is a colourful, charming and deeply engaging memoir from a much-loved entertainer.

Genres: Nonfiction

Paperback

First published January 1, 2006

About the author

Tommy Steele (born Thomas William Hicks) became known in the 1950s as a teen idol, Britian's answer to Elvis Presley. He later wrote the war novel "The Final Run" and the children's book "Quincy", which was also turned into a film.

Reviews

[Nigeyb · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a splendid autobiography of British rock n roller Tommy Steele - although the majority of this book concerns Tommy's pre-fame years.

Born Thomas Hicks in 1936, young Tom grew up in Bermondsey in South East London, surviving the Blitz, high rates of infant mortality (which claimed two of his siblings), and serious illness.

Tommy's descriptions of his earliest years growing up in a poor but loving environment are at the heart of this book. There are many similar books that demonstrate just how life has changed for most in the developed world and this is another superb addition. The contrast between then and now always amazes me.

He packs in an incredible number of amusing and interesting stories which, given the tale finishes in the late 1950s, just after his initial fame, and given the book is just over 300 pages long, is a testimony to an eventful and interesting early life and his ability to tell stories.

So much of Tommy's survival, and future fame, hinged on extraordinary chance, although clearly he was also a charismatic and talented fellow.

There is so much to interest and appreciate in this book: his Dad's ducking and diving, his family tragedies, how he got into the merchant navy, his years at sea, his brush with the mafia, his foreign travels, his life as Britain's first rock n roller and teen idol, his drift into theatre and show business, and many, many more.

A very interesting and enjoyable biography, engagingly told. It's a delight - and a page turner. Recommended.

[Alexander Hood · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent autobiography. Well written which keeps the reader moving along at pace. Tommy is, and was, a very good entertainer and after reading this autobiography he is also an excellent wordsmith. There is much humour and some sadness in this book and each told with great skill. I was beginning to doubt some of the subject matter and started to wonder if Tommy was being liberal with the truth particularly with his encounters with The Mafia in Cuba and The Tonton Macoute in Haiti but he has no reason to be anything other than truthful so I accepted it in the spirit it was written and it certainly adds to the overall enjoyment of the read.

Pity the story ended so abruptly so I hope there is another book to follow covering his career after the "rock and roll" phase. Worth waiting for/

[Janet Angela beardsley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really down to earth and honest!

I really enjoyed this autobiography what a life, one very brave young man, his parents love must have given him his courage, but the end was too abrupt.

[Rachel D · Rating 4 out of 5]

I first saw Tommy Steele in the movie the Happiness Millionaire. Which then spiraled into what other films he was in. I found his book while searching online and thought could be interesting. What an amazing find it was. A really great look into how things were back in the day.

[margaret clarke · Rating 5 out of 5]

I remember.

This is one brilliant book. I didn't want to stop reading, put it down or finish it. Worth a look.

[petewilliams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read

I loved this book, great stories more interesting as a young man,than a star. The path to stardom a bit rushed .

[sue Bradley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best book

Loved this story of Tommy Steele. My nephew told me about the book I seen him in a show when I was 10 for my brithday loved the book

[mrs s b pounds · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant read

This book is great, loved reading it, so much information would recommend. A definite buy from amazon which all ages would look ve

[Brian Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Worth Reading.

If you are from the time you will suddenly fall into the world of rock history and will be gripped finding it hard to put down.

[Catherine M Casson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A first class read

Thoroughly entertaining with truth, humour and the human touch,a compelling read for anyone who remembers Tommy from the early days... Read it !

[Marian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it my favourite book have read 3 times

[Lesley Grundy · Rating 4 out of 5]

nostalgic

Took me back to the London of my child hood.
Interesting and amusing , just made me feel very old!

[Dennis Burchett · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the autobiography of Tommy Steele, the 50s rock and roller who rocketed to fame, and went on to success in Hollywood musical movies of the 60s, such as Finian's Rainbow, The Happiest Millionaire and Half a Sixpence. This book finishes at about 1960 and I hope the rest of his life is revealed. He was born in 1936 and so grew up during WW2. By the time he was 10 he had seen so much suffering, pain, death and destruction within his own family and in others. It's a wonder a boy of that age came out with any sanity. However, the book has a unique charm and is eminently readable, going from the days til 10 through to his time in the Merchant Navy aboard cruise ships and his exploits there. It revealed the human side to a well known personality, and if anything, displays the resilience needed to survive in the world, while everything arounds collapses.

[Darla Ebert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Being several years younger than Tommy Steele I was not too familiar with his life's story or with his music and so this book was an overwhelming yet very welcome surprise. I was inspired by Tommy's revelation of his background and roots. His tenacity and joyful spirit warm the heart, Tommy is a genuinely gifted musician, actor, singer and person. I was especially touched by the story of his little brother Rodney. The experience Tommy had in the hospital concerning Rodney's "appearance" and his mum's follow-up story about Rodney took my breath away.
Most people will find Bermondsey Boy a difficult book to put down. I know I did.

[Ian Hallam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very interesting covering Tommy's life up to the mid 60's, would like it if he brings out another covering the rest of his life and career.
I must admit I really enjoy reading about the way people lived pre 1950's

[Jean · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting life story of Britains first rock and roll idol, during the early part of his career. Funny, touching and very enjoyable read. Hope we will get to read the follow up.

[eithne hamill]

Edna