LONG GOODBYE
Who was Joe Longthorne and how did he die?
BRITISH singer and well-known impressionist Joe Longthorne has passed away at the age of 64.
But how did he die and which celebs have paid tribute? We take a look at the life and legacy of the much loved entertainer.
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Who was Joe Longthorne?
Joe Longthorne was a British singer and impressionist, who rose to fame on his own TV show, Search For a Star.
Joe was known for his striking musical impressions, especially of Shirley Bassey.
But the Hull-born singer's lavish lifestyle also impressed others, as he was always seen donning a sharp suit, or driving a posh car.
His stardom appeared inevitable, being born, on May 31, 1955, into a performance-driven family.
Parents, Fred and Teresa were travelling show people, playing the piano and singing respectively.
At the age of four, he knew he wanted to become a singer.
He had just won his first talent contest at Kingston-upon-Hull, singing the song Sugar In The Morning.
He told the : "As soon as the audience applauded, I knew that was it. That was what I was going to do."
Keen to develop his talents, Joe would sing in front of the family TV, until his mum gave him invaluable career advice.
Joe told the newspaper: "My mum said: 'You know son, you're a cushty singer but we have lots of great singers in the family. You need to do more than sing'."
His first impression was as the US singer and comedian Al Jolson.
But he soon mastered the likes of Frank Sinatra, Barry White, Neil Diamond, Pavarotti, Julio Iglesias, Johnny Mathis, Tom Jones and dozens others.
Even Shirley Bassey once admitted, ";Joe does me better than me".
In 1981, Joe earned his big break on ITV's Search For A Star, stealing the hearts of the British public.
This success enabled him to appear at the London Palladium in 1987 and win the Variety Club's award for Most Promising Artiste.
During this time, three albums he recorded went platinum.
Joe further secured his place in British musical royalty in the 90s with sell-out performances at the Royal Albert Hall.
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How did he die?
Joe lost his battle with cancer on August 3, 2019.
A statement on his website read: "Joe died in his bedroom, laying in the arms of his devoted husband of 21 years Jamie, with his rosary beads clutched tight to his chest.
"He leaves behind sister Ann and brother John.";
He was diagnosed with blood cancer in 1987. Two years later, medics discovered he had chronic lymphatic lymphona, around the time of his headline appearance at the Royal Variety Performance in 1989.
He responded well with treatment, although his career stalled.
At the time it was reported that he often appeared exhausted on stage, but he was not yet at his worst.
In 2005, his lymphona had developed into leukaemia.
He was rushed to Victoria Hospital, Blackpool, where doctors told him he had 20 minutes to live.
Joe battled the illness, until 2014, when he was diagnosed with throat cancer.
Joe was set to make an appearance at Viva Blackpool's evening entertainment show on Sunday, August 4.
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Tributes to the Brit entertainer
His family said in a statement: "It is with the deepest sadness that we have to announce that the nation’s beloved entertainer Joe Longthorne MBE passed away peacefully in the early hours of today [August 3] at his cherished home in Blackpool.
"Joe died in his bedroom, laying in the arms of his devoted husband of 21 years Jamie, with his rosary beads clutched tight to his chest.
"He leaves behind sister Ann and brother John. Our deepest sympathies and condolences go out to Jamie and all the family at this sad time."
British darts champ Phil Taylor paid a heartfelt tribute to the late entertainer, tweeting: "I would like to send my sincere condolences to the family of my good buddy Joe Longthorne who sadly has passed away had some great times with him and have great memories. RIP my mate."
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Angela Rayner MP also extended her sympathy, tweeting: "So sorry to hear of the death of singer and entertainer Joe Longthorne MBE, he was much loved by the many fans who adored him R.I.P. Joe."
English writer Derren Litten also took to Twitter to pay tribute, writing: "Very sad to hear of the passing of Hull born entertainer Joe Longthorne MBE.
"From first sneaking into seeing him at The Ferry Boat pub in Hessle when I was a kid to watching him play the @LondonPalladium many times I’ve always been in awe of his amazing talent. RIP"
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Les Dennis tweeted: "So very sad to hear that Joe Longthorne has died. Worked with him many times. A supreme talent and a nice man. Thoughts with his family. RIP"
And Darren Day said he was "devastated" adding: "He was the best of the best...and the reason I do what I do for a living. I’ll miss you Joe. Keep ‘em entertained in Heaven lovely man. I love you Joe xx"
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LATEST ON THOSE WE'VE LOST
Fellow impressionist Jon Culshaw paid tribute saying: "Very sad to hear the great has left us. He was such a spellbinding performer.
"Brilliant characterisations as well as that soaring voice of his own. He was also a man of great generosity, warmth, kindness and wit."
Russell Watson tweeted: "Sad to hear that one of my vocal heroes, Joe Longthorne, has passed away. A brilliant entertainer and incredible impressionist.
"His Tom Jones and Shirley Bassey, singing ‘I who have nothing’ is pure genius. RIP Joe x"
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